Despite its reputation for Southern friendliness, stunning natural scenery, and a long and storied past, Alabama is not immune to the problems that other states encounter. The economy, crime rates, and population of certain towns are thriving, while those of others are in a downward spiral. Read about five small towns in Alabama where residents are fleeing in droves in this article. We will examine the impacted places in-depth and find the reasons for this exodus using historical data and current statistics.
Selma
The Civil Rights Movement has strong ties to the community of Selma. In 1965, the Selma to Montgomery marches played a crucial role in the struggle for African American voting rights.
The population of Selma has been falling for quite some time. A dramatic decline reflecting larger social and economic issues, the population fell from 20,756 in 2010 to around 17,000 in 2020, as reported by the United States Census Bureau.
Selma has a serious problem with unemployment. Unemployment in the city is close to 10%, which is almost double the national average. Fewer job prospects and economic instability have resulted from the closure of numerous formerly thriving companies in this area.
The city of Selma is among Alabama’s most dangerous. The city has a crime index of 4, which indicates a high level of violent and property crimes, according to NeighborhoodScout. The safest index is 100. Because of this, many people have started looking for places to live that are less dangerous.
The remaining population has a difficult environment due to economic challenges, high crime rates, and a diminishing population. Seeking safer neighborhoods and more promising futures, many families are uprooting and moving elsewhere.
Anniston
Anniston has gone through some tough times in the last few decades, despite its reputation as “The Model City” due to its planned architecture and prosperous industries.
The population of Anniston will be at 21,000 in 2020, down from 23,106 in 2010. The exodus of locals is indicative of more systemic economic problems.
The economy of Anniston took a major hit in 1999 when the Fort McClellan Army base was closed. Unemployment is high and the economy is stagnant since the city can’t seem to entice new companies and industries.
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Pollution from the Monsanto factory and other environmental concerns have been a constant in Anniston. The health of locals has taken a hit, and new companies and people are scared away as a result.
Anniston has had a hard time keeping its population due to the economic crisis and environmental concerns. Quite a few locals have departed in quest of greener pastures and more favorable employment prospects.
Prichard
Once upon a time, the Mobile suburb of Prichard was a bustling manufacturing town. Nevertheless, it has encountered considerable obstacles in the last several decades.
From 22,659 in 2010 to about 19,000 in 2020, Prichard’s population has dropped significantly. The town’s persistent problems are shown by the declining population.
The loss of Prichard’s industrial base has been detrimental to the city’s economy. With more than 30% of the population living in poverty, the city is among the poorest in Alabama.
The crime rate of Prichard is quite high, with property crimes and violent crimes being much higher than the national average. A large number of residents have fled to safer communities as a result of this.
Residents of Prichard face a difficult environment due to the mix of high crime rates and economic distress. A lot of people are getting out of here in quest of greener pastures and safer living circumstances.
Read More: From Thriving to Struggling: Seven Alabama Towns Grappling with Decline and Exodus
Bessemer
Bessemer, close to Birmingham, was a thriving steel town in its heyday. Nevertheless, the city has been greatly affected by the fall of the steel industry.
The population of Bessemer will be close to 26,000 in 2020, down from 27,456 in 2010. The emigration of citizens is indicative of the city’s larger economic woes.
High unemployment and economic stagnation have resulted from Bessemer’s steel industry’s demise. A dearth of available jobs has resulted from the city’s inability to entice new industries and companies.
The crime rate in Bessemer is quite high, with property offenses and violent crimes being much higher than the national average. Because of this, many people have started looking for places to live that are less dangerous.
As a result of its high crime rate and economic downturn, Bessemer has struggled to hold on to its residents. A large number of people have departed in quest of more favorable employment prospects and less dangerous environments.
Fairfield
Fairfield, which is also a suburb of Birmingham, has a prosperous industrial past. Nevertheless, the city has been greatly affected by the fall of the steel industry.
From 11,117 in 2010 to about 10,000 in 2020, that’s the population decline of Fairfield. The city’s economic woes are being mirrored by the exodus of citizens.
As its industrial base has declined, Fairfield’s economy has taken a hit. Over 25% of the population lives below the poverty level, ranking it among the most impoverished cities in Alabama.
The crime rate in Fairfield is quite high, with property offenses and violent crimes being much higher than the national average. A large number of residents have fled to safer communities as a result of this.
Living conditions in Fairfield are difficult due to the high crime rates and economic difficulties. A lot of people are getting out of here in quest of greener pastures and safer living circumstances.
What Happens Next?
Job possibilities and economic growth can be stimulated by efforts to attract new industries and businesses. These communities can increase their appeal to investors by providing incentives for businesses and investing in infrastructure.
Residents can feel safer and crime rates can be reduced by implementing efficient crime prevention tactics and by enhancing the police presence. There are other ways to lessen criminal activity, such as through community activities and projects that involve young people.
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Improving public health and enticing new people requires addressing environmental concerns, such as PCB pollution in Anniston. Restoring the health of these communities can be achieved through cleanup activities and environmental regulations.
A stronger feeling of community and longer resident retention rates can result from including locals in redevelopment efforts. It is possible to cultivate a feeling of pride and belonging among inhabitants through community activities, events, and endeavors.
Last Remarks
Although these towns are confronted with formidable obstacles, there is optimism over their future. These communities can overcome their difficulties and build better futures for their citizens if their governments, businesses, and citizens work together. Reversing population reductions and returning to their past grandeur are all within reach if they take action on economic, safety, and environmental concerns.