Alabama has experienced a steady rise in population annually since 2010, with the most significant surge occurring between 2019 and 2020. This growth is attributed to a higher birth rate and domestic migration. Out of the 67 counties in Alabama, 37 have experienced an increase in population in 2022. However, despite the overall growth, some large and small counties in Alabama have experienced a decline in population. It is worth exploring the top five counties that are losing population and the reasons behind this trend.
1. Lowndes:
Located in South-Central Alabama, just outside of Montgomery, lies Lowndes County. As of its last census in 2020, the county had a population of 10,311, while the estimated population as of 2023 is 9,777. Unfortunately, Lowndes is a prime example of many rural Alabama counties that have experienced a decline in population, resulting in a decrease of over 3% in just one year (2020 to 2021). In fact, it is considered the fastest-declining county in Alabama.
Fort Deposit, the most populous town in Lowndes County, is home to around 1,100 people. This warm and welcoming community boasts affordable housing and a tight-knit feel. However, the town is facing some challenges including underperforming schools, insufficient infrastructure, and a lack of basic facilities. Unfortunately, the sanitation infrastructure in Lowndes County is also limited, leaving many residents without adequate sanitation and facing related issues. Additionally, the jobs and median income in the area are below the national average, with Hayneville residents earning a median household income of $26,364.
2. Macon
Macon County, situated in East-Central Alabama, lies to the east of Montgomery and west of Columbus, Georgia. According to the 2020 census, Macon County had a population of 19,532, but it has now dwindled to an estimated population of 18,956. Over the past decade, the county has experienced an average annual decrease of 1.1% in population, with the most significant decline of 3.2% observed between 2011 and 2012.
Tuskegee, with a population of 8,870, is the county seat and the largest city in Macon County. Unfortunately, the city has experienced a decline of 3% in its population from 2020 to 2021. Despite being recognized for its HBCUs and fascinating history, the community faces several challenges, including limited job prospects, high poverty rates, underperforming schools, elevated crime rates, and a lack of basic amenities. Families in Tuskegee earn a median household income of $32,024, which is significantly lower than the national average.
3. Conecuh
Conecuh County is situated in the South-Central region of Alabama, with Monroeville to the west and Greenville to the northeast. The 2020 census reported a population of 11,597 for this county, which has now been estimated to be around 11,108. Over the past decade, Conecuh’s population has experienced a decline of 1.4%, with the most significant drop occurring between 2019 and 2020 when the population decreased by 4.2%.
Evergreen, a charming city in Conecuh County, is home to around 3,300 people. Despite being the county seat and the most populous city, Evergreen has witnessed a decline in population, with a yearly decrease of -1.81%. In fact, the most recent census revealed a drop of over 5%. However, despite these challenges, Evergreen remains a diverse and welcoming community, with affordable housing options. Unfortunately, the city grapples with several issues, including underperforming public schools, higher-than-average crime rates, low wages, and a lack of fundamental amenities. The median household income in Evergreen stands at $36,021, which is below the national average.
4. Lamar
Located in the Northwest corner of Alabama, Lamar County encompasses an area of 605 square miles and shares a border with Mississippi. Despite being a dry county, it still managed to have a population of 13,972 during the 2020 census. As of 2023, the estimated population is 13,795, indicating a slight decrease of 0.5% annually between 2010 and 2021. Unfortunately, the county experienced a larger decline of 1.8% from 2020 to 2021.
5. Dallas
East of Montgomery in Central Alabama is Dallas County. During the 2020 census, the population of the county was recorded as 38,462, but it is currently approximated to be 36,854. Dallas County is one of the fastest-shrinking counties in Alabama, with population declines of 2.8% in 2018 and 2.8% in 2019 and 2020.
Selma is the county seat and largest city in Dallas County, with a population of 17,625 in 2021 and an estimated population of 16,973 in 2023. From 2010 to 2017, the population of Selma decreased by an astounding 11.5%. And its most recent decline was nearly 2% from 2020 to 2021. This historically significant civil rights town has a rich past and a tight-knit community. Selma has a very low median household income of $29,656 despite a lower cost of living than most locations. The city also has poorly rated schools, a lack of employment, deteriorating infrastructure, a high crime rate, and an absence of genuine community leadership.
