ABSTRACT
Some cities have lost overall population decade after decade. This has led to problems such as high levels of vacant land, declining infrastructure, and fewer opportunities for residents who stay. The city of Detroit is the iconic US example as it fell from a peak population of close to 2 million in 1950 to less than 800,000 in 2010. Nevertheless, Detroit is not alone. Between 1950 and 1980, 24 of the 50 largest US cities lost population, and from 1980 to 2000, 12 of the country’s largest 50 cities lost population (Beauregard 2009). Table 9.1 shows population loss in ten US cities since 1950. In 1950, all of these cities ranked in the list of the 20 largest US cities.
