Exodus in Texas: 5 Places Losing Residents at Alarming Rates

TEXAS (DDN) – Texas, with its varied landscapes, lively culture, and job prospects, has always attracted those looking for a better life. Yet, some areas of the Lone Star State are not doing well. Some towns are seeing many residents leave, as they look for better opportunities elsewhere.

This piece looks at five Texas towns that residents are leaving quickly. We explore the reasons for this trend, supported by statistics and facts, to provide you with a clear understanding of the situation.

Wichita Falls

Wichita Falls, in northern Texas, boasts a fascinating history and is recognized for its stunning falls and cultural sites. The town is seeing a consistent drop in its population.

The local economy is facing challenges as manufacturing jobs have decreased. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Wichita Falls had an unemployment rate of 6.4% in 2023, which is above the national average of 3.5%.
The median household income in Wichita Falls is approximately $47,000, which is notably below the state average of $61,874.
The Wichita Falls Independent School District is encountering difficulties, as some schools have received lower ratings in the Texas Education Agency’s accountability reports.

Port Arthur

Port Arthur, located on the Gulf Coast, used to be a thriving center for the oil and gas sector. Currently, it is dealing with several issues that have resulted in a decrease in population.

Port Arthur is facing significant challenges due to industrial pollution.
The town faces frequent hurricanes and flooding, leading to significant damage to infrastructure and homes.
The downturn in the oil sector has resulted in job losses. The unemployment rate in Port Arthur stood at 9.2% in 2023, which is notably above the national average.
The median household income stands at around $38,000, falling short of both state and national averages.

Brownsville

Brownsville, at the southern edge of Texas close to the Mexican border, boasts a vibrant cultural heritage but encounters notable socio-economic difficulties.

Brownsville faces a significant challenge, as almost 30% of its residents are living below the poverty line, marking it as one of the areas with the highest poverty rates in Texas.
The job market is constrained, primarily depending on low-wage positions in agriculture and retail. The unemployment rate for 2023 stood at 7.8%.
Healthcare access is restricted, as there are not enough hospitals and specialized medical services accessible.

Odessa

Odessa, located in western Texas, has strong connections to the oil and gas sector. It has seen significant growth, but the downturns have been quite severe.

Odessa’s economy relies heavily on the oil industry. Recent declines in oil prices have resulted in considerable job losses. The unemployment rate stood at 8.1% in 2023.
There is a notable income gap, as many low-income families face challenges in meeting their basic needs.
Odessa experiences a crime rate that is higher than that of other cities in Texas. In 2023, the violent crime rate stood at 5.4 per 1,000 residents, which is above the state average.

Texarkana

Texarkana, located on the Texas-Arkansas border, has a distinctive situation but is dealing with major socio-economic challenges that have resulted in a decreasing population.

The job market is facing challenges, as the local economy shows limited opportunities beyond the service and retail sectors. The unemployment rate stood at 7.5% in 2023.
The median household income stands at approximately $42,000, falling below the state average.
Healthcare access remains a challenge, as there are fewer high-quality medical facilities available compared to other cities in Texas.

Conclusion

Many individuals are leaving these Texas towns due to a mix of economic difficulties, quality of life issues, and environmental concerns. Texas is experiencing overall growth and prosperity, but certain towns are facing challenges in keeping their residents.

Tackling the root problems is essential for turning these trends around and securing a better future for these communities. As these towns focus on revitalization, it will be intriguing to observe whether they can transform back into lively communities for living and working.