These 5 Counties in California Face Serious Population Decline

The Golden State used to be the most prosperous in the country. Some will say, this is true now as well. But in terms of population prosperity, the Golden State faces serious problems. Many people have left the state in the wake of the high cost of living and other factors. Home to 58 counties, the state of California is facing a serious population decline. In some of the counties, this trend is very obvious. Here in this blog, I will reveal to you the 5 counties that face this serious problem. So, hang in here for a while and get a glimpse of exclusive statistical data.

1. Modoc County

At 8,403 residents as of right now, Modoc County is the fastest-shrinking county in California, having lost 13.25% of its entire population since 2010. Modoc has a relatively low population density of two persons per square mile due to its small land area of 4,203 square miles. Due to government ownership of the majority of the land, Modoc has a small population. But the remaining population is also fleeing from the county.

2. Lassen County

The county, which has a population of about 28,000, saw its population drop by 6% in a year, making it the highest percentage fall in the country. Historically, the area was a center for farming, mining, and lumbering; today, its main uses are as the locations of two state and one federal prison. The closure of the California Correctional Center, a state prison that employed around 1,000 staff members and housed roughly 3,000 convicts, is the main cause of this significant decline.

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3. Alpine County

Located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe, Alpine County is the smallest county in California in terms of both land and population. Alpine County had the third-highest rate of population reduction in the state over the course of a year, declining by 10.64%.

The lack of affordable housing and services in the county is mostly to blame for this downturn, which poses difficulties for young families and workers looking to settle down in the area. The demographics of the region and the lack of economic prosperity can also be the contributing factors.

4. Mono County

At 12,892 persons overall, Mono County is the fourth-fastest decreasing county in California, having lost 9.22% of its population since 2010. With 3,132 square miles of land area, Mono has a population density of four persons per square mile. The county’s high cost of living and housing is the main cause of this decline, making it unaffordable for a large portion of workers and inhabitants.

Mono County is the ninth most valuable house value in the state, with a median property value of $494,900. Its typical rent, at $1,193, is the fourteenth costliest. Due to its reliance on tourism and leisure, the county is subject to fluctuations in demand and income that occur on a seasonal and cyclical basis.

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5. Butte County

At 209,121 inhabitants overall, Butte County is the fifth-fastest decreasing county in California, having lost 4.94% of its population since 2010. Butte has a population density of 127 persons per square mile due to its 1,636 square mile land area. The Sacramento River has a major influence on the California Central Valley, which includes Butte. One of the main causes of the region’s declining population is the frequency of fires.

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Conclusion

The population decline in any region happens due to many intermingled factors. Crime rate, economic prosperity, law enforcement measures, and geography of the area are some of the factors that can be held accountable for the population trend in an area.

These counties need more help and funding from the federal and state governments, as well as donations from the nonprofit and commercial sectors, to address these problems and improve their circumstances. Furthermore, these counties must take steps to make the most of their advantages and strong points, like their scenic surroundings, rich cultural legacy, and sense of community.