7 Ohio Towns People Are Fleeing As Soon As Possible in 2024

7 Ohio Towns People Are Fleeing As Soon As Possible in 2024

Ohio, often referred to as the “Buckeye State,” is known for its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and a rich cultural history. However, like many other states in the U.S., Ohio is not immune to demographic shifts. While some cities and towns are experiencing growth due to economic development, others are witnessing a noticeable decline in population. This outmigration can be attributed to several factors, including economic stagnation, lack of job opportunities, high crime rates, or an overall decrease in the quality of life. In 2024, certain towns in Ohio have seen significant population decline, with residents choosing to relocate in search of better prospects. Below, we explore seven Ohio towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible.

1. Youngstown

Population Decline:

  • Population in 2020: 60,068
  • Population in 2024: ~54,000
  • Decline rate: 10%

Youngstown has long been a city struggling with economic decline, which started in the mid-20th century when the steel industry, the backbone of its economy, collapsed. Despite efforts to rejuvenate the city, Youngstown continues to grapple with high unemployment rates, crime, and deteriorating infrastructure. According to recent statistics, Youngstown has one of the highest crime rates in Ohio, with violent crime and drug-related offenses being major concerns for residents.

Main Reasons for Exodus:

  • Lack of job opportunities: The loss of the steel industry devastated the local economy, and alternative industries have struggled to establish a foothold.
  • Crime: Youngstown’s crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, making it an unattractive place for families.
  • Poverty: Approximately 40% of Youngstown’s residents live below the poverty line, making it difficult to attract new businesses and investments.

Despite some revitalization projects downtown, the economic outlook remains bleak, driving many people to seek better opportunities elsewhere.


2. Cleveland

Population Decline:

  • Population in 2020: 372,624
  • Population in 2024: ~353,000
  • Decline rate: 5%

Cleveland, once a thriving industrial powerhouse, has seen significant population loss in recent decades. The city’s economic problems, driven largely by deindustrialization, have resulted in high unemployment rates, crime, and deteriorating public services. The exodus from Cleveland has continued into 2024, with more residents seeking better employment and quality of life in nearby suburbs or out of state.

Main Reasons for Exodus:

  • Economic decline: Although there have been efforts to diversify Cleveland’s economy, the loss of manufacturing jobs has had a lasting negative impact on the city.
  • High crime rates: Cleveland has one of the highest crime rates in Ohio, with violent crime being a particular concern.
  • Poor public services: The city has struggled to provide adequate public services, particularly in education and infrastructure, further contributing to the outmigration.

While some neighborhoods have seen revitalization, especially downtown, the overall trend for Cleveland’s population remains downward as residents look for safer, more prosperous places to live.


3. Portsmouth

Population Decline:

  • Population in 2020: 20,226
  • Population in 2024: ~18,500
  • Decline rate: 8.5%

Portsmouth, located along the Ohio River, has a long history as a hub for manufacturing and shipping. However, the decline of industry in the region has left Portsmouth struggling with high unemployment, poverty, and drug addiction. The opioid crisis has hit the town especially hard, and efforts to combat it have been slow and largely ineffective.

Main Reasons for Exodus:

  • Economic decline: Portsmouth’s economy has not recovered from the collapse of its industrial base, and job opportunities are scarce.
  • Drug addiction: The town has one of the highest rates of opioid addiction in the state, leading to a variety of social issues, including crime and homelessness.
  • Poor healthcare: Portsmouth’s healthcare system is under strain, with many residents unable to access the services they need.

As the town’s problems persist, many residents have chosen to leave in search of better living conditions, leaving Portsmouth with a dwindling population and little hope for recovery.


4. Canton

Population Decline:

  • Population in 2020: 70,447
  • Population in 2024: ~67,000
  • Decline rate: 4.9%

Canton, once known for its strong manufacturing sector, has been on a slow decline for years. The city, like many others in Ohio, has faced the consequences of deindustrialization, with factories closing and jobs disappearing. While efforts have been made to revitalize the downtown area, these have not been enough to stop the outflow of residents, particularly younger people seeking better job opportunities and quality of life elsewhere.

Main Reasons for Exodus:

  • Lack of job opportunities: The city’s manufacturing sector, which once provided stable employment, has all but disappeared, and new industries have not filled the void.
  • Crime: Canton has a relatively high crime rate compared to the national average, particularly in terms of property crimes.
  • Aging infrastructure: The city’s infrastructure has deteriorated over time, making it less appealing to new residents and businesses.

As the population continues to decline, Canton faces a difficult future, with few signs of an economic recovery on the horizon.


5. Lima

Population Decline:

  • Population in 2020: 37,408
  • Population in 2024: ~35,500
  • Decline rate: 5.1%

Lima, located in northwestern Ohio, was once a bustling center for manufacturing and industry. However, like many of Ohio’s towns, Lima has struggled with the loss of industrial jobs and an economy that has not sufficiently diversified. The result has been a shrinking population, high unemployment, and a lack of investment in public services.

Main Reasons for Exodus:

  • Economic stagnation: Lima’s economy has struggled to recover from the decline of its manufacturing sector, leading to high unemployment and a lack of job prospects for residents.
  • High crime rates: Lima’s crime rate is higher than the state average, particularly in terms of violent crime and drug-related offenses.
  • Educational challenges: The local school system has faced challenges, with lower-than-average graduation rates and limited funding for public education.

With few opportunities for growth and improvement, many residents have chosen to leave Lima for more prosperous areas.


6. Akron

Population Decline:

  • Population in 2020: 197,597
  • Population in 2024: ~189,000
  • Decline rate: 4.3%

Akron, once known as the “Rubber Capital of the World” due to its tire manufacturing industry, has experienced significant population loss since the decline of that industry in the late 20th century. The city has attempted to reinvent itself by investing in healthcare and education, but the economic revitalization has been slow and uneven, leading to continued outmigration.

Main Reasons for Exodus:

  • Economic challenges: Despite efforts to diversify the economy, Akron’s job market remains weak, with few opportunities for growth.
  • Crime and safety concerns: Akron has one of the highest crime rates in Ohio, particularly in terms of violent crime, which has driven many families away.
  • Housing market struggles: Akron’s housing market has struggled to recover, with many homes sitting vacant and property values declining.

Despite some positive developments in the city’s healthcare and education sectors, the ongoing challenges have led many residents to seek better opportunities elsewhere.


7. Mansfield

Population Decline:

  • Population in 2020: 46,599
  • Population in 2024: ~43,500
  • Decline rate: 6.6%

Mansfield, located in north-central Ohio, was once a thriving industrial town. However, the decline of manufacturing has left Mansfield with a struggling economy, high crime rates, and a significant population decline. The town has tried to reinvent itself, but these efforts have not been enough to reverse the trend of outmigration.

Main Reasons for Exodus:

  • Economic decline: Like many other towns on this list, Mansfield’s economy has not recovered from the collapse of its industrial base, leading to high unemployment.
  • Crime: Mansfield has one of the highest crime rates in Ohio, particularly for violent crime, making it an undesirable place to live for many families.
  • Limited amenities: With fewer job opportunities and a lack of cultural or recreational amenities, Mansfield has become a less appealing place to live.

As a result, many residents have chosen to leave Mansfield in search of better opportunities and a higher quality of life.


Conclusion

The outmigration from these seven Ohio towns highlights the challenges that many parts of the state face in 2024. Economic decline, high crime rates, and deteriorating infrastructure are common factors driving residents away. While some cities in Ohio are experiencing revitalization and growth, the towns listed above are struggling to attract new residents and retain their current populations. For those living in these areas, the search for better opportunities continues to be a major motivation for leaving, as the economic and social problems show no sign of abating.

While there is hope for recovery in the long term, 2024 remains a challenging year for these towns, as they strive to overcome the legacies of deindustrialization and economic stagnation. For now, the trend of outmigration looks set to continue, leaving these towns facing uncertain futures.

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