Arizona is characterized by its diverse landscape, culture, and economy, presenting a state of contrasts. Positioned among the top ten fastest-growing states in the nation, Arizona reflects a dynamic environment marked by continual expansion.
Despite its overall growth, not all regions in Arizona are witnessing the same surge in population. Some counties, in fact, are grappling with a decline in population, a trend that holds considerable consequences for their social and economic prosperity.
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Arizona’s population surged by 11.9% between 2010 and 2020, reaching a total of 7.15 million people. However, this growth was not uniformly distributed across the state.
While certain counties, like Maricopa and Pinal, experienced substantial double-digit percentage increases, others observed a contraction in their populations.
How Does the Population Decline Affect the Economy of These Counties?
The decrease in population within these counties can bring about adverse effects on their economy, including:
1. Loss of tax revenue: A smaller population translates to reduced income and sales tax collected by local governments, limiting their capacity to deliver public services and invest in infrastructure.
2. Reduction of public services: Population decline may lead to the closure or consolidation of schools, hospitals, libraries, and other public facilities, impacting the quality of life and access to education and healthcare for the remaining residents.
3. Deterioration of infrastructure: A shrinking population often results in decreased maintenance and investment in essential infrastructure like roads, bridges, and water systems, affecting the safety and efficiency of transportation and communication.
4. Decrease in political representation: The declining population can diminish the number of seats and votes these counties have in state and federal legislatures, thereby reducing their influence and bargaining power in policy-making.
Other than that, the following are the five Arizona counties that experienced the most rapid population decline from 2010 to 2020, based on percentage change.
| County | 2010 Population | 2020 Population | Population Change | Percentage Change |
| Cochise | 131,346.00 | 123,677 | -7,669 | -5.84% |
| La Paz | 20,489.00 | 15,378 | -5,111 | -24.95% |
| Santa Cruz | 47,959.00 | 47,744 | -215 | -0.68% |
| Gila | 53,597.00 | 53,176 | -421 | -0.79% |
| Navajo | 107,449.00 | 106,498 | -951 | -0.89% |
Cochise County
La Paz County
Situated in the western region of the state along the Colorado River, this county experienced the second-largest population decrease in Arizona, with a 24.95% decline from 2010 to 2020. The county’s population fell from 20,489 to 15,378, representing a decrease of 5,111 residents.
La Paz County is among the least populated and least developed counties in the state, with a significant portion of its land owned by the federal government or Native American tribes.
Read More:Â This City Has Been Named the Healthiest Place to Live in North Carolina
Santa Cruz County
Situated in the southern region of the state, sharing a border with Mexico, this county experienced the third-largest decrease in population in Arizona, with a 0.68% decline from 2010 to 2020.
The county’s population went from 47,959 to 47,744, reflecting a decrease of 215 residents. Santa Cruz County holds the distinction of being the smallest county in the state by area and is characterized by a predominantly Hispanic population.
Read More:Â Exploring the 5 Counties in Alabama With the Most Rapid Population Decline
Gila County
Situated in the central region of the state and covering portions of the Tonto National Forest and the San Carlos Apache Reservation, this county experienced the fourth-largest decrease in population in Arizona, with a 0.79% decline from 2010 to 2020.
The county’s population decreased from 53,597 to 53,176, marking a drop of 421 individuals. Gila County is characterized as a rural area, with a notable concentration of Native American residents.
Read More:Â Exploring the 5 Counties in Minnesota With the Most Rapid Population Decline
Navajo County
Situated in the northeastern region of the state, encompassing sections of the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Reservation, and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, this county experienced the fifth-largest decrease in population in Arizona. Between 2010 and 2020, it saw a 0.89% decline in residents.
The county’s population went from 107,449 to 106,498, marking a decrease of 951 individuals. Navajo County is characterized by its rural nature and has a significant Native American population.
Read More:Â Exploring the 5 Counties in Pennsylvania With the Most Rapid Population Decline
Final Words
The declining population in these counties brings forth various challenges for their future, including the loss of tax revenue, reduced public services, crumbling infrastructure, diminished political representation, and the erosion of social capital.
Nevertheless, these counties possess assets and opportunities that could help reverse this trend, such as their natural and cultural resources, proximity to larger markets, potential for renewable energy, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
References: azeconomy.org, usafacts.org
