The U.S. Census Bureau released its 2020 census data on Thursday, August 12. The numbers show the Kansas City area and Missouri suburbs saw the most population growth in the state over the past decade.

The biggest increase in Missouri came from Platte County with a growth of 20% from 2010 to 2020. Rounding out the top 5 counties were Christian, Clay, Lincoln and Boone. Clay County increased from 221,939 to 253,335 people, a 14.1% increase over 2010.

The City of St. Louis and rural Missouri counties reported a decrease in residents over the last ten years. St. Louis lost about 18,000 people, falling 5.5% from 2010.

The entire state population grew just 2.8% since 2010, which is less than the national figure of 7.4%.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story