9 U.S. Towns Losing Population and Home Value at the Same Time

Buying a home is a big step. You want the value of your investment to grow or at least stay steady. Some towns across the U.S. are seeing people pack up and move out. Home values are slipping at the same time. That double hit makes it tough for anyone thinking in the long term.

Several factors fuel this problem. Job loss, factory closures, aging populations, and younger individuals seeking larger cities all contribute to the trend. The result stays the same: fewer people, falling prices, and houses sitting on the market too long. Anyone planning to move, rent, or invest should pay attention to these towns.

Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Johnstown once thrived as a steel town. That industry collapsed decades ago. The population has shrunk to nearly half its peak. Many young adults leave for better job options. Homes often sit unsold, forcing sellers to drastically cut prices.

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Crime, poverty, and job losses have pushed people out of Pine Bluff. The school district struggles with funding. Homes remain cheap because buyers are scarce. Sellers lower prices to attract interest. The market offers few signs of improvement.

Danville, Illinois

Factories shut down, and jobs disappeared. People followed those jobs elsewhere. Danville’s population has steadily declined over the past twenty years. Property values have taken a hit. Even well-maintained homes often sit idle without offers.

Beckley, West Virginia

Beckley relied on coal to power its economy. Mining jobs vanished, and families followed. A steady decline in residents led to a drop in home values. Scenic views and quiet streets remain, but finding buyers is challenging. Many homes stay listed for months with little interest.

Altoona, Pennsylvania

Altoona offers trains, history, and charm. These qualities have not stopped people from leaving. Many residents search for better job opportunities in larger U.S. cities. The town’s streets feel emptier. Housing demand continues to fall. Sellers either wait longer or settle for lower offers.

Decatur, Illinois

Decatur thrived on agriculture and manufacturing. Many of those jobs have disappeared. Young professionals choose nearby cities instead. Shrinking demand forces homeowners to accept lower prices. Locals often joke that houses sell slower than snow melts in January.

Elmira, New York

Elmira grew during the railroad era. That growth stopped many years ago. Falling enrollment forced schools to merge. Many businesses shut down. Home prices sank as the population declined. Attractive homes still sit without buyers.

Cumberland, Maryland

Cumberland sits between scenic hills. Job options remain limited. Healthcare and retail dominate but do not drive significant growth. Many young people leave to find work elsewhere. The housing market reflects the shrinking demand.

Farmington, New Mexico

Farmington relied on oil and gas. Energy companies have downsized. The loss of jobs hit both the economy and home values. Houses linger on the market far longer than before. Weekends feel slow like the whole town pressed pause.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.