Tennessee boasts a varied geography and a vibrant culture, hosting over 6.9 million residents, securing its place as the 16th most populous state in the US.
Nevertheless, the state’s population trends are not uniform across all regions. While certain counties are experiencing notable growth, others confront substantial declines.
As per the latest data from the US Census Bureau, 30 Tennessee counties witnessed a decrease in population from 2010 to 2020, with 29 of them designated as rural by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
This article will delve into the five Tennessee counties undergoing the most rapid population decline, exploring potential reasons and repercussions associated with this phenomenon.
Lauderdale County
Lauderdale County is situated in the western region of Tennessee, bordering the Mississippi River. With a population of 24,342, it has experienced a notable 12.49% decrease since 2010, marking the most substantial percentage decline among all Tennessee counties.
The county is characterized by a predominantly African American population, accounting for 60.4%, and a median household income of $32,215. This income level is significantly below the state average of $56,071.
Read More: Exploring the 5 Counties in South Carolina With the Most Rapid Population Decline
Hardeman County
Hardeman County is situated in the western region of Tennessee, sharing a border with Mississippi. With a population of 24,925, there has been an 8.54% decrease since 2010.
This marks the second most substantial percentage decline among all counties in Tennessee. The county predominantly consists of an African American population, accounting for 52.5%, and exhibits a median household income of $36,551, falling below the state average.
Read More: Exploring the 5 Counties in Missouri With the Most Rapid Population Decline
Haywood County
Haywood County is located in the southwestern region of Tennessee, bordering Lauderdale County. With a population of 17,588, it has experienced a 6.38% decrease since 2010, marking the third-largest percentage decline among all Tennessee counties.
The majority of Haywood County residents are African American, comprising 50.9% of the population. The median household income is $39,019, below the state average. The county’s economy is primarily dependent on agriculture, with a particular emphasis on cotton production.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Poorest City in Tennessee
Wayne County
Wayne County, situated in the southern region of Tennessee and adjacent to Alabama, is home to 15,995 residents, signifying a 6.03% decline since 2010. Notably, this decline ranks as the fourth-largest percentage decrease among all Tennessee counties.
The demographic makeup of Wayne County is predominantly white, accounting for 94.8% of the population. Additionally, the median household income stands at $38,750, falling below the state average.
Read More: Exploring the 5 Counties in Alabama With the Most Rapid Population Decline
Crockett County
Crockett County is located in the western region of Tennessee, close to the Mississippi River. With a population of 13,707, it has experienced a 6.03% decrease since 2010, marking the fifth largest decline among all counties in Tennessee.
The majority of Crockett County’s population is white, accounting for 67.6%, and its median household income is $44,167, slightly below the state average. The county’s economy is primarily dependent on agriculture, with a focus on corn and soybean production.
Read More: This Tennessee City Has Been Named the Highest Crime Rate in the State
How Does the State Government Support These Counties?
The state government aids these counties through various means, including:
- Facilitating workforce development programs like the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) Act, which broadens access to vocational education and training for rural students and workers.
- Investing in infrastructure projects such as broadband expansion, road improvements, and enhancements to water quality.
- Providing economic incentives like grants, tax credits, and loans to attract and retain businesses and industries in rural areas.
- Improving healthcare services through initiatives like telehealth, stabilizing rural hospitals, and supporting behavioral health.
- Fostering agricultural development by backing farmers, expanding markets, and promoting research and innovation.
These represent some of the methods employed by the state government to support these counties. However, there may be additional challenges and opportunities for rural development in Tennessee. For more information, you can visit the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development website.
Conclusion
Lauderdale, Hardeman, Haywood, Wayne, and Crockett are the five Tennessee counties experiencing the most rapid population decline. These areas share common traits like rural settings, low income, elevated poverty rates, and substantial outmigration.
These counties encounter similar difficulties, including financial strain, declining services, and political and social marginalization. Nevertheless, each county possesses distinct characteristics like demographic makeup, economic framework, and environmental circumstances.
As a result, the reasons and effects of population decline can differ significantly from one county to another, demanding unique strategies and solutions for effective mitigation.
