The Mississippi River Basin is home to millions of people and has been a nation-building resource with a powerful influence on the economy and culture of the United States. The low-lying areas of the basin provide a vast array of flattened terrain that is ideal for agriculture and human habitation, making it among the most important settling points for early America. With a wide variety of urban centres and rich agricultural lands, it’s no surprise that many people have chosen to settle near or along the Mississippi River. But how many people exactly live in the Mississippi River Basin?
As of 2020, the population of the Mississippi River Basin is estimated to be around 14,782,400 people, spread across nine states: Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, West Virginia, and parts of Indiana and Alabama. This includes major cities like St. Louis, Missouri; New Orleans, Louisiana; Memphis, Tennessee; and Little Rock, Arkansas. According to the US Census Bureau, the greater Mississippi River Basin area is estimated to contain more than two-thirds of the population of the United States.
The Mississippi River Basin is known for its incredible diversity, with a culture that is largely comprised of African Americans, Native Americans, and other ethnicities. The area is an important regional center of trade, manufacturing, shipping, and tourism. The basin contains a wide variety of natural resources, including crops, hydroelectric power, and fish and wildlife. The rich sediment of the basin provides important resources for farmers, who grow a variety of crops, including cotton, soybeans, rice, wheat, and corn.
Recent estimates from the US Geological Survey indicate that the Mississippi River Basin accounts for almost half of all U.S. river flow, and the way in which it connects to other watersheds throughout the world has made it a key resource for both industry and tourism.
Factors like climate change have had a significant effect on population levels within the Mississippi River Basin. A study conducted by the Nature Conservancy indicates that changing water levels and flooding in the basin will threaten the stability of the region due to displacement of people, migration, and natural disasters. Scientists fear that if the population of the Mississippi River Basin remains highly dispersed, it could lead to water-borne illnesses and further diseases among humans.
The Mississippi River Basin is home to numerous public and private organizations, including the Nature Conservancy, which is dedicated to preserving natural resources. Other organizations are involved in education, advocacy, research, and policy. These organizations are making great efforts to preserve the environment, promote sustainable development, and help build a healthier future for the region.
