Arkansas, a state whose population has increased by more than 95,000 in the last decade, is currently seeing a drastic shift. Despite an annual growth rate of 0.3%, several towns are seeing a mass departure, leaving ghostly echoes of once-thriving communities.
Let’s look into the shocking reasons why inhabitants are fleeing these ten Arkansas towns as if their lives depended on it.
Pine Bluff: a city in despair
Pine Bluff, which was once a thriving city, is now a shell of its former self. With a population decrease of more than 5% since the last census, the city is plagued by high crime rates and a bleak job environment. The average salary in Pine Bluff is $37,000, which is significantly lower than the national average, making life difficult.
Blytheville: A Declining Town
Blytheville, a community in far northeast Arkansas, is seeing a 2.35% annual drop. What are the reasons? A combination of low-performing public schools, high crime, and a lack of amenities. The average income of $43,000 and a poverty rate of nearly 20% present a bleak picture of life in Blytheville.
Osceola: The Forgotten Town
Osceola, a community with a rich history dating back to 1837, is experiencing an annual drop of more than 2%. The town’s challenges include below-average public schools, high crime rates, and a scarcity of amenities. Osceola’s population face harsh circumstances, with an average income of only $39,000 and a poverty rate of more than 20%.
Altheimer: A Struggling Community
Altheimer, a small hamlet in Jefferson County, is seeing a 1.78% yearly population drop. The town is plagued with badly ranked public schools, a scarcity of amenities, and a failing job market. The average income here is $27,000, which is much lower than the national average.
El Dorado: The City Loses Its Shine
El Dorado, recognized for its low cost of living (average property prices are $94,000), is dropping at a 1.74% yearly pace. Despite the low cost of living, the city suffers from high crime rates and a shortage of activities, particularly for young people. The median household income is roughly $42,000.
Smackover: The Oil Town Runs Dry
Smackover, which thrived during the 1920s oil boom, is now decreasing, with a population decrease of 1.26% every year. Despite low crime rates and a low cost of living, the town lacks services and activities, and the median household income is $59,000.
Elaine: The Tiny Town is Disappearing
Elaine, a small town in the Arkansas Delta region, loses more than 4% of its population per year. The community, which is mostly populated by families, has low-performing public schools, a severe shortage of amenities, and a very weak job market. More than 20% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Marion: The Suburban Dilemma
Marion, located in the Memphis metropolitan area, is losing 0.68% of its population each year. Despite a low cost of living and a close-knit community, the city is dealing with increased crime and limited services. The median home value is approximately $170,000, while the average household income is $80,000.
West Memphis: The City in Decline
West Memphis, which is part of the Memphis metropolitan region, is shrinking at a rate of 1.41% each year. The city is plagued by high crime rates, inadequate housing, a dismal job market, and a scarcity of amenities. The average income is $35,000, yet the poverty rate is 25%.
In an otherwise prospering state, these ten towns serve as harsh reminders of the challenges that small-town America faces. From economic hardship to crime and a lack of amenities, the causes for their demise are as varied as they are compelling. As we learn the stories behind these declining populations, we can’t help but worry about what the future holds for these once-thriving Arkansas communities.