Nebraska has a population of approximately 1.9 million people, as per the 2020 Census. Nevertheless, the state’s growth is not uniform across all areas.
Certain counties have encountered notable population declines in the last decade, highlighting the difficulties associated with rural decline, aging populations, and people moving away.
How Does the Population Decline Affect Nebraska’s Economy?
Population decline in Nebraska can yield both positive and negative consequences for the state’s economy, contingent on various factors and sectors. Potential effects include:
1. Resource Relief: A decrease in population could alleviate pressure on scarce resources like water, land, and energy. This, in turn, might reduce production and consumption costs while enhancing efficiency.
2. Environmental Benefits: A decline in population could lead to a reduction in environmental damage, such as lower greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and waste. This could contribute to an improved quality of life and better public health.
3. Women’s Autonomy: With a shrinking population, women may experience increased opportunities for education, employment, and entrepreneurship. This has the potential to enhance human capital and foster innovation in the economy.
4. Care Worker Scarcity: The diminishing population might lead to a shortage of care workers, particularly for the elderly and disabled. While this could elevate demand and wages in these occupations, it may also place a burden on families and the public sector.
5. Government Debt Sustainability Concerns: The sustainability of government debt could become problematic due to a shrinking and aging population. This demographic shift may result in reduced tax revenues and increased spending on social security, healthcare, and education.
6. Manufacturing Job Loss: Rural areas, in particular, might experience a loss of manufacturing jobs, impacting the income and employment of the population. This could also heighten dependence on imports and external markets.
Here, we will delve into the five Nebraska counties experiencing the most rapid population decline between 2010 and 2020, utilizing data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Additionally, we will explore potential reasons and implications associated with this trend.
McPherson County
McPherson County in Nebraska experienced the most significant population decline among the counties, with a decrease of 11.55% from 2010 to 2020. The county’s population dropped from 559 in 2010 to 494 in 2020.
As per the U.S. Census Bureau, the median age in McPherson County was 54.4 years in 2019, notably higher than the state average of 36.8 years. Additionally, the county had a low percentage of individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher (14.9%) and a relatively high percentage of people living in poverty (17.9%).
Read More: Exploring the 5 Counties in Michigan With the Most Rapid Population Decline
Dundy County
Dundy County, located in Nebraska, experienced the second-highest population decline in the state, witnessing a decrease of 10.41% from 2010 to 2020. The county’s population dropped from 1,860 in 2010 to 1,666 in 2020.
As of 2019, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the median age in Dundy County was 51.6 years, notably higher than the state’s overall median age of 36.8 years. Additionally, the county had a relatively low percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher (16.6%) and a comparatively high percentage of people living in poverty (15.4%).
Read More: Exploring the 5 Counties in Tennessee With the Most Rapid Population Decline
Sioux County
Sioux County, located in Nebraska, experienced the third-highest population decline in the state, witnessing a 9.46% decrease from 2010 to 2020. The county’s population dropped from 1,303 in 2010 to 1,179 in 2020.
As of 2019, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the median age in Sioux County was 49.9 years, significantly higher than the state’s median age of 36.8 years. Additionally, the county exhibited a lower percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher (18.7%) and a higher percentage of individuals living in poverty (14.8%).
Read More: Exploring the 5 Counties in Alabama With the Most Rapid Population Decline
Blaine County
Blaine County, Nebraska, experienced the fourth-highest population decline in the state, losing 8.72% of its residents from 2010 to 2020. The county’s population decreased from 463 in 2010 to 423 in 2020.
As per the U.S. Census Bureau data from 2019, the median age in Blaine County was 53.4 years, significantly higher than the state average of 36.8 years. Additionally, the county had a relatively low percentage of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher (14.2%), and a notable proportion lived below the poverty line (18.7%).
Read More: Exploring the 5 Counties in Pennsylvania With the Most Rapid Population Decline
Kimball County
Kimball County in Nebraska experienced the fifth-highest population decline, losing 8.67% of its residents from 2010 to 2020. In 2020, the county’s population was 3,495, down from 3,825 in 2010.
As of 2019, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the median age in Kimball County was 48.1 years, significantly higher than the statewide median of 36.8 years. Additionally, the county had a relatively low percentage of individuals holding a bachelor’s degree or higher (15.4%) and a higher percentage of people living in poverty (13.5%).
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Cheapest Place to Live in Ohio
Conclusion
McPherson, Dundy, Sioux, Blaine, and Kimball are the Nebraska counties that experienced the sharpest population decline from 2010 to 2020.
Primarily situated in rural areas, these counties confront multiple challenges, including limited economic prospects, an aging population, and the isolation characteristic of rural regions. These trends bear significance for the social, economic, and political prospects not only for these counties but also for the state as a whole.
