5 West Virginia Counties Showing the Fastest Population Decline

West Virginia is one of the few states in the US that has experienced a population decline in the last decade. According to the 2020 Census, the state’s population fell by 3.2% from 2010 to 2020, from 1,852,994 to 1,793,716. This decline has affected both urban and rural counties, but some counties have seen more dramatic losses than others. In this article, we will look at the five counties that have shown the fastest population decline in West Virginia, based on the percentage change from 2010 to 2020.

McDowell County

McDowell County is the county with the highest population loss in West Virginia, with a decline of 24.31% from 2010 to 2020. The county’s population dropped from 22,113 to 16,724 in this period, losing 5,389 residents. McDowell County is located in the southern part of the state, and was once a major coal mining area. However, the decline of the coal industry, along with poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and health problems, have contributed to the county’s depopulation.

Mingo County

Mingo County is the second county with the highest population loss in West Virginia, with a decline of 19.57% from 2010 to 2020. The county’s population dropped from 26,839 to 21,531 in this period, losing 5,308 residents. Mingo County is also located in the southern part of the state, and shares a border with Kentucky. Like McDowell County, Mingo County has suffered from the decline of the coal industry, as well as environmental degradation, lack of economic opportunities, and outmigration of young people.

Boone County

Boone County is the third county with the highest population loss in West Virginia, with a decline of 18.03% from 2010 to 2020. The county’s population dropped from 24,629 to 20,170 in this period, losing 4,459 residents. Boone County is located in the southwestern part of the state, and is another coal mining county that has faced economic and social challenges. The county has also been affected by natural disasters, such as floods and landslides, that have damaged infrastructure and displaced residents.

Calhoun County

Calhoun County is the fourth county with the highest population loss in West Virginia, with a decline of 23.3% from 2010 to 2020. The county’s population dropped from 7,650 to 5,874 in this period, losing 1,776 residents. Calhoun County is located in the central part of the state, and is one of the smallest and most rural counties in West Virginia. The county has a low population density, a high poverty rate, and a lack of access to health care, education, and broadband internet.

Wyoming County

Wyoming County is the fifth county with the highest population loss in West Virginia, with a decline of 17.4% from 2010 to 2020. The county’s population dropped from 23,796 to 19,599 in this period, losing 4,197 residents. Wyoming County is also located in the southern part of the state, and is another coal mining county that has faced economic and social difficulties. The county has a high unemployment rate, a low median income, and a high opioid overdose rate.

Conclusion

West Virginia is a state that has experienced a significant population decline in the last decade, affecting both urban and rural counties. However, some counties have shown more dramatic losses than others, mainly due to the decline of the coal industry, poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, health problems, environmental degradation, natural disasters, and outmigration of young people. The five counties that have shown the fastest population decline in West Virginia are McDowell, Mingo, Boone, Calhoun, and Wyoming. These counties face many challenges and need more support and investment to revitalize their communities and improve their quality of life.

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