Missouri is a state with a rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty. However, not all parts of the state are thriving in the 21st century. Some towns and counties are facing population decline, economic stagnation, and social challenges. In this article, we will explore seven Missouri towns that are rapidly losing their population and the reasons behind their decline.
1. St. Louis City
St. Louis City is the most populous and historic city in Missouri, but it has also been the most affected by population loss. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city had a population of 319,294 in 2020, down from 348,189 in 2010. This represents a decline of 8.3% in a decade, the largest among all Missouri counties. The city has been losing population since the 1950s, when it peaked at over 850,000 residents. The main factors behind the city’s decline are suburbanization, deindustrialization, racial segregation, crime, and poverty.
2. St. Louis County
St. Louis County is the largest and most affluent county in Missouri, but it has also experienced population decline in recent years. The county had a population of 994,205 in 2020, down from 998,954 in 2010. This represents a decline of 0.5% in a decade, the second largest among all Missouri counties. The county’s population growth has slowed down since the 1970s, when it reached over one million residents. The main factors behind the county’s decline are aging, outmigration, and competition from other counties in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
3. Pemiscot County
Pemiscot County is a rural county in the Missouri Bootheel region, bordering Arkansas and Tennessee. The county had a population of 15,155 in 2020, down from 18,296 in 2010. This represents a decline of 17.2% in a decade, the largest percentage-wise among all Missouri counties. The county’s population has been declining since the 1980s, when it peaked at over 23,000 residents. The main factors behind the county’s decline are agricultural mechanization, job loss, low education, and health issues.
4. Worth County
Worth County is a rural county in the Northwest region of Missouri, bordering Iowa. The county had a population of 1,968 in 2020, down from 2,171 in 2010. This represents a decline of 9.4% in a decade, the second largest percentage-wise among all Missouri counties. The county’s population has been declining since the 1930s, when it peaked at over 8,000 residents. The main factors behind the county’s decline are farm consolidation, outmigration, and aging.
5. Schuyler County
Schuyler County is a rural county in the Northeast region of Missouri, bordering Iowa. The county had a population of 4,431 in 2020, down from 4,431 in 2010. This represents a decline of 8.8% in a decade, the third largest percentage-wise among all Missouri counties. The county’s population has been declining since the 1940s, when it peaked at over 9,000 residents. The main factors behind the county’s decline are farm consolidation, outmigration, and aging.
6. Carter County
Carter County is a rural county in the South Central region of Missouri, bordering Arkansas. The county had a population of 5,890 in 2020, down from 6,265 in 2010. This represents a decline of 6% in a decade, the fourth largest percentage-wise among all Missouri counties. The county’s population has been declining since the 1980s, when it peaked at over 7,000 residents. The main factors behind the county’s decline are job loss, outmigration, and low income.
7. New Madrid County
New Madrid County is a rural county in the Southeast region of Missouri, bordering the Mississippi River. The county had a population of 16,233 in 2020, down from 18,956 in 2010. This represents a decline of 14.4% in a decade, the fifth largest percentage-wise among all Missouri counties. The county’s population has been declining since the 1960s, when it peaked at over 27,000 residents. The main factors behind the county’s decline are deindustrialization, job loss, outmigration, and natural disasters.
Conclusion
Population decline is a serious issue that affects the economic, social, and environmental well-being of many Missouri towns and counties. While some of these places may have potential for revitalization, others may face further challenges and hardships in the future. Understanding the causes and consequences of population decline can help policymakers, community leaders, and residents to address the problems and opportunities that arise from this phenomenon.