“Discover the 8 States Soaring to Success—And the 8 That Are Just Barely Holding On!”
6. Mississippi: (0.3% decline, losing 8,513 residents)
Consistently ranking poorly in education and healthcare. Brain drain is a severe problem, as ambitious young people see limited opportunities at home.
Investing in human capital is the most important investment any state can make. Neglecting its citizens fuels a cycle of poverty and out-migration that’s incredibly difficult to break.
7. Pennsylvania: (0.2% decline, a loss of 22,965 residents)
An aging population combined with the perception of diminishing opportunities for younger generations outside a few major cities contributes to Pennsylvania’s decline.
States need a strategy to retain young talent. When college grads feel they must move elsewhere to find decent jobs, it stunts long-term growth prospects.
8. Oregon: (0.1% decline, 5,042 fewer residents)
A surprise entry! The Pacific Northwest’s appeal is undeniable, yet Oregon makes our list of shrinking states. A severe housing shortage, especially in Portland, sky high taxes, and the increasing intensity of wildfires in parts of the state, likely deter potential newcomers.
Even “dream destinations” aren’t immune to their own specific challenges. Affordability and climate change-related risks reshape desirability, sometimes unexpectedly.
15 Reasons Americans Are Leaving States Like California in Masses
California’s beaches, New York’s energy, the vastness of Texas – each state embodies a piece of the American dream. But for many across the nation, that dream is fading. Sky-high taxes, crushing congestion, political divisions, and even natural disasters are pushing people to pack their bags and seek a better life elsewhere.
