5 Fastest Declining Cities in Texas

In this article, we will take a look at the 5 fastest declining cities in Texas. If you would like to read our discussion on the Texas economy, you can go to the 11 Fastest Declining Cities in Texas.

5. Arlington

3-Year Population Change: -1.07%

2020 – 2021 Population Change: 0.34%

Arlington, Texas, located between Dallas and Fort Worth, is known for its diverse economy and attractions like AT&T Stadium and Six Flags Over Texas, attracting visitors and businesses to the area. However, the city has witnessed a decline in population in recent years. Furthermore, Arlington’s per capita income change is one of the highest among Texas cities on this list, experiencing a decline of -35.5% between 2019 and 2022.

4. Laredo

3-Year Population Change: -2.40%

2020 – 2021 Population Change: −2.25%

Laredo is a city facing socioeconomic problems. The city has a high poverty rate, nearly double the national average at 25.4%, impacting a large portion of its population. Moreover, Laredo ranks among the least culturally diverse cities to live in. The city has also faced huge challenges connected with the drug trade and narcotics usage in recent decades, although these challenges are not unique to Laredo. Additionally, residents experience high sales and property taxes. Despite having friendly residents, the city’s negative aspects outweigh the positives, making Laredo one of the fastest declining cities in Texas.

3. Corpus Christi

3-Year Population Change: -3.17%

2020 – 2021 Population Change: −1.61%

Corpus Christi observed a -0.60% change in unemployment and a -32.4% change in home values between 2019-2022. The city is known for its high crime rate and a 16.9% poverty rate. A lack of spending from local and state governments has impacted infrastructure and development projects, placing Corpus Christi financially behind larger Texas cities like Houston and Dallas. Additionally, limited job opportunities contribute to the challenges faced by the city.

2. Dallas

3-Year Population Change: -3.28%

2020 – 2021 Population Change: 1.04%

Dallas, Texas, is an urban city known for its diverse population and employment opportunities. However, it has experienced one of the most significant population decreases among all Texas cities, primarily due to factors like high living costs. The city’s rapid urbanization has caused an increase in the cost of homes, rising from $122,000 in 2013 to $325,000 in 2023. Many Dallas residents are leaving because of declining living conditions and disappearing natural landscapes. Between 2020 and 2021, approximately 15,000 people moved away from Dallas, citing issues such as overcrowding and susceptibility to natural disasters. The city also faces problems like air pollution and a lack of green spaces, making it one of the worst outdoor cities in America. Dallas’ education system is also criticized, prompting families to seek better educational opportunities elsewhere. Moreover, since January 2023, crime rates in Dallas have increased, with a 9.5% rise in homicides and a 15% increase in aggravated assaults. These various factors collectively contribute to the decline in Dallas’ population.

1. San Antonio

3-Year Population Change: -4.80%

2020 – 2021 Population Change: −6.19%

San Antonio is known for its cultural diversity and has a strong education system, with an 80% high school graduation rate in 2019. However, the city is distant from major Texas cities like Dallas and Houston. The extreme heat throughout the year is a common source of discomfort for residents. Moreover, San Antonio struggles with a high crime rate, surpassing 75% of cities in the US. Frequent thunderstorms contribute to power outages, posing additional challenges for residents. Furthermore, the city has a poverty rate of 18.6%, higher than the US average of 14.1%.