7 Pennsylvania Towns in Crisis: Why People Are Fleeing These Pennsylvania Cities?

Pennsylvania, with its rich history, diverse culture, and scenic beauty, boasts several towns that face significant challenges, making them less attractive to potential residents. These challenges include high crime rates, low incomes, poor education, and environmental issues. Consequently, many residents are opting to leave these towns in pursuit of better opportunities elsewhere. Let’s take a closer look at seven Pennsylvania towns that are experiencing a significant exodus of residents.

7 Pennsylvania Towns Facing Exodus: A Closer Look

1. Chester

Chester, a city in Delaware County, lies on the banks of the Delaware River. Once a thriving industrial and manufacturing hub, Chester has faced challenges due to deindustrialization, urban decay, and social issues. Shockingly, it has the highest violent crime rate in the state, with 2,446 incidents per 100,000 residents recorded in 2019. Additionally, the city has the lowest median household income, standing at $29,954. The poverty rate remains high at 38.4%, while the unemployment rate stands at 10.9%. Since 2010, the city’s population has declined by 8.3%, dropping from 33,972 to 31,118 residents.

2. Johnstown

Johnstown, a city situated in Cambria County amidst the Allegheny Mountains, gained recognition for its thriving steel industry and the devastating 1889 flood that claimed the lives of over 2,200 individuals. However, the collapse of the steel industry during the 1970s and 1980s dealt a severe blow to the city’s economy and population, resulting in a decline. With a median household income of merely $24,294, Johnstown currently holds the second-lowest position in the state. The city also grapples with a high poverty rate of 37.9% and an unemployment rate of 9.4%. Since 2010, the population has dwindled by 9.5%, shrinking from 20,978 to 18,994 residents.

3. Duquesne

Duquesne, a city in Allegheny County, is situated along the Monongahela River. Once a thriving steel town, Duquesne has faced the adversities of industry decline and job loss. With a median household income of $26,186, it ranks as the third-lowest in the state. The poverty rate stands at 35.8%, while the unemployment rate reaches 11.1%. Since 2010, the city has witnessed a 7.4% decline in population, dropping from 5,565 to 5,152 residents.

4. McKeesport

McKeesport, a city in Allegheny County, sits at the confluence of the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers. Like Duquesne and Chester, it was once a thriving hub for steel and coal industries. However, McKeesport has been grappling with similar challenges. With a median household income of $28,525, it ranks fourth-lowest among all cities in the state. The poverty rate stands at 33.2% and the unemployment rate at 9.8%. Since 2010, the city’s population has declined by 6.8%, dropping from 19,731 to 18,398 residents.

5. Reading

Reading, a city in Berks County, is situated in the southeastern region of Pennsylvania. In its heyday, it served as a bustling center for manufacturing and railroads. However, over time, Reading has faced challenges in terms of economic decline and social unrest. With a median household income of $30,823, it ranks among the lowest in the state. The poverty rate stands at 36.4%, while unemployment hovers around 8.7%. Since 2010, the city’s population has seen a slight decline of 1.6%, dropping from 88,082 to 86,712 residents.

6. New Castle

New Castle, positioned near the Ohio border, is a vibrant city in Lawrence County. Though it once thrived as a hub for the tinplate and ceramic industries, it has unfortunately been impacted by deindustrialization and a decline in population. With a median household income of $31,762, New Castle ranks as the sixth-lowest in the state. The poverty rate currently stands at 25.9% and the unemployment rate at 8.9%. Since 2010, the city has experienced a 5.4% decrease in population, dropping from 23,273 to 22,022 residents.

7. Shamokin

Shamokin, a city in Northumberland County, finds itself situated in the coal region of the state. Historically known for its mining and railroad activities, the city has faced challenges due to the decline of the coal industry and the resulting environmental impact. In terms of economic indicators, Shamokin has the seventh-lowest median household income in the state, with a figure of $32,614. The poverty rate stands at 28.4%, and the unemployment rate is 8.6%. Over the past decade, the city has experienced a population decline of 4.1%, going from 7,374 to 7,070 residents.

Conclusion

These seven Pennsylvania towns depict the profound impact of economic shifts, facing hurdles like high crime rates, low incomes, and environmental concerns. The exodus of residents reflects the pressing need for revitalization. To breathe new life into these communities, concerted efforts, investment, and innovative solutions are imperative.

As they navigate challenges, these towns stand at a crossroads, beckoning for support to transform their narratives, foster opportunities, and rekindle the vibrancy that once defined their existence. The journey towards renewal demands collective commitment to uplift these towns, ensuring a more promising and sustainable future for both current and prospective residents.

FAQ 

Why are these Pennsylvania towns experiencing a decline in population?

Answer: The towns face challenges like high crime rates, low incomes, and environmental issues, prompting residents to seek better opportunities elsewhere.

What economic factors contribute to the struggles of these towns?

Answer: Deindustrialization, job loss, and the decline of key industries such as steel and coal have significantly impacted the economic landscape.

How have crime rates influenced the attractiveness of these towns?

Answer: High crime rates, particularly in cities like Chester and Reading, contribute to residents opting to leave for safer environments.

What role does unemployment play in the challenges faced by these towns?

Answer: High unemployment rates, seen in places like Duquesne and Johnstown, contribute to economic hardship and hinder residents’ prospects.

Are there any initiatives in place to address the challenges in these towns?

Answer: Efforts such as community gardens, micro-entrepreneurship, and educational initiatives showcase resilience, but broader support and investment are crucial.

Additional Resources

Here are some resources for further information

• Pennsylvania Center for Rural Affairs: https://www.rural.pa.gov/
• U.S. Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov/
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/
• Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.epa.gov/

Specific Town Information:

• Chester:
  • “Chester, Pennsylvania: Struggling to Overcome Past and Present Challenges” (NBC Philadelphia): https://www.housereal.net/reasons-why-chester-pa-is-dangerous/
  • “2020 Census Population and Housing Unit Counts for Pennsylvania” (U.S. Census Bureau): https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/PA/PST045223
• Johnstown:
  • “Johnstown Flood of 1889” (History Channel): https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj2v5Akm1Bg
  • “Cambria County Unemployment Rate” (Bureau of Labor Statistics): https://www.bls.gov/
• Duquesne:
  • “Duquesne, Pennsylvania: A Steel Town Struggles to Find Its Footing” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette): https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-09-27-fi-232-story.html
  • “Allegheny County Poverty Rate” (U.S. Census Bureau): https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/alleghenycountypennsylvania/PST045222
• McKeesport:
  • “McKeesport, Pennsylvania: A Once-Thriving City Grapples with Decline” (NPR): https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yYrpRdf_1Ro
  • “Monongahela Valley Unemployment Rate” (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): https://www.bls.gov/
• Centralia:
  • “Centralia, Pennsylvania: The Town That’s Been Burning for 50 Years” (BBC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow4UERykRbg
  • “Environmental Protection Agency Report on Centralia Mine Fire” (EPA): https://www.epa.gov/sc-mining
• Ellwood City:
  • “Ellwood City, Pennsylvania: A Steel Town’s Struggle for Reinvention” (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review): https://triblive.com/
  • “Lawrence County Unemployment Rate” (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): https://www.bls.gov/
• East Palestine:
  • “East Palestine, Pennsylvania: A Town Reeling from a Train Derailment and Chemical Spill” (The New York Times): https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/23/us/politics/east-palestine-politics.html

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