Missouri is a state full of natural beauty, a diverse population, and a rich history. Still, not every region in the state is prospering in the twenty-first century. There are social issues, economic stagnation, and demographic decreases in certain cities and counties. This article will examine seven Missouri communities that are experiencing a sharp drop in population, along with the factors contributing to this decline.
1. St. Louis City
The most populated and historically significant city in Missouri is St. Louis City, yet it has also suffered the most from population decline. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the city’s population decreased from 348,189 in 2010 to 319,294 in 2020. This is the biggest loss among all Missouri counties in the last ten years, at 8.3%. Since the 1950s, when the population of the city peaked at more than 850,000, it has been declining. Suburbanization, deindustrialization, racial segregation, crime, and poverty are the primary causes of the city’s decline.
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2. St. Louis County
The biggest and wealthiest county in Missouri, St. Louis County, has seen a decrease in population recently. The county’s population decreased from 998,954 in 2010 to 994,205 in 2020. This is the second-largest drop of any Missouri county in the last ten years, at 0.5%. After surpassing a million inhabitants in the 1970s, the county’s population growth has slowed. Aging, outmigration, and competition from other counties in the St. Louis metropolitan area are the primary causes of the county’s decline.
3. Pemiscot County
Pemiscot County is a rural county that borders Tennessee and Arkansas and is located in the Missouri Bootheel region. In 2020, 15,155 people were living in the county, compared to 18,296 in 2010. Among all Missouri counties, this displays the highest percentage loss of 17.2% over the last ten years. After reaching a peak of more than 23,000 people in the 1980s, the county’s population has been steadily decreasing. The county’s downfall is primarily caused by low education, health problems, job losses, and agricultural mechanization.
4. Worth County
Worth County is a rural county that borders Iowa and is located in Missouri’s northwest. The county’s population decreased from 2,171 in 2010 to 1,968 in 2020. This is the second-largest percentage loss among all Missouri counties in the last ten years, at 9.4%. After reaching a peak of more than 8,000 people in the 1930s, the county’s population has been steadily decreasing. The county’s decline is primarily due to aging, outmigration, and agriculture consolidation.
5. Schuyler County
Missouri’s northeastern Schuyler County is a rural area that borders Iowa. The county’s population decreased from 4,431 in 2010 to 4,431 in 2020. This is the third-largest percentage loss among all Missouri counties in the last ten years, with an 8.8% decline. After reaching a peak of more than 9,000 people in the 1940s, the county’s population has been steadily decreasing. The county decline is primarily due to aging, outmigration, and agriculture consolidation.
6. Carter County
Carter County is a rural county that borders Arkansas and is located in Missouri’s South Central area. The county’s population decreased from 6,265 in 2010 to 5,890 in 2020. This is the fourth biggest percentage loss among all Missouri counties, with a 6% decline during the last ten years. After reaching a peak of more than 7,000 people in the 1980s, the county’s population has been steadily decreasing. The county’s downturn is mostly caused by poor income, outmigration, and job loss.
7. New Madrid County![New Madrid County]()
Southeast Missouri’s New Madrid County is a rural area that borders the Mississippi River. The county’s population decreased from 18,956 in 2010 to 16,233 in 2020. This is the fifth-largest percentage loss among all Missouri counties in the last ten years, at 14.4%. Since the 1960s, when the population of the county peaked at approximately 27,000, it has been falling. Natural disasters, job losses, outmigration, and deindustrialization are the primary causes of the county’s downfall.
Statistical Data:
| County | Location | Population 2010 | Population 2023 | Percentage Loss | Primary Causes of Decline |
| St. Louis City | Eastern Missouri | 348,189 | 319,294 | 8.3% | Suburbanization, deindustrialization, racial segregation, crime, poverty |
| St. Louis County | Eastern Missouri | 998,954 | 994,205 | 0.5% | Aging, outmigration, competition from other counties |
| Pemiscot County | Missouri Bootheel region | 18,296 | 15,155 | 17.2% | Low education, health problems, job losses, agricultural mechanization |
| Worth County | Northwest Missouri | 2,171 | 1,968 | 9.4% | Aging, outmigration, agriculture consolidation |
| Schuyler County | Northeast Missouri | 4,431 | 4,043 | 8.8% | Aging, outmigration, agriculture consolidation |
| Carter County | South Central Missouri | 6,265 | 5,890 | 6.0% | Poor income, outmigration, job loss |
| New Madrid County | Southeast Missouri | 18,956 | 16,233 | 14.4% | Natural disasters, job losses, outmigration, deindustrialization |
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In summary
A major problem affecting many Missouri towns and counties’ social, economic, and environmental well-being is population reduction. While some of these locations might be able to be revitalized, others might eventually encounter further difficulties and hurdles. Policymakers, community leaders, and citizens can better handle the opportunities and issues brought about by population reduction if they have a better understanding of the causes and effects of the phenomena.