It’s not just the state’s cities, it’s the state.
Not only have the states two largest cities (for now) lost population every year since 2000, but the state has in seven of the past 10 years, according to U.S. Census estimates.
And in two of those years it didn’t lose population those gains were marginal — 0.04% in 2012 and 0.10 in 2011.
Meanwhile, in the seven years since 2012 the losses have steadily increased and are projected to hit 0.77% this year and next year.
As for our two most populous cities — Charleston and Huntington — their number shave slipped drastically since the beginning of the decade.
Charleston has witnessed the greatest loss with nearly 4,000 people moving on since 2000, down from 51,272 to 47,215 last year.
Huntington’s population has shrunk from 49,153 in 2000 to 46,048. Beckley, Wheeling and Parkersburg have all also lost more than 1,000 residents, the latter two losing 1,700 and 1,800 respectively.
Yes, Morgantown is one of the few exceptions to this harsh reality, as more than 1,300 people swelled our population to more than 31,000 since 2000, making it the third largest city in the state.
These numbers and rankings mean a lot in many respects, including to a business or resident looking to relocate or start up here.
Aside from a few pockets where a dynamic local economy and thriving neighborhoods exist, many will question moving elsewhere to a city its own people have quit.
Some will also point out these losses will cost us one of our three seats in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022.
However, that may be a good thing judging by how some members of our congressional delegation put the past before the future.
But most importantly, what this shrinking population will mean as soon as 2021 is that our pool of federal funding will also shrink.
At a time when a large portion of our population is aged, unhealthy and poor this can only end worse.
Obviously, it’s imperative for public officials to get out in front of ensuring everyone is counted in next year’s census.
It’s also important, that we increase opportunities for young people. Such initiatives as the free community college initiative, is an example.
Continuing to diversify our economy and the job market is also keenly important to stabilizing our population.
Make no mistake, this exodus is no trend that signals more for those of us who remain.
Indeed, it means budgets will only get tighter as revenues and services are lost in the exchange.
