10 Rural Counties Americans Are Leaving in Droves

While rural areas undoubtedly have their perks and amenities, living in these areas can sometimes make it hard for people to get ahead financially for various reasons, eventually prompting locals to leave in search of more lucrative opportunities in urban areas.

Realtor.com analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau to find out which rural counties saw the biggest population decline. Then, we dug a little deeper to find out what's motivating the exodus in each of these places.

Data is pulled from the Realtor.com report unless otherwise listed.

Percent growth: -1.6%

The population dropped from 20,319 to 20,004 year-over-year (YOY) in Fulton County from July 2023 to July 2024.

While Rochester, the largest city in the county, draws tourists with Lake Manitou, the metro is lacking in job opportunities and adequate housing. The mayor cites a "retirement community mentality" that hasn't properly prioritized economic growth. Local leaders are working to change that with forward-thinking development in the hopes of revitalizing the county.

Percent growth: -1.6%

YOY, Bolivar County's population decreased from 28,850 to 28,395, marking the first of five Mississippi counties on this list. This follows a longtime trend in the area.

The county has several problems that could be sending residents away, including poor infrastructure and health outcomes, low life expectancy, flooding, and young people leaving for better economic opportunities. However, clean energy projects may provide potential for growth, if local residents can get on board.

Percent growth: -1.6%

The population of Leflore County — where 25% of people are experiencing poverty — shrank to 26,157 from 26,595 YOY. This decrease is due to a host of issues that have been plaguing the area for decades, including teacher shortages, the loss of valuable manufacturing jobs, and a general lack of resources to support basic infrastructure like hospitals.

The state is investing grant money into the area hoping to turn the tide.

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings

Compare car insurance rates in Ohio

See if you qualify for a lower rate in less than 2 minutes

Check Rates

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Percent growth: -1.7%

Washington County lost 721 people YOY, moving from 41,902 residents to 41,181, and keeping with historic population loss.

As in many Mississippi counties on this list, young people are leaving for nearby cities with better economic and job opportunities. Former residents also say the town lacks adequate shopping, restaurants, gathering spaces, and infrastructure.

Percent growth: -1.7%

It may surprise some to see a California location on this list, but Lassen County's population dropped from 28,838 to 28,340 YOY. In fact, residents have been leaving the state as a whole since 2020, according to the Sierra Daily News.

Leaders say that the high cost of housing in California has prompted the exodus, as well as "economic, health, and sociopolitical factors." Fire insurance costs have also been a driving force.

Percent growth: -2.1%

Home to the critically historically important city of Selma, the population of Dallas County shrank from 36,294 to 35,545 YOY. Economic opportunity is the main cause of the decrease as there are not enough viable jobs. Infrastructure problems are also an issue, as fewer people means less revenue to support it.

Residents and leaders are working to bring good jobs back to the area to spur population increases.

Percent growth: -2.1%

Swinging back to the West Coast, the population of Curry County decreased from 23,273 to 22,774 YOY. While the area is beautiful, wildfires and land management have been a contentious issue for residents. Those familiar with Curry County also say housing costs are extremely high and the area is isolated, with services hard to come by.

However, on the flip side, folks who prefer solitude still love living in the area.

Percent growth: -2.2%

Housing may be affordable in Mitchell County, but it still lost 449 souls YOY, dropping from 20,778 residents to 20,329.

Local leaders say that once folks graduate high school, according to a local Fox News affiliate, and once they leave for better economic opportunities they don't return. The loss of manufacturing jobs, difficulties in agriculture, and enduring impacts from Hurricane Michael also play a role. To combat this, the county is working to develop its historic downtowns to attract businesses and jobs.

Percent growth: -3.8%

The population dropped from 23,940 to 23,029 in Sunflower County YOY. Once a thriving agricultural community thanks to the cotton industry, the county has lost a whopping 10.8% of its residents since 2020. Locals say they just don't see any potential for economic growth, and rent out the houses they leave behind.

Resilient locals are committed to doing whatever it takes to redevelop the area they love.

Percent growth: -6.4%

Yazoo County tops the list with nearly twice the percentage of resident loss with a YOY drop from 24,603 to 23,024.

Like Sunflower County, Yazoo County was once a bustling center of agriculture, but residents are now seeking greener pastures with better opportunities. Flooding concerns are also a big issue. Hopeful residents say Yazoo County has potential to revitalize, but it's clear that larger changes will need to happen in order to keep people from moving away in such large numbers.

Many rural counties in the U.S. are experiencing population loss for a variety of reasons, with economic opportunities and job prospects at the top of the list. And that's not surprising, as it's difficult to pay for your bills without gainful employment.

There is hope for many counties on this list, thanks to the committed and loyal residents who say they are determined to improve conditions in the counties they love. Of course, systemic changes will need to be made in order to have an impact, which will require a larger effort from the community as a whole.