More deaths than births in 2010

Data released by Kansas Department of Health and Environment showed that there were more deaths than births among Marion County residents in 2010. However, the data was better than in 2009.

There were 126 births to county residents and 141 deaths in 2010. That resulted in a net loss of 15 residents, not including people moving into and out of the county. In 2009, there were 109 births and 152 deaths.

All three cities with data provided — Hillsboro, Marion, and Peabody — had a net loss of residents both years.

Hillsboro births increased from 29 in 2009 to 34 in 2010. Deaths decreased from 152 to 141.

Marion births increased from 13 to 14, and deaths increased from 26 to 36.

Peabody births decreased from 17 to 14, and deaths increased from 11 to 20.

Countywide marriage and divorce numbers improved from 2009 to 2010. In 2009, there were 63 marriages in Marion County. That increased to 66 in 2010.Divorces fell from 36 in 2009 to 29 in 2010.