GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Statistics About The Most Abandoned Cities In America

The statistics on the most abandoned cities in America show high rates of population decline, economic hardship, and vacant or blighted properties.

Last Updated: June 20, 2024

Written & Summarized by: Jannik Lindner

How we write

In this post, we explore the most abandoned cities in America based on population loss and vacant properties. From St. Louis, Missouri, to Detroit, Michigan, and beyond, these cities have faced significant challenges leading to widespread abandonment. Let’s delve into the statistics and factors contributing to the decline of these urban areas.

Statistic 1

"The city with the greatest population loss in the U.S. (from 1950 to 2015) is St. Louis, Missouri, which lost around 63.2% of its population."

Statistic 2

"Over 70,000 properties are estimated to be vacant in the city of Detroit, Michigan."

Statistic 3

"Flint, Michigan, has seen a 22.6% decline in population from 2000 to 2010."

Statistic 4

"Nearly 12,000 homes sit abandoned in Baltimore, Maryland."

Statistic 5

"Gary, Indiana, has lost 55% of its population since the 1960s."

Statistic 6

"Buffalo, New York, lost over half its population from its peak of 580,000 in 1950."

Statistic 7

"Scranton, Pennsylvania, has nearly 3,500 vacant residential properties."

Statistic 8

"According to a 2019 survey, Youngstown, Ohio, had 4,458 vacant properties."

Statistic 9

"In Hartford, Connecticut, the population has been in decline since its peak at over 177,000 residents in 1950."

Statistic 10

"New Orleans, Louisiana, still had around 43,755 abandoned residential addresses in 2017 since Hurricane Katrina."

Statistic 11

"Dayton, Ohio, lost over 50% of its population since its peak in the 1960s."

Statistic 12

"East St. Louis, Illinois, had an estimated 8,000 abandoned properties in 2016."

Statistic 13

"According to a 2016 report, Birmingham, Alabama, had 8,000 residential buildings and over 1,000 non-residential buildings sitting vacant and neglected."

Statistic 14

"In Trenton, New Jersey, there were nearly 6,000 vacant or abandoned properties reported in 2018."

Statistic 15

"Charleston, West Virginia, has seen a consistent population decline from around 85,000 in 1960 to 47,215 in 2018."

Statistic 16

"Pine Bluff, Arkansas, had an estimated 6,800 vacant properties in 2018."

Statistic 17

"The population of Albany, Georgia, declined by about 4% from 2010 to 2018."

It is evident from the compiled statistics that numerous cities across America have been experiencing significant population declines and a surge in abandoned properties over the years. Factors such as economic decline, natural disasters, and industrial shifts have contributed to the challenges these cities face. The data highlights the urgent need for strategic urban planning, economic revitalization efforts, and community engagement to address the issues of population loss and vacant properties in these areas. By focusing on sustainable development, affordable housing initiatives, and infrastructure improvements, these cities can potentially reverse the trend of abandonment and work towards creating vibrant and thriving communities for their residents.