WICHITA, Kan. (AP) -- A Wichita State University study projects that most of the state will continue to lose population for decades.

The university's Center for Economic Development and Business Research found that the population decline will continue at least through 2040.

The Hutchinson News reports (http://bit.ly/KLlI3k ) the study projected that if migration was not considered, 37 counties would lose population in that time period. When migration is factored in, 83 counties would continue to lose population through 2040. Most of those counties are in western Kansas.

The center's director, Jeremy Hill, says any potential growth is likely to occur around the state's larger cities, particularly if the manufacturing sector rebounds.