Many American cities are experiencing significant population declines, impacting local real estate and businesses.
This blog post explores the top 10 cities with the most significant decreases in residents between 2017 and 2022, according to a SmartAsset study.
Understanding these trends is crucial for anyone interested in urban development and economic shifts.
1. Paradise, Nevada: Losing Its Luster
- Located near Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, experienced a significant population drop of around 22%.
- In 2022, the city’s population stood at 183,321.
- This exodus suggests challenges or changing preferences making residents seek opportunities elsewhere.
2. Jackson, Mississippi: A Southern Retreat
- Jackson, Mississippi, the state’s most populous city, saw a 12.7% population decline.
- The number of residents decreased from 167,250 in 2017 to 146,019 in 2022.
- This decline reflects broader regional trends and economic factors impacting the area.
3. East Los Angeles, California: Dimming Lights in the City of Angels
- East Los Angeles experienced a population decrease of roughly 10%, losing 12,577 residents.
- Despite the allure of Los Angeles, many are choosing to leave this part of the city.
- The factors behind this shift may include the high cost of living and limited opportunities.
4. Aurora, Illinois: Chicago Suburb Sees an Exodus
- As a suburb of Chicago, Aurora, Illinois, faced a nearly 10% population decrease.
- The city reported 182,336 residents in 2022, down from 202,548 in 2017.
- This trend highlights the challenges facing even well-established suburban communities.
5. El Monte, California: A Los Angeles County Departure
- El Monte, in Los Angeles County, saw its population drop by about 9.3%.
- The population stood at 105,307 at the time of the study.
- This decline reflects the broader pattern of residents leaving Southern California cities.
6. San Francisco, California: Golden Gate, Closing Doors
- San Francisco experienced an 8.6% population loss.
- The city’s population decreased from 884,363 in 2017 to 808,437 in 2022.
- High costs of living and changing work dynamics may have contributed to this exodus.
7. Hialeah, Florida: Miami-Dade’s Declining Enclave
- Hialeah, located in Miami-Dade County, experienced an 8.1% decline in residents.
- The population decreased from 239,682 in 2017 to 220,274 in 2022.
- Even in a growing state like Florida, some cities face population challenges.
8. Detroit, Michigan: Motown’s Continuing Exodus
- Detroit, known for its automotive history, saw its population decrease by 7.8%.
- The city’s population dwindled from 673,103 in 2017 to 620,410 in 2022.
- This continues a long-term trend of population decline in the Motor City.
9. Santa Ana, California: Another Golden State Goodbye
- Santa Ana’s population fell by approximately 7.8%.
- The population dropped from 334,135 in 2017 to 308,203 residents by 2022.
- This reinforces the trend of California cities experiencing population declines.
10. Birmingham, Alabama: The Magic City Loses Its Sparkle
- Birmingham, a major city in Alabama, lost 16,391 residents over five years.
- Its population in 2022 stood at 196,353.
- Economic factors and regional shifts likely play a role in this decline.
Alicia Richards