Florida stands out as one of the fastest-growing states in the US, boasting a population exceeding 21 million as of 2020. Nonetheless, the growth trajectory is not uniform across all its counties. Indeed, some counties have witnessed a decline in population in recent years due to a variety of factors, spanning economic, social, environmental, and demographic challenges.
We delve into the five Florida counties experiencing the most pronounced population decline, as measured by the percentage change from 2015 to 2020. It presents data and analysis on each county’s population size, growth rate, and ranking, shedding light on potential reasons behind the decline.
Furthermore, We compares and contrasts these counties among themselves and with the state average, highlighting both similarities and differences. This exploration aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the population dynamics and challenges characterizing these declining counties in Florida.
Counties in Florida with the most rapid population decline
Franklin, Madison, Jefferson, Liberty, and Calhoun counties experienced changes in percentage from 2015 to 2020.
| County | Population (2020) | Population (2015) | % Change | Rank |
| Franklin | 11,761 | 12,999 | -9.4 | 64 |
| Madison | 18,493 | 20,285 | -8.9 | 60 |
| Jefferson | 14,246 | 15,595 | -8.7 | 63 |
| Liberty | 8,354 | 9,109 | -8.3 | 67 |
| Calhoun | 14,105 | 15,300 | -7.9 | 62 |
Franklin County
Situated in the Florida Panhandle, Franklin County recorded a population of 11,761 in 2020, marking a 9.4% decrease from the figures in 2015. It holds the 64th position among the 67 counties in Florida.
The economic foundation of the county relies on fishing, tourism, and timber. Potential factors contributing to the population decline include limited job prospects, an aging demographic, low educational achievement, and the adverse effects of hurricanes and oil spills on the environment.
Read More: Exploring the 5 Counties in Louisiana With the Most Rapid Population Decline
Madison County
Situated in North Florida, Madison County recorded a population of 18,493 in 2020, indicating an 8.9% decrease from the figures in 2015. It holds the 60th position among Florida’s 67 counties. The county’s economic pillars include agriculture, manufacturing, and health care.
Several factors potentially influencing the population decline encompass a notably high poverty rate, a low median income, the departure of young residents, and racial disparities.
Read More: Exploring the 5 Counties in Kentucky With the Most Rapid Population Decline
Jefferson County
Situated in North Florida, Jefferson County recorded a population of 14,246 in 2020, marking an 8.7% decrease from the figures in 2015. It holds the 63rd position among Florida’s 67 counties.
The local economy primarily relies on agriculture, forestry, and government activities. Factors such as limited economic diversification, a notable unemployment rate, a modest tax base, and political instability may be contributing to the observed decline in population.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Worst City to Live in Illinois
Liberty County
Situated in the Florida Panhandle, Liberty County recorded a population of 8,354 in 2020, marking an 8.3% decrease from the figures in 2015. It holds the 67th position among the 67 counties in Florida.
The local economy relies on corrections, education, and forestry. Several factors, including geographic isolation from urban hubs, reliance on state funding, restricted healthcare accessibility, and social challenges such as substance abuse and domestic violence, are believed to contribute to the observed decline in population.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Worst City to Live in Vermont
Calhoun County
Situated in the Florida Panhandle, Calhoun County experienced a population decline of 7.9%, totaling 14,105 residents in 2020, down from the figures recorded in 2015. It currently holds the 62nd position among Florida’s 67 counties.
The local economy relies on agriculture, manufacturing, and mining. Several factors, including low educational attainment, insufficient infrastructure, susceptibility to natural disasters, and competition from neighboring counties, may contribute to the observed decrease in population.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Foodie City in Colorado
Conclusion
The decline in population is a multifaceted challenge impacting various counties differently. There is no universal solution to tackle this issue.
Exploring the population trends from 2015 to 2020, we focused on five Florida counties facing significant declines: Franklin, Madison, Jefferson, Liberty, and Calhoun.
Our analysis delved into a comparative study among these counties and also compared them to the state average. Notable similarities and differences were highlighted.
The article proposed potential solutions and recommendations to address the challenges and opportunities arising from the population decline. Suggestions included offering incentives and grants, supporting health and education, promoting tourism and culture, fostering collaboration and coordination, investing in infrastructure and technology, addressing environmental and social concerns, and engaging with rural communities.
