California has long been celebrated for its sunshine, booming tech industry, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. However, not all parts of the state are benefiting equally from the allure of the “Golden State.” Over recent years, various towns have faced population declines as residents flee due to various reasons, including rising living costs, housing crises, economic instability, environmental hazards, and more. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into seven California towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible, supported by statistics, insights, and city facts.
For decades, California was synonymous with the American Dream, a place where opportunities were abundant, and the weather was always pleasant. Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego still draw in new residents from across the country and the world. However, not all of California is thriving. While certain areas continue to boom, others are seeing significant outmigration.
Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that California’s population has been shrinking, with tens of thousands of residents leaving the state each year. The reasons for these departures range from sky-high housing prices to growing crime concerns, and from environmental hazards to economic difficulties. Small towns and mid-sized cities, in particular, have borne the brunt of these challenges, leading to an exodus that is reshaping the state’s demographic and economic landscape.
In this blog, we’ll focus on seven towns that have seen a significant number of people leave. These towns, which once offered promise, are now grappling with numerous problems, forcing residents to seek greener pastures elsewhere.
Bakersfield
Located in Kern County, Bakersfield has historically been a working-class town known for its agriculture and oil production. However, in recent years, it has seen a steady decline in population, with many residents citing economic stagnation and rising crime as reasons for leaving.
- Population Decline: According to data from World Population Review, Bakersfield’s population growth has slowed down considerably in recent years, with some residents leaving for more affordable and safer regions.
- Economic Challenges: While Bakersfield is still one of the more affordable cities in California, it struggles with high unemployment rates and limited economic opportunities. Many of its industries, such as oil and agriculture, are highly volatile, leaving the local economy vulnerable to downturns.
- Crime Rates: Crime is also a significant concern in Bakersfield. The city has seen an increase in both violent and property crimes, leading to a drop in the quality of life. According to Neighborhood Scout, Bakersfield has a crime rate of 40 per 1,000 residents, making it one of the higher-crime cities in the state.
- Environmental Concerns: Bakersfield’s location in the San Joaquin Valley makes it prone to poor air quality. The American Lung Association consistently ranks it among the worst cities in the country for air pollution, which exacerbates health problems for residents.
Stockton
Stockton has had a tumultuous few decades. Once a thriving city with a strong agricultural base, Stockton faced bankruptcy in 2012, a disaster from which it has struggled to recover.
- Crime and Poverty: Stockton has one of the highest crime rates in California. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting, Stockton’s violent crime rate is 12.3 per 1,000 residents, significantly above the national average. This has made the city less attractive for families and businesses.
- Bankruptcy Aftermath: Stockton’s bankruptcy left the city in a dire financial situation. While there have been efforts to recover, many residents feel that local governance has not adequately addressed the economic problems.
- Homelessness: Homelessness has skyrocketed in Stockton, with tent cities becoming a common sight. The Stockton Shelter for the Homeless reports that the city is struggling to find long-term solutions for its growing homeless population.
- Job Market: While Stockton’s job market is growing slowly, many residents are leaving for larger cities with better employment opportunities.
Salinas
Salinas, located in Monterey County, is an agricultural hub best known for producing lettuce, strawberries, and other crops. However, despite the city’s important role in California’s economy, it faces several challenges that are driving residents away.
- Economic Disparities: While Salinas is an agricultural powerhouse, many of its residents work low-wage jobs that don’t provide enough to cover the high cost of living. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the cost of living in Salinas is 39% higher than the national average, while wages have not kept pace.
- High Cost of Living: The median home price in Salinas is approximately $620,000, a figure far out of reach for most of the city’s residents, many of whom work in agriculture or related industries.
- Limited Job Market: Outside of agriculture, job opportunities in Salinas are limited, especially for younger residents and recent graduates, leading many to move to other parts of California or out of state.
San Bernardino
San Bernardino has long been plagued by economic and social issues, which have only worsened in recent years.
- Crime and Safety: Like Stockton, San Bernardino has one of the highest crime rates in California. The FBI reports that the city has a violent crime rate of 13.1 per 1,000 residents, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the state.
- Unemployment: San Bernardino has struggled with high unemployment rates. According to the California Employment Development Department, the city’s unemployment rate hovers around 8%, which is significantly higher than the national average.
- Environmental Concerns: San Bernardino also faces significant environmental challenges, including poor air quality due to its proximity to major highways and industrial areas. Residents are also worried about the city’s lack of preparation for climate change impacts, particularly the increased risk of wildfires.
- Governance Issues: San Bernardino has faced numerous problems with city governance, including multiple recalls of city officials and accusations of corruption, further deteriorating residents’ confidence in their leadership.
Fresno
Fresno, located in the heart of the Central Valley, is another agricultural hub facing a series of social, economic, and environmental problems.
- Economic Inequality: While Fresno is a relatively affordable city in California, there is significant economic inequality. A large portion of the population works in agriculture, often in low-paying, seasonal jobs.
- Water Scarcity: Fresno is facing water scarcity issues due to California’s ongoing drought. Many residents have been forced to contend with water restrictions, and some rural areas near Fresno have even seen their wells run dry.
- Environmental Problems: Fresno has some of the worst air quality in the United States. The city’s location in a valley causes air pollutants to become trapped, contributing to high rates of asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
- Crime Rates: According to Area Vibes, Fresno has a crime rate that is 59% higher than the national average, with residents frequently citing safety as one of the reasons they choose to leave.
Modesto
Modesto, another Central Valley town, has experienced similar issues as Fresno and Stockton, leading to significant outmigration.
- Economic Struggles: Modesto’s economy has struggled to recover from the Great Recession. Unemployment remains high, and many residents feel that the city has not done enough to attract new businesses or industries.
- Housing Market Collapse: The collapse of the housing market in 2008 hit Modesto particularly hard. Although the housing market has recovered somewhat, the city’s residents are still grappling with the long-term consequences of the crash.
- Homelessness: Like many other California cities, Modesto has seen a sharp increase in homelessness. According to the Stanislaus County Homeless Point-in-Time Count, there are over 2,100 homeless individuals in the city.
- Agricultural Issues: Modesto’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, which has become increasingly volatile due to changes in climate and water availability. This has caused many workers in the agricultural sector to seek more stable employment elsewhere.
Redding
Redding, located in Shasta County, has been increasingly affected by environmental disasters, which, combined with economic stagnation, are pushing residents to leave the town in droves.
- Wildfire Threats: One of the most significant issues driving people out of Redding is the increasing threat of wildfires. The Carr Fire of 2018, which devastated large parts of the town and surrounding areas, is still fresh in the minds of residents. The combination of dry conditions, high temperatures, and strong winds means that wildfires are a constant threat. Many residents are moving to safer regions where they don’t have to live with the constant fear of evacuation or property destruction.
- Limited Economic Growth: Redding’s economy has remained relatively stagnant over the past decade. Unlike the tech hubs of California, Redding lacks major industries or large employers, and many residents have to commute long distances for work. According to Data USA, the median household income in Redding is significantly lower than the California average, making it difficult for families to get ahead financially.
- Aging Infrastructure: Redding has an aging infrastructure, with roads, schools, and public facilities in need of repair or modernization. The lack of investment in infrastructure has led to frustrations among residents, many of whom feel that the city isn’t keeping up with the demands of a growing population.
- Crime and Safety Concerns: Like many of the other towns on this list, Redding struggles with high crime rates. According to Neighborhood Scout, the city has a crime rate of 47 per 1,000 residents, and property crimes, in particular, are a growing concern. Combined with the other challenges, this makes Redding a less attractive place for families and young professionals.
Conclusion
The seven California towns highlighted in this blog—Bakersfield, Stockton, Salinas, San Bernardino, Fresno, Modesto, and Redding—are facing a range of interconnected challenges. From environmental hazards like wildfires and droughts to economic issues like unemployment and a volatile housing market, residents in these towns are finding it increasingly difficult to stay. Crime rates are high, public infrastructure is in need of improvement, and many residents feel that local governance is failing to address these problems effectively.
One of the key factors driving people out of these towns is the cost of living. Even in places where housing is relatively affordable, such as Fresno and Bakersfield, the overall cost of living—including utilities, transportation, and healthcare—continues to rise. Coupled with stagnating wages, this creates a financial strain on residents, many of whom are choosing to move to states like Texas, Arizona, or Nevada, where the cost of living is lower, and economic opportunities are more abundant.