Many Americans are moving out of smaller cities in favor of major metropolises that offer more job opportunities and greater economic growth.
A new report identifies the 25 cities that are shrinking fastest because people are leaving more rapidly than they are moving in or being born.
The analysis of U.S. Census data by 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the rate of change in population of 382 American cities from 2010-2017, finding that 25 metro areas had population declines of 3 percent – 10 percent. Many Rust Belt cities made the list, including those in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan.
A lack of good-paying jobs could be a factor for many of these cities – all but one (Ocean City, New Jersey) had median incomes below the national median of $59,039.
Pine Bluff topped the list, with a 9.1 percent decline in population during that period - with a net loss of 10,001 residents due to out-migration to other cities. The city had a population of 90,963 in 2017 (down from 100,093 seven years earlier) and a median household income of $37,076.
Johnstown, Pennsylvania ranked second, with a 7.2 percent decline in population over seven years – and a net loss of 7,070 residents due to out-migration. The city’s median income was $44,100 in 2017.
Charleston, West Virginia came in third – the first of four cities in the state to make the list. The city had a 5.5 percent decrease in population from 2010-2017 and a net loss of 9,772 people due to out-migration. The city has a median income of $41,689.
Sierra Vista, Arizona followed, with a 5.3 percent decline in population and a net loss of 9,495 residents due to out-migration. The city’s median income was $45,508.
Beckley, West Virginia ranked fifth, with a 5.1 percent decrease in population and a net loss of 4,503 residents due to out-migration during the seven-year period. The city has a median income of $44,178.
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