8 “Red State” Counties People Are Fleeing As Quickly As They Can

In many ways, conservative ideologies have failed to keep in step with the times. Many feel that in the United States specifically, Republicans have veered too far into extreme discourse to remain relevant to the hopes and wishes of average everyday Americans.

This is partially to blame for the recent exodus of many Red States and their counties. As younger folks head to more cosmopolitan cities in order to live out diverse and well-rounded existences, the relevance of those who oppose that fades. These types of places are often where economic opportunity lies.

If you’re still interested in the demographic layout of the United States, or are just curious about places to possibly avoid, take a look at this list of some of the Red State counties that are seeing population declines.

1. Perry County, Alabama

Perry County is located in a remote part of Alabama.

Perry County is a county in Alabama that has seen a sharp population decline in recent years. The population of the county has gone from 10,511 to 8,510 from 2010 to 2020. This is down significantly from a historic high of 31,000 at the turn of the last century.

Perry County has a somewhat violent history in terms of racial politics. In addition, it is one of the few US counties left that does not have consistent access to broadband internet access. In addition, much of the population exists well below the poverty line, with an average income of around $10,000 dollars.

2. Bristol Bay Borough, Alaska

This county is about as remote as it comes, in the United States and the world. Situation in a sub-arctic bay in Alaska, Bristol Bay Borough has an estimated population of 885, down from from a recent count of 997.

There are no cities in this county, or even very large towns – the largest and county seat is one known as Naknek, which supports 447 people.

3. Cochise County, Arizona

Cochise County is a beautiful area in Southeastern Arizona that lies along the Mexico border. Despite some of the cultural and environmental boons this area offers, the county has scene a population decline in recent years.

The current population of Chochise County is about 127,248, which is slightly lower than its 2010 estimate of 131,359. Why this change in population has occurred isn’t exactly clear.

4. Philips County, Arkansas

Philips County is a small county in Arkansas that lies in the midst of some of the cultural and wilderness centers of that region. Despite this, the county has seen a downturn in population over the years.

Part of this is due to some of the violence that unfortunately affects the area. From the years 2016-2020, Philips County experienced some of the highest rates of gun-related homicide in the country. Residents who are leaving the county are likely to find safer places to live quite easily.

5. Gulf County, Florida

Gulf County is a community that lies in the panhandle of Florida. Despite some of the natural beauty that’s available for residents, the county has seen some population decline in recent years. The total population of the county has gone down to 13,000 from approximately 15,000 in 2010.

Some of the exodus surrounding Gulf County may have to do with the fact that the region has begun experiencing more hurricanes in recent years. Some of these storms have significantly damaged the infrastructure of some of the population centers.

6. Baker County, Georgia

Baker County, Georgia has unfortunately experience a population decline from 3,400 to 2,876 in the past ten years. Part of this is likely due to the fact that the county suffers from high levels of poverty. This has likely contributed to many of the residents seeking greener pastures.

7. Clark County, Idaho

Clark County, Idaho is a very sparsely populated county in Idaho. In fact, it really is the most sparsely populated county in this already remote part of the country.

Clark County is only growing more remote by the second, however. The current population of the Clark County is 790, which is two hundred less than approximately 10 years ago. Some of this likely has to do with the fact that these counties have trouble replacing their populations with a steady birthrate.

8. Tensas Parish, Louisiana

Tensas Parish is a small county in Louisiana that has a lot of history surrounding it. However, Tensas Parish is already the least-populated Parish in Louisiana, and this trend seems only to be increasing.

Tensas has a population of 4,123. This is a sharp drop from its historical high of around 19,000. Why this has occurred is due to a complex set of sociological issues.