West Virginia is one of the few states in the United States that has seen a population loss during the last decade. According to the 2020 Census, the state’s population decreased by 3.2% between 2010 and 2023, from 1,852,994 to 1,793,716. This drop has impacted both urban and rural counties, with some seeing more extreme losses than others. In this article, we will look at the five counties with the fastest population drop in West Virginia, as measured by percentage change between 2010 and 2020.
McDowell County
McDowell County has the largest population decrease in West Virginia, with a 24.31% drop from 2010 to 2023. During this time, the county’s population decreased from 22,113 to 16,724 people, a loss of 5,389 persons. McDowell County lies in the southern region of the state and was previously a major coal mining area. However, the fall of the coal industry, combined with poverty, unemployment, drug usage, and health issues, has led to the county’s depopulation.
Mingo County
Mingo County has the second-highest population decrease in West Virginia, with a 19.57% drop from 2010 to 2023. During this time, the county’s population decreased from 26,839 to 21,531, resulting in the loss of 5,308 individuals. Mingo County is situated in the south of the state and borders Kentucky. Mingo County, like McDowell County, has suffered from coal industry decline, environmental deterioration, a lack of economic possibilities, and young people’s outmigration.
Boone County
Boone County has the third-highest population decrease in West Virginia, with an 18.03% decline from 2010 to 2023. During this time, the county’s population decreased from 24,629 to 20,170, resulting in the loss of 4,459 residents. Boone County, located in the state’s southern region, is another coal mining community that has encountered economic and social issues. Natural disasters such as floods and landslides have also had an impact on the county, causing infrastructure damage and displacing populations.
Calhoun County
Calhoun County has the fourth largest population loss in West Virginia, with a fall of 23.3% between 2010 and 2023. During this time, the county’s population decreased from 7,650 to 5,874, resulting in the loss of 1,776 residents. Calhoun County, located in the state’s center, is one of West Virginia’s smallest and most rural counties. The county has a low population density, a high poverty rate, and limited access to healthcare, education, and broadband internet.
Wyoming County
Wyoming County has the fifth-highest population decrease in West Virginia, with a 17.4% decline from 2010 to 2020. During this time, the county’s population decreased from 23,796 to 19,599, resulting in the loss of 4,197 residents. Wyoming area, located in the state’s south, is another coal mining area that has struggled financially and socially. The county has a high unemployment rate, a low median income, and a high rate of opioid overdoses.
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Conclusion
West Virginia has seen a severe population drop over the last decade, hurting both urban and rural counties. However, certain countries have suffered more dramatic losses than others, owing to the demise of the coal industry, poverty, unemployment, drug misuse, health issues, environmental degradation, natural disasters, and young people’s outmigration. McDowell, Mingo, Boone, Calhoun, and Wyoming counties have had the most rapid population reduction in West Virginia. These countries confront numerous issues that require further help and investment to develop their towns and improve their quality of life.