The United States Census Bureau says that more than 300 million people live in the U.S. However, of those 300 million, many of those residents are not evenly spread-out throughout the country. In fact, an American Political Scientist and a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, Mr. Norman Ornstein predicts that over half of Americans (about 70%) will live in 15 states by the year 2040. This is an estimate that aligns with our current census data projections. As much as we want to foresee the future, we can't. But we do know that people are moving away from places that were popular enough to draw in crowds annually. According to the Census reports, there is evidence that specific cities of nearly every size across the country are currently on the decline. Here are some of the cities people don't want to live in, as well as possible reasons for these farewells.
The United States Census Bureau says that more than 300 million people live in the U.S. However, of those 300 million, many of those residents are not evenly spread-out throughout the country. In fact, an American Political Scientist and a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, Mr. Norman Ornstein predicts that over half of Americans (about 70%) will live in 15 states by the year 2040. This is an estimate that aligns with our current census data projections. As much as we want to foresee the future, we can't. But we do know that people are moving away from places that were popular enough to draw in crowds annually. According to the Census reports, there is evidence that specific cities of nearly every size across the country are currently on the decline. Here are some of the cities people don't want to live in, as well as possible reasons for these farewells.
St. Louis was the established of a fur-trading post in 1764. East coasters began settling there in the early 19th century, and by the 1890s, it had grown into the fourth-largest city in the U.S. Recently though, it's population has continued to decrease and even fell out of the 20 largest metro populations in the United States. A major contributor to this has been a huge loss of manufacturing jobs, and other offshore positions. Racial strife and tensions remain to be an underlying cause as well that has pushed people away.
St. Louis was the established of a fur-trading post in 1764. East coasters began settling there in the early 19th century, and by the 1890s, it had grown into the fourth-largest city in the U.S. Recently though, it's population has continued to decrease and even fell out of the 20 largest metro populations in the United States. A major contributor to this has been a huge loss of manufacturing jobs, and other offshore positions. Racial strife and tensions remain to be an underlying cause as well that has pushed people away.
When Spanish explorers decided to name this region of Texas, they decided on the name El Paso del Norte. In English this name translates to the Pass of the North, which was what it was called in the Colonial Period. When the United States gained ownership of the land after the Mexican-American War they began to call it El Paso. Data reveals the area has lost over 6% of its people since 2010. This remains to be the largest loss of population among big cities in Texas. One reason people are fleeing is in search of better paying jobs in other areas.
When Spanish explorers decided to name this region of Texas, they decided on the name El Paso del Norte. In English this name translates to the Pass of the North, which was what it was called in the Colonial Period. When the United States gained ownership of the land after the Mexican-American War they began to call it El Paso. Data reveals the area has lost over 6% of its people since 2010. This remains to be the largest loss of population among big cities in Texas. One reason people are fleeing is in search of better paying jobs in other areas.
The biggest city in Hawaii is Honolulu but the amount of people in Honolulu has been gradually decreasing the past few years. Although Honolulu has low unemployment numbers and the labor market is strong, it hasn't kept up with the cost of living. Because of this reason people have been leaving in droves which seems to be the catalyst for the drop.
The biggest city in Hawaii is Honolulu but the amount of people in Honolulu has been gradually decreasing the past few years. Although Honolulu has low unemployment numbers and the labor market is strong, it hasn't kept up with the cost of living. Because of this reason people have been leaving in droves which seems to be the catalyst for the drop.
Two industries were build around Birmingham, Alabama and that's both the iron and steel industries. As the need for both declined, the population did too. It hasn't only been Birmingham though. Jefferson County which is the county that houses Birmingham, has had a decrease in population over the past 10 years. Even the state of Alabama is experiencing a huge dip in their residents. People seem to be running away from the rural areas Alabama is known for in search of the larger cities other states offer.
Two industries were build around Birmingham, Alabama and that's both the iron and steel industries. As the need for both declined, the population did too. It hasn't only been Birmingham though. Jefferson County which is the county that houses Birmingham, has had a decrease in population over the past 10 years. Even the state of Alabama is experiencing a huge dip in their residents. People seem to be running away from the rural areas Alabama is known for in search of the larger cities other states offer.
When the city of Casper began in the late 1800s, it was nothing more than a railroad town. It started thriving as a city thanks to oil and as the years went by, coal bed methane drilling contributed to their success. Unfortunately, since the state was hit with a huge decline in residents, Casper has felt the brunt of it. Experts say this is because we of recent down trends in coal, oil, and on natural gas sectors.
When the city of Casper began in the late 1800s, it was nothing more than a railroad town. It started thriving as a city thanks to oil and as the years went by, coal bed methane drilling contributed to their success. Unfortunately, since the state was hit with a huge decline in residents, Casper has felt the brunt of it. Experts say this is because we of recent down trends in coal, oil, and on natural gas sectors.
Cleveland was founded in the late 1700s. It was the the first settlement by the Connecticut Land Company so they named it after General Moses Cleaveland. He was one of the investors that led the survey of the land. By 1831, local newspapers were used to spelling Cleveland without the A to save space on the masthead. Soon enough, everyone else follow suit. The city continues to see significant population decline which may be the effects of economic hardship.
Cleveland was founded in the late 1700s. It was the the first settlement by the Connecticut Land Company so they named it after General Moses Cleaveland. He was one of the investors that led the survey of the land. By 1831, local newspapers were used to spelling Cleveland without the A to save space on the masthead. Soon enough, everyone else follow suit. The city continues to see significant population decline which may be the effects of economic hardship.
Erie was named after the indigenous native Erie people when French settlers constructed Fort Presque Isle in the 1700s. By the 1800s, the city became a manufacturing hub and significant port. But as technology advanced, the manufacturing industry declined and with it, they took Erie's population.
Erie was named after the indigenous native Erie people when French settlers constructed Fort Presque Isle in the 1700s. By the 1800s, the city became a manufacturing hub and significant port. But as technology advanced, the manufacturing industry declined and with it, they took Erie's population.
Even though many areas in the Grand Canyon State have experienced growth, Nogales, a border town, is losing residents. Named after the walnut trees that were once plentiful in the area, Nogales (“nogal” translates to walnut tree) has always been home to a substantial population in the past. The area’s high unemployment rate is huge deterrent which drives residents to larger cities like Tucson and Phoenix.
Even though many areas in the Grand Canyon State have experienced growth, Nogales, a border town, is losing residents. Named after the walnut trees that were once plentiful in the area, Nogales (“nogal” translates to walnut tree) has always been home to a substantial population in the past. The area’s high unemployment rate is huge deterrent which drives residents to larger cities like Tucson and Phoenix.
English colonists were seduced by the fertile land so it was a no-brainer when they decided to settle in Hartford in 1635. Even though Hartford has been home to many in the past, people have been leaving in droves. Reasons like high taxes; not enough job opportunities; and terrible weather have been major contributors behind the migration. English colonists were seduced by the fertile land so it was a no-brainer when they decided to settle in Hartford in 1635.
Even though Hartford has been home to many in the past, people have been leaving in droves. Reasons like high taxes; not enough job opportunities; and terrible weather have been major contributors behind the migration.
During the War of 1812, the city of Buffalo, originally named New Amsterdam, was a thriving town of approximately 1,500 people. This was largely in part due to its location. It was a significant port on the St. Lawrence Seaway, a crucial stop in the New York State Canal System and a major rail center. These factors increased its appeal to numerous industries. Recently, however, this New York city has experience a major population decline. This has caused local government to strive to attract more residents through development and job creation.
During the War of 1812, the city of Buffalo, originally named New Amsterdam, was a thriving town of approximately 1,500 people. This was largely in part due to its location. It was a significant port on the St. Lawrence Seaway, a crucial stop in the New York State Canal System and a major rail center. These factors increased its appeal to numerous industries. Recently, however, this New York city has experience a major population decline. This has caused local government to strive to attract more residents through development and job creation.
Even though this city has the highest population in the state, residents are leaving. It seems as though Bridgeport isn't immune to the state-wide population decline. The governor expressed that 80 people leave the state every day. Expert have blamed Connecticut’s high taxes (even though the state doesn’t even rank in the top 10 of highest-taxed states).
Even though this city has the highest population in the state, residents are leaving. It seems as though Bridgeport isn't immune to the state-wide population decline. The governor expressed that 80 people leave the state every day. Expert have blamed Connecticut’s high taxes (even though the state doesn’t even rank in the top 10 of highest-taxed states).
Near the turn of the 20th century this town was named after Indiana Senator Charles W. Fairbanks by gold seekers and early settlers even though the land was already inhabited by native people for eons. These days, Fairbanks, along with other cities in the state, are experiencing a decline in residents. The two causes for this are thought to be few affordable housing options and a lack of available jobs.
Near the turn of the 20th century this town was named after Indiana Senator Charles W. Fairbanks by gold seekers and early settlers even though the land was already inhabited by native people for eons. These days, Fairbanks, along with other cities in the state, are experiencing a decline in residents. The two causes for this are thought to be few affordable housing options and a lack of available jobs.
When Pine Bluff first became a town in the 1800s it started with about 50 residents. From there, the Arkansas River town, has grown to be one of the largest cities in the state. Over the past decade though, Pine Bluff's population has decreased by the thousands. Experts report young adults are the reason because they've began moving to more urban areas.
When Pine Bluff first became a town in the 1800s it started with about 50 residents. From there, the Arkansas River town, has grown to be one of the largest cities in the state. Over the past decade though, Pine Bluff's population has decreased by the thousands. Experts report young adults are the reason because they've began moving to more urban areas.
Known as both the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, Memphis, Tennessee is home to many iconic musicians. Unfortunately, the population of Memphis is declining. Over the past few years, tens of thousands of residents have moved away. Experts think the city should focus on developing more tech jobs and bettering the city's infrastructure. This is thought to be the way to attract more people.
Known as both the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, Memphis, Tennessee is home to many iconic musicians. Unfortunately, the population of Memphis is declining. Over the past few years, tens of thousands of residents have moved away. Experts think the city should focus on developing more tech jobs and bettering the city's infrastructure. This is thought to be the way to attract more people.
Even though Fresno has been given the nickname of Best Little City in the U.S.A., it is one of the largest cities in California. Even with the title, thousands of former residents have packed and left during the past several years. Although one factor isn't to blame, Fresno was named the nation’s 10th-worst city for African Americans and is number one on the list for worst pollution in the state. Yikes!
Even though Fresno has been given the nickname of Best Little City in the U.S.A., it is one of the largest cities in California. Even with the title, thousands of former residents have packed and left during the past several years. Although one factor isn't to blame, Fresno was named the nation’s 10th-worst city for African Americans and is number one on the list for worst pollution in the state. Yikes!
Wheeling was West Virginia’s first capital when it was established in 1795. Many industries contributed to Wheeling's success. Iron to steel mills to glassworks and cigar factories helped give Wheeling a leg up on the competition. Unfortunately, recent data shows the city’s population is decreasing. The cause is thought to be the decrease in demand for manufacturing jobs.
Wheeling was West Virginia’s first capital when it was established in 1795. Many industries contributed to Wheeling's success. Iron to steel mills to glassworks and cigar factories helped give Wheeling a leg up on the competition. Unfortunately, recent data shows the city’s population is decreasing. The cause is thought to be the decrease in demand for manufacturing jobs.
With popular nicknames adorning this city like the City of Roses, Beervana, and Bridge city, there's a lot to love about Portland. It was incorporated in 1851 and has gained numerous more enticing nicknames. Unfortunately, they aren't enough to keep residents living there. Experts report that a high cost of living is at the heart of the exodus.
With popular nicknames adorning this city like the City of Roses, Beervana, and Bridge city, there's a lot to love about Portland. It was incorporated in 1851 and has gained numerous more enticing nicknames. Unfortunately, they aren't enough to keep residents living there. Experts report that a high cost of living is at the heart of the exodus.
Chicago grew to be a city of innovation and culture after “The Great Fire” leveled a third of the city in 1871, leaving more than 100,000 residents homeless. Unfortunately, data shows that the population of Chicago is declining for the fourth consecutive year. Former residents have listed a multitude of reasons for saying goodbye, from the bad weather to the high taxes to the cost of living.
Chicago grew to be a city of innovation and culture after “The Great Fire” leveled a third of the city in 1871, leaving more than 100,000 residents homeless. Unfortunately, data shows that the population of Chicago is declining for the fourth consecutive year. Former residents have listed a multitude of reasons for saying goodbye, from the bad weather to the high taxes to the cost of living.
Rochester was thought to be the perfect location for flour mills because of the 96-foot waterfall that sat smack in the middle of town. But it was also the fertile soil that helped it become an agricultural center. Lately, though, Rochester is one of the cities that's population is plummeting. Local experts say factors like the weather, high taxes, the economy and politics are the reasons for residents’ departures.
Rochester was thought to be the perfect location for flour mills because of the 96-foot waterfall that sat smack in the middle of town. But it was also the fertile soil that helped it become an agricultural center. Lately, though, Rochester is one of the cities that's population is plummeting. Local experts say factors like the weather, high taxes, the economy and politics are the reasons for residents’ departures.
Baltimore is the city with the highest population in Maryland. Established in 1729 when it was a bustling seaport, Baltimore went on to become a major port for automobile-shipping. But since 2015, the residents of the city have continued to leave. The high taxes, high crime and lackluster education system are to blame.
Baltimore is the city with the highest population in Maryland. Established in 1729 when it was a bustling seaport, Baltimore went on to become a major port for automobile-shipping. But since 2015, the residents of the city have continued to leave. The high taxes, high crime and lackluster education system are to blame.
By the end of the 19 century, Colorado pioneers decided to settle in the area. Farmington thrived as a farming and ranching community during the early 1900s and kept up the momentum when they experienced oil and gas booms in later years. But between 2010 and 2015, Baltimore became known as the fastest-shrinking city in the nation. The main contributing factor is the lack of jobs.
By the end of the 19 century, Colorado pioneers decided to settle in the area. Farmington thrived as a farming and ranching community during the early 1900s and kept up the momentum when they experienced oil and gas booms in later years. But between 2010 and 2015, Baltimore became known as the fastest-shrinking city in the nation. The main contributing factor is the lack of jobs.
For thousands of years people have lived in Milwaukee. Over time it has become the biggest city in Wisconsin. Even with the cities tenure, in 2015, the population has been decreasing. Local government believes that young adults are fleeing in search of jobs in the tech sector in other Midwestern cities, like Chicago, Madison and Indianapolis.
For thousands of years people have lived in Milwaukee. Over time it has become the biggest city in Wisconsin. Even with the cities tenure, in 2015, the population has been decreasing. Local government believes that young adults are fleeing in search of jobs in the tech sector in other Midwestern cities, like Chicago, Madison and Indianapolis.
Pittsburgh has been the nation’s industrial center due to an abundance of natural resources and accessibility to natural waterways. Unfortunately, recently, the city’s residents have been steadily leaving. Many experts blame the declining trend on a large population of the aging residents in the area and high unemployment rates.
Pittsburgh has been the nation’s industrial center due to an abundance of natural resources and accessibility to natural waterways. Unfortunately, recently, the city’s residents have been steadily leaving. Many experts blame the declining trend on a large population of the aging residents in the area and high unemployment rates.
Although we know Detroit as the heart of the automobile manufacturing industry, it hasn't always been like that. The French first settled in Detroit in 1701 and was turned into a village in 1802. It was once known as the fourth-largest city in the United States of America, but since then, Detroit has lost a great deal of its residents. This is due to a downward trend in the auto industry, a high unemployment rate and the high rate of violent crime. Although we know Detroit as the heart of the automobile manufacturing industry, it hasn't always been like that.
The French first settled in Detroit in 1701 and was turned into a village in 1802. It was once known as the fourth-largest city in the United States of America, but since then, Detroit has lost a great deal of its residents. This is due to a downward trend in the auto industry, a high unemployment rate and the high rate of violent crime.
The largest county in the United States is Los Angeles County; and in the center of that is the City of Los Angeles. Unfortunately, as the area grows and thrives, Los Angeles' population is shrinking. The primary struggles from residents is a lack of affordable housing coupled with fewer homes being built.
The largest county in the United States is Los Angeles County; and in the center of that is the City of Los Angeles. Unfortunately, as the area grows and thrives, Los Angeles' population is shrinking. The primary struggles from residents is a lack of affordable housing coupled with fewer homes being built.