Prairie Co. Stats
Add the ages of all of Prairie County’s residents and divide by the 1199 residents and you will find Prairie County’s median age is 49.3, the oldest in the state. 47 families or 202 individuals are below poverty but if say 200% of poverty 262 of the 353 households have incomes under $25,000. 577 of the population are employed –208 or 36% in agriculture; 128 or 22% in education, health and social services which includes the two largest employers are the Terry Public Schools and the Prairie Co. Hospital District - the hospital, nursing home and clinic–both listed as strengths in the local survey.
Even though the county has 24% over age 65 (twice the national average), items that became priorities during this process were the city park and pool, improving trails, getting the drive in theater going again as well as enticing young professionals to return. This goes against the perception that the older generation aren’t supportive of youth. Is sure doesn’t show in Terry as that’s where they are putting some of their energy and resources. The former owner of the drive in is willing to make special arrangements this year with someone willing to run the drive-in which is in need of repair before it can reopen. A newsomer has expressed interest. Let’s make it happen! All us nostalgia folks as well as the youth are rooting that it happens.