Tennessee is a state with a lot of diversity and charm, but not every town is a desirable place to live. Some towns are facing population decline, economic stagnation, crime, and other challenges that make them less attractive to potential residents. In this article, we will look at seven Tennessee towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible, based on the latest population estimates and other data sources.
1. Memphis
Memphis is the largest city in Tennessee, but also the one with the largest population decrease. According to SmartAsset, Memphis had a population of 621,050 in 2022, down from 652,231 in 2017. Over 30,000 people moved out of the city in those five years, a decline of 4.78%. Some of the reasons for this exodus may include high crime rates, low median income, poor public schools, and racial tensions.
2. East Ridge
East Ridge is a suburb of Chattanooga, located near the Georgia border. It has a population of about 21,000, but it is shrinking fast. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, East Ridge lost 3.8% of its population between 2010 and 2020, the second-highest percentage in the state. The town also has a high poverty rate of 19.4%, and a low median home value of $123,600.
3. Humboldt
Humboldt is a small town in Gibson County, about 85 miles northeast of Memphis. It was once a thriving agricultural center, known for its strawberry festival and tomato industry. However, in recent years, Humboldt has suffered from economic decline, job losses, and population loss. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Humboldt’s population dropped by 12.5% between 2010 and 2020, from 8,452 to 7,398. The town also has a high poverty rate of 28.9%, and a low median household income of $29,375.
4. Covington
Covington is the county seat of Tipton County, about 40 miles north of Memphis. It has a population of about 8,800, but it is losing residents at a rapid pace. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Covington’s population declined by 11.4% between 2010 and 2020, from 9,038 to 8,007. The town also has a high crime rate, a high poverty rate of 25.6%, and a low median household income of $32,917.
5. Union City
Union City is the county seat of Obion County, located in the northwest corner of Tennessee. It has a population of about 10,000, but it is shrinking steadily. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Union City’s population decreased by 10.8% between 2010 and 2020, from 10,895 to 9,718. The town also has a high unemployment rate of 7.5%, a high poverty rate of 23.8%, and a low median household income of $36,250.
6. Brownsville
Brownsville is the county seat of Haywood County, about 60 miles northeast of Memphis. It has a population of about 9,000, but it is losing people fast. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Brownsville’s population fell by 10.6% between 2010 and 2020, from 10,292 to 9,203. The town also has a high crime rate, a high poverty rate of 31.9%, and a low median household income of $30,682.
7. Ripley
Ripley is the county seat of Lauderdale County, about 50 miles north of Memphis. It has a population of about 8,000, but it is declining rapidly. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Ripley’s population dropped by 10.4% between 2010 and 2020, from 8,445 to 7,570. The town also has a high poverty rate of 28.4%, and a low median household income of $31,250.
Conclusion
These are some of the Tennessee towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible, due to various factors such as population decline, economic hardship, crime, and lack of opportunities. While these towns may have some historical and cultural value, they are not the best places to live in the state. On the other hand, there are many other towns and cities in Tennessee that are growing and thriving, such as Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Lebanon, and Chattanooga.
These places offer more jobs, education, entertainment, and quality of life for their residents. Therefore, if you are looking for a new place to call home in Tennessee, you may want to avoid the towns on this list and consider the ones that are on the rise.