7 Alabama Cities People Are Leaving as Soon as Possible
Alabama is a state that boasts a fascinating history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Unfortunately, some of its towns are not doing well and may not be attractive to both residents and visitors. Certain towns are confronted with significant challenges, including high crime rates, low incomes, inadequate education, and limited opportunities.
These factors have prompted numerous individuals to quickly leave these towns in search of improved lives elsewhere. Discover seven towns in Alabama that have seen a population decline.
Selma
Selma is a town that was at the center of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. It gained historical significance for being the location of the influential Bloody Sunday march and the Selma to Montgomery marches. Nevertheless, Selma has struggled to thrive in recent times, despite its rich historical background.
The poverty rate in this area is among the highest in the nation, standing at 41.9%, while the median household income is one of the lowest, at $23,283. In addition, the city experiences a significant number of violent crimes, with a rate of 1,450 per 100,000 residents. Furthermore, the graduation rate in the area is relatively low, standing at 79.1%.
A significant number of individuals have departed Selma in pursuit of more favorable prospects, leading to a notable decrease in population of 12.9% in the last few years.
Anniston
Anniston used to be a bustling industrial hub, manufacturing iron, steel, and munitions. Unfortunately, it has been plagued by deindustrialization, environmental contamination, and economic decline. The poverty rate stands at 31.7%, while the median household income is $30,085.
Additionally, the violent crime rate is 1,381 per 100,000 residents. Additionally, the city’s quality of life index is quite low, placing last among all cities in Alabama. A significant number of individuals have departed from Anniston in recent times, leading to a notable decrease in the population by 8.5% in the last few years.
Bessemer
Bessemer, a town that was once a thriving mining and manufacturing center, gained the nickname “The Marvel City”. Nevertheless, it has encountered significant obstacles including racial segregation, urban decay, and unemployment. The poverty rate stands at 29.9%, while the median household income is $31,308. Additionally, there is a violent crime rate of 2,986 per 100,000 residents.
Additionally, the educational attainment level is relatively low, with a mere 13.9% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Over the past decade, Bessemer has experienced a decrease in population, with many residents choosing to leave the area.
Prichard
Prichard used to be a thriving suburb of Mobile, drawing in middle-class families and businesses. Unfortunately, it has gone through a series of financial missteps, unethical behavior, and insolvency. The poverty rate in this area is 33.9%, with a median household income of $24,883. Additionally, the violent crime rate is 1,026 per 100,000 residents.
Additionally, its livability score is quite low, placing it at 222nd out of 228 cities in Alabama. A significant number of individuals have departed from Prichard over the past ten years, leading to a notable decrease in population by 9.8% in the last few years.
Fairfield
Fairfield is a town that used to be a bustling community, known for being the headquarters of U.S. Steel and the alma mater of baseball legend Willie Mays. Unfortunately, the city has been negatively impacted by the decline of the steel industry, the departure of significant employers, and the deterioration of infrastructure and services.
The poverty rate stands at 35.8%, while the median household income is $28,590. Additionally, the violent crime rate is 2,014 per 100,000 residents. Additionally, the graduation rate is quite low, standing at 77.4%. A significant number of individuals have departed from Fairfield in recent times, leading to a notable decrease in the population by 11.5% in the last few years.
Lanett
Lanett, a town situated on the Alabama-Georgia border, was once a thriving hub for textile manufacturing. Unfortunately, the town has faced significant challenges due to the closure of mills, job losses, and the rise in drugs and crime. The poverty rate stands at 30.4%, while the median household income is $26,938.
Additionally, there is a violent crime rate of 1,274 per 100,000 residents. Additionally, the city has a notably low quality of life index, placing it near the bottom of the rankings among cities in Alabama. Lanett has experienced a decrease in population of 7.9%, as many residents have chosen to leave the area.
Tarrant
Tarrant is a town that used to be a bustling hub of industry and homes, situated close to Birmingham. Nevertheless, it has encountered various difficulties including poverty, pollution, and blight. The poverty rate stands at 28.6%, while the median household income is $31,250. Additionally, there is a violent crime rate of 1,647 per 100,000 residents.
In addition, the educational attainment level is relatively low, as only 11.4% of adults possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. A significant number of individuals have departed from Tarrant over the past few years, leading to a notable decrease in the population by 10.4% between in the last few years.
Summary
Here are a few towns in Alabama that residents are leaving quickly for reasons including crime, poverty, education, and lack of opportunity. Although these towns have some positive aspects and potential for improvement, they also face numerous challenges and difficulties that may deter residents and visitors. Consequently, numerous individuals are opting to abandon these towns and pursue more promising opportunities elsewhere.