Minnesota displays a stark dichotomy, featuring a lively metropolitan hub in the Twin Cities alongside expansive rural terrains throughout the rest of the state. Despite substantial population expansion observed in urban counties over the last ten years, numerous rural counties have faced a decline in residents.
As per the U.S. Census Bureau’s data, 35 out of Minnesota’s 87 counties witnessed a decrease in population from 2010 to 2020. This article delves into the five counties that experienced the most rapid population decline during that timeframe, examining the factors contributing to their diminishing numbers.
Koochiching County
This northern-central Minnesota county, sharing a border with Canada, experienced the greatest population decline in the state, with a decrease of 9.4%. The county’s population fell from 13,311 in 2010 to 12,062 in 2020.
The primary reasons behind this trend include the aging and departure of residents, along with a scarcity of economic prospects and amenities in the region. The largest city in the county, International Falls, witnessed an 11.3% decrease in population since 2010.
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Yellow Medicine County
This southwestern county in the state experienced the second-highest rate of population decline in Minnesota, with a decrease of 8.7%. The population of the county fell from 10,438 in 2010 to 9,528 in 2020.
The primary factors driving this trend include the aging and outmigration of residents, particularly among the younger generation.
Additionally, the decline in the agricultural sector and the closure of certain local businesses have contributed to the population decrease. The county’s largest city, Granite Falls, witnessed a 7.9% decline in population since 2010.
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Lac qui Parle County
This county, situated in the western-central region of the state, experienced the third-highest percentage of population decrease in Minnesota, witnessing a decline of 9.67%.
The county’s population diminished from 7,259 in 2010 to 6,557 in 2020. The predominant factors contributing to this pattern include the aging and outward migration of residents, along with a downturn in the agricultural sector.
Additionally, the lack of economic diversification and innovation in the area played a role. The largest city in the county, Madison, saw a 9.4% population reduction since 2010.
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Redwood County
Situated in the southwestern part of the state, this county experienced the fourth-highest percentage of population decline in Minnesota, registering a decrease of 5.12%. The county’s population dwindled from 16,059 in 2010 to 15,236 in 2020.
This downward trend can be attributed to various factors, including the aging and migration of residents, along with a downturn in the manufacturing and retail sectors.
Additionally, the area faces challenges related to the availability of affordable housing and quality healthcare. The largest city in the county, Redwood Falls, has witnessed a 4.7% decrease in population since 2010.
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Aitkin County
Situated in the east-central region of the state, this county experienced the fifth-highest population decline in Minnesota, with a decrease of 4.04%. The county’s population decreased from 16,202 in 2010 to 15,547 in 2020.
The primary factors contributing to this trend include the aging and migration of residents, along with the downturn in the tourism and forestry industries. Additionally, the area is affected by a lack of broadband access and public transportation. The county’s largest city, Aitkin, has witnessed a 3.8% drop in population since 2010.
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Final Words
These five counties embody the difficulties and possibilities encountered by numerous rural areas in Minnesota during the 21st century.
Despite facing a decline in population over the last decade, they possess distinctive assets and strengths that could potentially enable them to counteract this trend and draw in new residents and businesses.
Implementing strategies such as investing in infrastructure and technology, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, improving education and workforce development, promoting civic engagement and collaboration, and safeguarding their natural and cultural heritage could be instrumental in revitalizing these counties. Through these measures, the counties may fortify their resilience and prosperity for the future.
