Pennsylvania, a state known for its rich industrial history and diverse communities, is experiencing a significant demographic shift. Recent data reveals that several towns across the state are losing residents at a concerning rate, with many people relocating to other cities both within and outside Pennsylvania.
This trend is reshaping the state’s economic, social, and political landscape, prompting local leaders and policymakers to search for solutions.
The Three Towns Seeing Major Population Decline
1. Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest city, has seen the most dramatic population loss in recent years. In 2021 alone, the city lost approximately 27,546 residents, leading the state in outmigration. This exodus is part of a broader trend affecting many major urban centers, but Philadelphia’s losses are particularly notable due to its size and economic significance.
2. Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, another major urban hub, has also experienced a steady decline, with 2,729 residents leaving in 2021. The city, once a powerhouse of steel and manufacturing, has struggled to retain its population amid shifting economic opportunities and an aging demographic.
3. Erie
Erie, located in the northwestern part of the state, lost 824 residents in the same period. As with many smaller industrial cities, Erie faces challenges related to job availability, aging infrastructure, and limited appeal to younger generations.
Why Are Residents Leaving?
Economic Factors
Pennsylvania’s economy has been described as “uncompetitive,” with high taxes, regulatory burdens, and a declining working-age population driving people to seek better opportunities elsewhere. The state has consistently ranked among the bottom ten for population growth since 2020, losing over 49,000 residents to domestic outmigration in just a few years.
Aging Population
The combination of an aging population and a shrinking workforce is putting pressure on local economies and public services. As older residents retire and younger people leave for more dynamic job markets, towns struggle to maintain their tax base and support essential services.
Changing Industries
Many towns in Pennsylvania grew around single industries, such as coal, steel, or railroads. As these industries declined, so did the job opportunities, prompting residents to move in search of work. Efforts to diversify local economies have had mixed results, with healthcare, manufacturing, and retail emerging as new anchors in some areas.
Quality of Life
Access to quality jobs, affordable housing, healthcare, and education are critical factors influencing migration. Rural areas, in particular, have struggled to attract and retain younger residents due to limited amenities and opportunities.
Where Are Pennsylvanians Moving?
The top destination for Pennsylvanians leaving the state is Florida, with more than 31,700 people relocating there between 2018 and 20227. Other popular destinations include New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Virginia.
Within Pennsylvania, some residents are moving from declining rural and urban areas to growing suburban and southeastern counties, such as Chester, Montgomery, and Cumberland, which collectively added about 63,400 residents from 2020 to 2024.
The Broader Impact
Economic Consequences
Population loss translates into lower tax revenues, school closures, and reduced economic activity. For example, Blair, Bedford, and Cambria counties are projected to lose nearly 8% of their 2020 population by 2050, threatening the viability of local governments and businesses.
Policy Responses
In response, Pennsylvania lawmakers have established the Rural Population Revitalization Commission to study the issue and recommend solutions, including legislative and regulatory reforms aimed at attracting new residents and retaining current ones.
Conclusion
The outmigration from towns like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Erie underscores a larger statewide challenge: Pennsylvania must adapt to changing economic realities and demographic trends. While some regions are growing, others are losing residents at an unsustainable rate.
Addressing these challenges will require coordinated efforts to boost economic competitiveness, improve quality of life, and create opportunities that appeal to both current and future generations. Without meaningful intervention, the decline in these towns could have lasting effects on the entire state’s prosperity and vitality
Source:
[1] https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2025/03/growth-mindset-state-local-leaders-strive-to-reverse-rural-population-decline/
[2] https://commonwealthfoundation.org/2024/12/20/pennsylvanias-uncompetitive-economy/
[3] https://wmmr.com/2024/01/04/people-are-leaving-pennsylvania-for-these-cities/
[4] https://nchstats.com/population-of-pennsylvania/
[5] https://patch.com/pennsylvania/across-pa/these-pa-towns-saw-most-residents-leave-2021-census
[6] https://www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege/2024/07/rural-pennsylvania-population-decline-legislature-jobs-health-care-housing/
[7] https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/10/04/pennsylvania-moving-out-of-state-migration
[8] https://www.rural.pa.gov/download.cfm?file=Resources%2FPDFs%2F2024+County+Estimates+Fact+Sheet+Web.pdf
[9] https://commonwealthfoundation.org/2023/12/20/pa-population-decline/
[10] https://stacker.com/stories/pennsylvania/where-people-pennsylvania-are-moving-most
[11] https://radio.wpsu.org/2023-10-05/pennsylvania-projection-population-decline-and-elderly-population-rise
[12] https://www.rural.pa.gov/download.cfm?file=Resources%2Freports%2Fassets%2F255%2FReversing+Pop+Decline+in+Rural+PA+June+2023.pdf