Why Cities Lose Population: The Case of Evansville, Indiana, and Other Examples/
JOE WALLACE WRITER
OCTOBER 16, 2024
The population decline seen in Evansville, Indiana, since its peak in the 1960 census is part of a broader trend affecting many mid-sized American cities. Although Evansville has expanded its city limits over the years to mitigate the appearance of population loss, the decline would be even more significant if the old boundaries were still in place. Understanding why cities like Evansville lose population requires a look at several factors—economic shifts, suburbanization, demographic changes, and competition from larger cities. These dynamics aren’t unique to Evansville, as many cities across the U.S. have experienced similar declines for similar reasons.
Economic Shifts: The Decline of Manufacturing and Industry
A primary reason cities lose population is economic change. Evansville, like many Midwestern cities, was historically a manufacturing hub. During World War II and the decades following, the city had a robust industrial base, with factories producing everything from cars to home appliances. As manufacturing jobs began moving overseas or were replaced by automation in the latter half of the 20th century, cities like Evansville lost a significant portion of their economic foundation.
This shift, often referred to as deindustrialization, hit many other cities hard. Detroit, Michigan, is one of the most prominent examples of this phenomenon. As the U.S. automotive industry declined and manufacturing jobs vanished, Detroit’s population shrank dramatically—from a peak of 1.85 million in 1950 to under 640,000 by 2020. Like Evansville, Detroit’s population decline was driven by the loss of blue-collar jobs that once sustained the local economy. Without the availability of stable, well-paying jobs, many people left to seek employment opportunities elsewhere, contributing to the city’s decline.
Suburbanization and Urban Sprawl
Another key factor in population loss is suburbanization. After World War II, many American cities saw the rise of suburbs, as families sought larger homes, better schools, and more space outside city centers. The construction of the interstate highway system made commuting easier, and affordable housing developments attracted people to the outskirts of cities. As people left urban centers like Evansville for nearby suburbs, the population within the old city limits declined.
Even though Evansville expanded its city limits to incorporate some of these suburban areas, the out-migration continued. If the city’s original borders were still in place, the population loss would appear even more dramatic. This phenomenon is common across many U.S. cities. For instance, St. Louis, Missouri, has seen its population within city limits shrink, even as the surrounding metro area continues to grow. The flight to suburban areas leaves the urban core with fewer residents, often exacerbating issues like declining tax revenue and reduced public services.
Demographic Shifts: Aging Populations and Migration Patterns
In addition to economic and geographic factors, demographic changes can play a major role in a city’s population decline. Cities with an aging population, like Evansville, face the dual challenge of residents moving away and fewer young people coming in. When younger generations leave for college or job opportunities in larger cities, they often do not return. At the same time, birth rates in many American cities have been declining, meaning fewer new residents to replace those who leave.
This aging demographic trend is not unique to Evansville. Cities like Youngstown, Ohio, and Gary, Indiana, have experienced similar population declines as younger residents moved away and older populations aged in place. In some cases, these cities have struggled to attract new industries and employment opportunities, further exacerbating the problem.
Competition from Larger Cities
Mid-sized cities like Evansville also face increased competition from larger urban centers. Over the past few decades, many people have been drawn to large metropolitan areas such as Indianapolis, Nashville, and Chicago, which offer more diverse job markets, cultural attractions, and amenities. As a result, mid-sized cities often find it difficult to retain residents who may seek the perceived opportunities and vibrancy of larger urban centers.
For instance, Indianapolis, Indiana, has been experiencing population growth, thanks to its diversified economy, including sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology. The appeal of such economic diversity, along with cultural and recreational amenities, can make smaller cities like Evansville less competitive. The growth of larger cities can often come at the expense of smaller ones.
The Path Forward for Cities Facing Population Decline
Reversing population decline is no easy task, but some cities have found ways to adapt. Efforts to revitalize downtowns, attract new industries, and improve quality of life can help retain and attract residents. For example, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, after experiencing population loss due to the decline of the steel industry, has successfully reinvented itself as a hub for healthcare, education, and technology. This economic diversification has allowed Pittsburgh to stabilize its population and create new opportunities for growth.
Evansville has made efforts to revitalize its downtown area and attract new businesses, but like many mid-sized cities, it must continue to find ways to compete in a rapidly changing economic landscape. By focusing on improving quality of life, diversifying the local economy, and attracting younger residents, cities like Evansville may be able to reverse their population decline in the future.
IN CONCLUSION
In conclusion, cities lose population for various reasons, including economic shifts, suburbanization, demographic changes, and competition from larger cities. While these forces have contributed to Evansville’s population decline, they also present opportunities for reinvention and growth. The key for cities like Evansville is to adapt to the changing landscape, finding ways to make themselves more attractive to both residents and businesses in the years to come.
