The world is still suffering from the pandemic, and while we grapple with this worldwide catastrophe, its effects are everywhere around us and they show themselves in many forms. In the US, there are a bunch of cities that have been shrinking due to the lack of economic opportunity in multiple industries, which has forced many people to relocate in search of better opportunities. However, this actually started long before COVID-19 ever reared its ugly head. Hit by a decline in jobs in manufacturing, construction, logging, and mining; we’ve collected a list of some of the fastest shrinking cities in the US.
#1 Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Population in 2010: 100,258
Population in 2020: 87,751
Famous for its vast creeks, streams, and bayous, Pine Bluff is the tenth-largest city in the state of Arkansas. However, despite its size, Pine Bluff saw a population drop of 12.5% over the previous decade. The population decline has been attributed to a decline in agriculture and manufacturing employment. To make matters worse, some of its school districts have been experiencing a high homicide rate.
#2 Danville, Illinois
Population in 2010: 81,625
Population in 2020: 74,188
Second on the list of shrinking cities is Danville, Illinois. This city’s growth dwindled by 9.1% from 2010 to 2020. This was catalyzed by the shut down of the General Motors, General Electric, and Hyster plants in the ’90s.
#3 Cumberland, Maryland
Population in 2010: 103,299
Population in 2020: 95,044
Cumberland has been a military fort for over 200 years and the origin point of America’s first highway. Nowadays, it’s the third fastest shrinking city in the metropolis area of Maryland. From 2010 to 2020, the city saw a population drop of 8%.
#4 Beckley, West Virginia
Population in 2010: 124, 898
Population in 2020: 115,079
The city of Beckley is nickname the “Smokeless Capital” and is famous for its coal mine exhibition and the Tamarack, a showcase of Appalachian arts. Despite its rich history of coal fields, Beckley’s population has decreased from 124,898 to 115,079 in a mere span of 10 years.
#5 Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Population in 2010: 143,679
Population in 2020: 133,472
Johnstown is a quiet city in Pennsylvania that has been experiencing a population decline ever since its mills closed down a few decades ago. After being unable to provide a significant number of jobs, the unemployment rate skyrocketed and prompted many of its residents to move elsewhere to find better opportunities. Within the previous decade, Johnstown’s population declined by 7.1%.
#6 Charleston, West Virginia
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Population in 2010: 278,859
Population in 2020: 258,859
Charleston is the heart of commerce and government for the Kanawha County. Early on, the most prevalent industries in this city included salt, natural gas, and coal. With regard to population, this city is the 6th fastest shrinking metropolis in America with a decline of 6.9%. The population decline has been attributed to manufacturing, coal, and chemical plant jobs leaving the area.
#7 San Juan County, New Mexico
Population in 2010: 130,044
Population in 2020: 121,661
San Juan County has 408 miles of marine shoreline is the first county in the nation to ban jet skis. Additionally, this water wonderland has also been deemed as an arts hot spot by the Washington State Arts Commission. But when it comes to population over the latest decade, San Juan County’s shrunk by 6.4%. The population decline has been attributed mainly due to the loss of jobs associated with oil and gas.
#8 Decatur, Illinois
Population in 2010: 110,768
Population in 2020: 103,998
Decatur is a town in Illinois that is perfect for those who love to soak in that classic suburban feel. As the largest city in the county seat of Macon County, this place was also the most densely populated city in the state. However, it is still the 8th fastest shrinking city in America with a population decline of 6.1% within 10 years. The population decline has been attributed to the loss of manufacturing jobs.
#9 Steubenville, Ohio
Population in 2010: 124,454
Population in 2020: 116,903
Steubenville is home to a vast history of paper mills, coal mining, glass factories, nail factories, steel mills, and potteries. Due to the decline in the mill industry, it’s also one of the most rapidly slimming cities with a population decline of 6.1% from 2010 to 2020.
#10 Wheeling, West Virginia
Population in 2010: 147,950
Population in 2020: 139,513
Wheeling is a haven for the iron nails industry and has earned the nickname, “Nail capital of the world”. This city is also the tenth fastest shrinking metro area in the country with a population that waned by 5.7% from 2010 to 2020.
#11 Detroit, Michigan
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Population in 2010: 711,131
Population in 2019: 670,031
Detroit is the biggest city in the state of Michigan. With an area of 370.1 km², you would expect a high population count, but as you already guessed, that isn’t the case in Detroit. Whether its due to the skyrocketing crime rates or lack of career opportunities, Detroit saw a population decline of 5.78% within the latest decade.
#12 Baltimore, Maryland
Population in 2010: 620,915
Population in 2019: 593,490
Baltimore is famous for the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, the National Aquarium Fells Point Historic District, Inner Harbor, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. It’s clear that there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained there, however, that didn’t stop the population from dwindling 4.42% over the past few years.
Population decline has been attributed to daily stressors such as litter, parking, property crime and vacant housing, high property taxes and insurance rates, poor-performing public schools, and few market-rate housing choices for new retirees. In addition, since 2015, violence has spiked in Baltimore, with more than 300 homicides each year.
Source: Baltimore Sun
#13 St. Louis, Missouri
Population in 2010: 319,336
Population in 2019: 300,576
According to the 2019 US News and World Report, this major city along the Mississippi River ranks among the best places to live in America. From its iconic Gateway Arch to its Soulard district full of great BBQ restaurants and blues music clubs, there’s tons to see and do here. Regardless, St. Louis is still one of the fastest shrinking American cities with a population decline of 5.87% in the previous decade. The population decline has been attributed to manufacturing decline, off-shoring, and racial strife.
#14 Cleveland, Ohio
Population in 2010: 395,926
Population in 2019: 381,009
Cleveland is famous for its parklands, musical history, and high-spirited art and culture scene. Despite all of its beauty, this city saw a population drop of 3.77% from 2010 to 2019. The population decline has been attributed to the fact that Cleveland has one of the highest poverty rates in the country.
#15 Shreveport, Louisiana
Population in 2010: 201,437
Population in 2019: 187,112
If you’re fan of the great outdoors, you should definitely come see the Red River and colossal rose garden in Shreveport city. This place may be quite the natural wonder, but that didn’t stop its population from shrinking 7.11%. The population decline is attributed to a high rate of poverty and unemployment.
#16 Toledo, Ohio
Population in 2010: 287,065
Population in 2019: 272,7791
Dubbed as “The Glass City”, Toledo has put its name of the map by means of its thriving auto assembly and glass industry. Despite its entrepreneurial spirit, this city’s population went down by 4.98% from 2010 to 2019. The population decline has been attributed to a decline in manufacturing and a continuing exodus to suburbs.
#17 Jackson, Mississippi
Population in 2010:
Population in 2020:
Jackson is the capital of Mississippi and is home to a myriad of museums, which cover a plethora of topics, such as civil rights, history, African-American culture, art, and natural sciences. Population-wise, Jackson’s dwindled by 7.52% from 1010 to 2020. The population decline has been attributed to concerns about crime, the education system, and job opportunities.
#18 Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Population in 2010: 229,374
Population in 2019: 220,236
Baton Rouge is a haven for the industry of medicine, movies, medicine, and technology. Regardless of its economic evolution, this city’s population shrunk by 3.98%. The population decline has been attributed to a slowdown in the oil industry which has resulted in less available jobs.
#19 Rockford, Illinois
Population in 2010: 153,147
Population in 2019: 145,609
Rockford is famously known as the “Forest City” thanks to its 7 acres of beautiful parklands and cultural significance. This includes the Anderson Japanese Gardens, the BMO Harris Bank Center, Tinker Swiss Cottage, the Laurent House, and the Burpee Museum of Natural History. With regard to population size, Rockford’s declined by 4.92% over the recent years due to a decline in remanufacturing jobs and high taxes.
#20 Montgomery, Alabama
Population in 2010: 205,593
Population in 2019: 198,525
Montgomery is home to a fleet of historic and cultural landmarks, such as the Alabama State Capitol, First White House of the Confederacy, Montgomery Bus Boycott, Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church, and the Alabama Shakespeare Theater. Also known as the Heart of Dixie, this city’s population is 3.44% lower in 2019 than it was in 2010. The population decline has been partly attributed to an increase in crime.
#21 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Population in 2010: 305,704
Population in 2020: 302,971
Known for being an industrial giant, you wouldn’t expect this Steel City to be affected by population decline, but even Pittsburgh isn’t safe from this factor. The dwindle in population is most likely associated with the city’s high tax rates that have skyrocketed over the years, prompting residents to move to other cities.
#22 Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama
Population in 2010: 212,237
Population in 2020: 207,235
Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama saw a population decline of 5002 from 2010 to 2020. The downturn in the number of residents stems primarily from the fragmentation of government. The large volume of local governments has caused many people to move to different cities.
#23 Memphis, Tennessee
Population in 2010: 646,889
Population in 2020: 633,104
Memphis means “established” and “beautiful”. While that description may be true for the birthplace of blues and rock and roll, this city ranks high up for places with a shrinking population in the US. The culprits behind the city’s population depreciation include limited public transportation options and high poverty levels.
#24 Altoona, Pennsylvania
Population in 2010: 46,320
Population in 2020: 43,963
Known for its fascinating museums, lakes, and candy factories, there are tons to keep you entertained in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Moreover, this city is deemed as a historic railroad town and transportation gateway. On the downside, chances of getting affected by its soaring crime and poverty levels are quite high, which are the main reasons that people are leaving.
#25 Bay City, Michigan
Population in 2010:
Population in 2020:
Bay City is a great place to live if you enjoy traversing the waters, admire historic buildings, or revel in fabulous festivals. However, incomes in Bay City increased at a mere crawl since the recession of 2008, which encouraged people to seek brighter opportunities in other places.
#26 Buffalo, New York
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Population in 2010: 261,310
Population in 2012: 259,384
If you’re looking for a great winter destination, delicious Buffalo wings, and a set of major-league sports teams, then you need to book your ticket to Buffalo, New York!
Despite its vibrant sports and casual dining culture, Buffalo has seen a decline in population, and it owes it all to the lack of environmental awareness, natural resource depletion, and oppressive taxes.
#27 Youngstown, Ohio
Population in 2010: 66,982
Population in 2012: 65,405
Youngstown Ohio is an epicenter of steel production, but all that changed when the United states fell into a recession in the 1970s. Fast forward to the 21st century, and Youngstown is still reeling from economic issues. The city experienced a decline of 1,577 from 2010 to 2012, mainly due to poverty and high crime rates. It’s no mystery why a large portion of the population decided to move to find better opportunities elsewhere.
#28 Livonia, Michigan
Population in 2010: 96,942
Population in 2012: 95,586
Livonia is home to the Livonia Hockey Association, which is the largest amateur hockey organization in the state of Michigan. The city is also famous for its tremendously large soccer club, with approximately 1,300 members.
On the downside of things, this city is experiencing shrinkage, partly due to skyrocketing crime rates. Livonia has a higher crime rate than 73% of the state’s cities and towns.
#29 Warwick, Rhode Island
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Population in 2010: 82,672
Population in 2012: 81,873
Do you love salt water beaches and rich colonial history? Well, then you’ll love Warwick twice as much, because it is home to both.
Nevertheless, this city has seen a small decrease in population due to declining birth rates.
#30 New Bedford, Massachusetts
Population in 2010: 95,072
Population in 2012: 94,929
New Bedford, Massachusetts, is celebrated as being the first US flag flown during the American Revolutionary War. Also, if you want to stroll in Fort Taber Park or marvel at the wildlife at Buttonwood Park Zoo, New Bedford will be one of your new favorite places.
Despite its rich history, the population isn’t quite so rich, as the average household income is below the poverty line. Hence, searching for better career opportunities is one of the primary reasons for the residents to move elsewhere.