Texas has always been a mecca for those in search of a better life, thanks to its varied landscapes, rich culture, and plentiful economic prospects. Having said that, Texas is a great state overall, not in every single town. There has been a mass migration out of some communities as people seek greener pastures.
This article delves into five places in Texas where residents are frantically trying to escape. To help you make sense of everything, we investigate the causes of this tendency and provide evidence in the form of numbers and facts.
Wichita Falls
The picturesque Wichita Falls and surrounding cultural attractions in northern Texas have a long and illustrious history. But this isn’t stopping the town’s population from falling.
A loss of manufacturing jobs has hurt the local economy. Wichita Falls’ unemployment rate in 2023 was 6.4%, which was greater than the national average of 3.5%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median household income in Wichita Falls is approximately $47,000, which is much lower than the average of $61,874 across the state.
Several schools in the Wichita Falls Independent School District have received lower ratings on the accountability reports from the Texas Education Agency, which has been a struggle for the district.
Concerning healthcare, there has long been a problem with inadequate access to high-quality treatment. In comparison to other cities in Texas, this one does not have as many hospitals.
Between 2010 and 2020, Wichita Falls’ population fell 1.2%, as recorded by the United States Census Bureau. Greater chances in bigger cities are luring many young professionals and their families to relocate.
Port Arthur
The Gulf Coast city of Port Arthur was formerly an important center for the petroleum and natural gas industries. Its population has been declining due to the many problems it faces today.
Industrial pollution has had a significant influence on Port Arthur. According to the EPA, it is one of the dirtiest cities in all of Texas. There is an increase in the prevalence of respiratory infections and other health issues among residents.
Severe flooding and hurricanes have rendered the town vulnerable to natural calamities, which have wreaked havoc on houses and infrastructure.
Many people have lost their jobs as a result of the oil industry’s downturn. Port Arthur’s unemployment rate in 2023 was 9.2%, which was far higher than the national average. The median household income is around $38,000, which is lower than the average income in the state and the country.
The population of Port Arthur has declined by 6.5% between 2010 and 2020, according to statistics. Beaumont and Houston are attracting a large number of citizens who are leaving the area in search of better living and employment opportunities.
Read More: Areas Where Crime Lurks: Eight Texas Cities with Alarming Crime Stats
Brownsville
Brownsville, a city in southern Texas close to the Mexican border, has a lot of history but also a lot of problems with poverty and social inequality.
Nearly 30% of Brownsville’s population lives below the poverty line, placing the city among the poorest in all of Texas. Fewer hospitals and specialized medical services mean less access to high-quality healthcare.
Limited employment opportunities exist, mostly in low-wage service industries like retail and agriculture. In the year 2023, 7.8% of the population was lost to unemployment.
In terms of academics, the Brownsville Independent School District has struggled mightily and seen a number of its schools perform below expectations. A lower percentage of students than expected graduate from high school.
According to the data, there was a little decrease of 0.5% in the population of Brownsville between 2010 and 2020. Residents are fleeing for greener pastures as a result of economic hardship and a lack of possibilities.
Odessa
The western Texas city of Odessa has deep roots in the petroleum and natural gas sectors. There have been booms, but the busts have been much worse.
A large portion of Odessa’s GDP comes from the oil industry. Many people have lost their jobs as a result of the decline in oil prices. In 2023, the unemployment rate stood at 8.1%.
Many low-income households in Odessa are struggling to make ends meet, despite the fact that the typical household income is at $58,000.
When compared to other cities in Texas, Odessa’s crime rate is significantly higher. The violent crime rate was 5.4 per 1,000 residents in 2023, which was higher than the average for the state.
Several schools in the Ector County Independent School District got poor scores on state exams, which has been a problem for the district overall.
From 2010 to 2020, the population of Odessa fell 1.1%, according to the statistics. People are fleeing because of the poor quality of living and the unstable economy.
Also Read: One-of-a-Kind Traditions: Discover 9 Texas Towns Celebrating Unique Festivals
Texarkana
Despite its advantageous location on the Texas–Arkansas border, the city of Texarkana is experiencing a population decline due to serious social and economic problems.
Outside of retail and service industries, there aren’t many openings in this area’s faltering economy. In the year 2023, the unemployment rate stood at 7.5%. Compared to the rest of the state, the typical household income is quite low at roughly $42,000.
Numerous schools in the Texarkana Independent School District have failed to meet expectations. A lower percentage of students than expected graduate from high school.
With fewer medical facilities than other Texas cities, there has been a chronic issue with limited access to high-quality healthcare services.
From 2010 to 2020, Texarkana’s population fell 2.4%, according to the statistics. Residents are fleeing for greener pastures as a result of economic hardship and a lack of possibilities.
Summary
Many reasons, including economic hardship, worries about quality of life, and environmental hazards, are contributing to the exodus from these Texas towns. The state of Texas is booming, but some cities are having trouble holding on to their residents.
In order to reverse these trends and guarantee a better future for these communities, it is essential to address the underlying concerns. It will be fascinating to watch if these towns can undergo redevelopment and reestablish themselves as lively communities to live and work in.