Population growth is often seen as a sign of a city’s strength, but not every place in the United States is moving in that direction. While some metro areas continue to attract new residents, others are steadily shrinking as people move away in search of better job opportunities, lower costs, or a different quality of life. These shifts can happen gradually, but over time they reshape entire communities.
This slideshow highlights the U.S. cities experiencing the fastest population declines and explores the factors behind those trends. From former manufacturing hubs to regions facing rising living expenses or aging populations, these cities reflect broader changes happening across the country. Understanding where and why populations are falling can offer insight into local economies, housing markets, and the challenges communities face as they adapt.
Grand Island, NE
- 2017-2022 population change: -11.17% (-9,603)
- 2022 population: 76,333 — 376th highest out of 387
- 2017 population: 85,936 — 367th highest out of 387
- 2017-2022 employment change: +4.3% — 126th largest increase out of 257
- Unemployment rate, Dec 2022: 2.5% — compared to 3.5% national
- 2018-2022 median home value change: 61.4% — compared to 39.7% nationwide
- Median home value, 2022: $232,800 — 217th highest out of 387