This Ohio City Has Been Named the Fastest Shrinking City in the State

Ohio’s cities are witnessing a significant shift in population dynamics, with some experiencing a decline despite their rich history and cultural significance.

While urban areas across the nation have seen population growth, certain cities in Ohio are facing an ongoing exodus of residents in search of new opportunities elsewhere. Let’s take a closer look at the cities in the Buckeye State grappling with this demographic downturn.

Cleveland: A Story of Decline

Cleveland, once a prominent city in Ohio, has been on a downward trajectory since the 1950s. Despite its former status as the fifth-largest city in America, Cleveland has struggled to maintain its population amidst economic changes and shifting demographics.

Factors such as job opportunities and lifestyle preferences have contributed to a steady decrease, with a noticeable 1.1% drop observed from 2020 to 2021 alone.

The Challenge of Weirton-Steubenville and Wheeling

Ohio shares its population woes with neighboring states, as highlighted by data from 24/7 Wall St. Two metropolitan areas spanning parts of Ohio and West Virginia—Weirton-Steubenville and Wheeling—have been identified among the fastest-shrinking big cities in the nation.

Weirton-Steubenville saw a significant population decline of 4.68% from 2017 to 2022, while Wheeling experienced a 3.22% decrease over the same five-year period.

A National Trend

Ohio’s urban centers are not alone in facing population challenges. Cities across the United States, including Kalamazoo-Portage, Michigan, and Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana, have grappled with similar declines. These trends underscore the complex interplay of economic, social, and environmental factors shaping urban landscapes nationwide.

Behind the Rankings

The rankings by 24/7 Wall St. were based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey 1-year estimates. Metropolitan statistical areas experiencing a population decline of at least 3% from 2017 to 2022 were included in the analysis. Additional insights into employment and home values were sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the ACS, respectively.

Adapting to Change

Understanding the dynamics of population change is essential for both policymakers and residents as cities evolve. While some urban areas face decline, others continue to thrive, reflecting the dynamic nature of America’s urban fabric. For a comprehensive overview of the fastest-shrinking big cities in the country, explore the full report on 24/7 Wall St.

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