Kentucky is a state with a rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty. However, not all of its cities are thriving in the 21st century. Some are facing population decline, economic stagnation, and social challenges. One such city is Fort Knox, an unincorporated community that hosts a major U.S. Army base. According to the latest census data, Fort Knox has the fastest shrinking population in Kentucky, losing over 27% of its residents in the past decade.
Why is Fort Knox Shrinking?
Fort Knox is best known for being the home of the U.S. Bullion Depository, where most of the nation’s gold reserves are stored. However, the city’s main source of income and employment is the military base, which covers over 100,000 acres and houses several units and commands. The base also provides education, health care, recreation, and other services to its personnel and their families.
However, in recent years, the base has undergone several changes that have affected its population and economy. In 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission recommended that the Armor School and Center, which trained tank crews and officers, be relocated from Fort Knox to Fort Benning, Georgia. This move, which was completed in 2011, resulted in the loss of about 10,000 soldiers and civilians from Fort Knox.
In addition, the base has seen a reduction in its active-duty force due to budget cuts, troop withdrawals, and restructuring. According to the U.S. Army, the number of active-duty soldiers at Fort Knox decreased from 11,000 in 2013 to 7,500 in 2019. This decline has also affected the number of dependents, contractors, and retirees who live in or near the base.
As a result of these changes, Fort Knox has experienced a significant drop in its population, from 11,933 in 2010 to 8,695 in 2019. This represents a 27.1% decrease, which is the largest among all places in Kentucky with at least 1,000 people. By comparison, the state’s population grew by 3.8% over the same period.
What are the Consequences of Fort Knox’s Shrinking Population?
The population decline of Fort Knox has had negative impacts on its economy, infrastructure, and community. Some of the consequences include:
Reduced tax revenue and spending power: The loss of income and sales taxes from the base and its residents has reduced the revenue of the local governments and businesses. According to a 2019 report by the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs, the total economic impact of Fort Knox on the region was $2.6 billion, down from $2.8 billion in 2015.
The report also estimated that the base supported 36,000 jobs, down from 40,000 in 2015. The reduced spending power of the base and its residents has also affected the demand for goods and services in the area, leading to lower profits and employment opportunities for local businesses.
Deteriorated infrastructure and public services: The population decline of Fort Knox has also reduced the demand and funding for infrastructure and public services in the area. For example, the Hardin County Water District No. 1, which serves Fort Knox and surrounding communities, has faced challenges in maintaining and upgrading its water and sewer systems due to lower usage and revenue.
The district has also struggled to comply with federal and state regulations on water quality and safety. Similarly, the Hardin County Schools, which serve about 2,000 students from Fort Knox, have faced budget cuts and enrollment declines due to the base’s population changes. The district has had to close some schools, consolidate programs, and reduce staff and resources.
Weakened social cohesion and civic engagement: The population decline of Fort Knox has also affected the social and cultural fabric of the area. The base and its residents have historically been an integral part of the community, contributing to its diversity, vitality, and identity. However, as the base has shrunk, so has its interaction and integration with the surrounding areas.
According to a 2018 survey by the University of Louisville, only 38% of Fort Knox residents felt connected to the local community, compared to 58% of residents in other military installations in Kentucky. The survey also found that Fort Knox residents had lower levels of civic engagement, volunteerism, and trust in local institutions than residents in other military communities.
Conclusion
Fort Knox is a city that has been named the fastest shrinking city in Kentucky, losing over a quarter of its population in the past decade. This decline is largely due to the changes in the military base that is the city’s main source of income and employment. The population decline has had negative impacts on the city’s economy, infrastructure, and community, creating challenges and opportunities for its future. To reverse or mitigate the effects of the population decline, Fort Knox and its stakeholders will need to work together to diversify its economy, improve its infrastructure, and strengthen its social ties.