Missouri is a state that boasts a fascinating history, a vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Nevertheless, some areas of the state are not experiencing the same level of prosperity in the modern era. Certain towns and counties are grappling with a decrease in population, lack of economic growth, and various social difficulties. Let’s take a closer look at seven Missouri towns that are experiencing a significant decline in population and examine the factors contributing to this trend.
Missouri Towns Population Decreasing
City of St. Louis
St. Louis City is a highly populated and historically significant city in Missouri, but it has unfortunately experienced a significant decline in population. The city’s population was 319,294 in 2020, which decreased from 348,189 in 2010, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. This signifies a decrease of 8.3% over the course of ten years, which is the highest among all Missouri counties. The city’s population has been declining since the 1950s, after reaching its highest point with over 850,000 residents. The city’s decline can be attributed to several factors, including suburbanization, deindustrialization, racial segregation, crime, and poverty.
St. Louis County
St. Louis County, located in Missouri, is the largest and most affluent county in the state. However, it has seen a decrease in population in recent years. In 2020, the county’s population was 994,205, which was slightly lower than the 998,954 recorded in 2010. This indicates a decrease of 0.5% over the course of ten years, which is the second highest decline among all Missouri counties. The county has experienced a decrease in population growth since the 1970s, when it surpassed one million residents. The county’s decline can be attributed to factors such as an aging population, people moving away, and increased competition from neighboring counties in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
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Pemiscot County
Pemiscot County is located in the rural Missouri Bootheel region, with borders that touch Arkansas and Tennessee. In 2020, the county’s population was 15,155, which was lower than the 18,296 recorded in 2010. This shows a decrease of 17.2% over the course of ten years, which is the highest percentage among all Missouri counties. The county has experienced a decrease in population since the 1980s, when it reached its highest point with over 23,000 residents. The county’s decline can be attributed to several factors, including agricultural mechanization, job loss, low education, and health issues.
Worth County
Worth County is a rural county located in the Northwest region of Missouri, right next to Iowa. In 2020, the county’s population decreased to 1,968 from 2,171 in 2010. This indicates a decrease of 9.4% over a period of ten years, which is the second highest percentage among all counties in Missouri. The county has experienced a decrease in population since the 1930s, when it reached its highest point with over 8,000 residents. The county’s decline can be attributed to farm consolidation, outmigration, and an aging population.
Schuyler County
Schuyler County is located in the beautiful Northeast region of Missouri, right on the border with Iowa. The county’s population decreased from 4,431 in 2010 to 4,431 in 2020. This shows a decrease of 8.8% over a period of ten years, which is the third highest percentage among all Missouri counties. The county’s population has been steadily decreasing since the 1940s, reaching its highest point with over 9,000 residents. The county’s decline can be attributed to farm consolidation, outmigration, and an aging population.
Carter County
Carter County is a rural county located in the South Central region of Missouri, right next to Arkansas. In 2020, the county’s population was 5,890, which was lower than the 6,265 recorded in 2010. This indicates a decrease of 6% over a period of ten years, making it the fourth largest percentage decline among all Missouri counties. The county has experienced a decrease in population since the 1980s, when it reached its highest point with over 7,000 residents. The primary reasons for the county’s decline include the loss of jobs, people moving away, and low income levels.
New Madrid County
New Madrid County is a picturesque county located in the Southeast region of Missouri, with the Mississippi River serving as its scenic border. In 2020, the county’s population was 16,233, which was lower than the 2010 figure of 18,956. This shows a decrease of 14.4% over a period of ten years, which is the fifth highest percentage among all Missouri counties. The county has experienced a decrease in population since the 1960s, when it reached its highest point with over 27,000 residents. The county’s decline can be attributed to deindustrialization, job loss, outmigration, and natural disasters.
In conclusion
Population decline poses significant challenges for the economic, social, and environmental well-being of numerous towns and counties in Missouri. While some of these places may have the potential to be revitalized, others may encounter additional challenges and difficulties in the future. Having a clear grasp of the causes and consequences of population decline is crucial for policymakers, community leaders, and residents to effectively tackle the challenges and possibilities that come with this phenomenon.
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