Population Trends Along the Mississippi River: Growth and Decline in US Cities
The Mississippi River corridor in the United States has long been a symbol of economic prosperity and cultural heritage. However, recent data reveals a mixed picture in terms of population growth and decline among the cities stretching along its banks. Here, we explore the current population trends of cities outside of Minnesota, with a focus on those experiencing growth and those that are faced with economic and demographic challenges.
Current Population Trends
Among the 196 cities and towns along the Mississippi River outside of Minnesota, with sufficient population data, 72—approximately 37%—are currently experiencing growth. Of these, 60 cities and towns saw population increases greater than 1% over the past year, while three stayed the same. Sadly, 121 cities and towns, or 62%, experienced population declines, highlighting the overall economic and demographic challenges faced by many communities along the river.
City-Specific Population Growth and Decline
Population Growth: Most of the cities with population growth are small towns with populations under 10,000. Notable examples include:
New Orleans, Louisiana (0.31% increase, now 389,648) Cape Girardeau, Missouri (0.62% increase, now 39,323) Bettendorf, Iowa (0.35% increase, now 35,793) Chalmette, Louisiana (1.05% increase, now 23,602) Arnold, Louisiana (0.18% increase, now 21,107) Harvey, Louisiana (1.65% increase, now 20,712)Interestingly, the combined population of all 196 towns outside of Minnesota decreased from 3,077,271 to 3,064,534 over the past year, marking a loss of 12,737 people. This translates to an average daily loss of 35 people, further emphasizing the ongoing decline in many river communities.
Top 10 Cities with the Biggest Population Gains
Commerce, Missouri ( 83.56%) Hamburg, Illinois ( 68.63%) Spokane, Louisiana ( 35.34%) Gilead, Illinois ( 25.91%) Thebes, Illinois ( 21.17%) Grand Tower, Illinois ( 17.22%) Panorama Park, Iowa ( 16.67%) Port Byron, Illinois ( 16.59%) Sabula, Iowa ( 16.35%) Friars Point, Mississippi ( 15.38%)Top 10 Cities with the Biggest Population Losses
Kimmswick, Missouri (-18.38%) Luxora, Arkansas (-17.62%) Cairo, Illinois (-16.14%) East Cape Girardeau, Illinois (-14.51%) Sauget, Illinois (-14.29%) Newellton, Louisiana (-14.14%) Nauvoo, Illinois (-13.61%) Caernarvon, Louisiana (-13.47%) Edgard, Louisiana (-13.05%) Buras, Louisiana (-13.01%)Economic State by State
Some states are more affected than others in terms of population decline. Here’s an analysis of the states outside of Minnesota along the Mississippi River, ranked by the percentage of their river cities currently losing population:
Tennessee: 100 - only three towns but all three declined last year Arkansas: 78 Mississippi: 75 Kentucky: 67 Illinois: 62.3 Iowa: 61.5 Missouri: 60 Wisconsin: 57 Louisiana: 56These statistics paint a complex picture of the current state of cities along the Mississippi River. While some small towns are experiencing growth, the overwhelming majority are facing declining populations. Understanding these trends is crucial for policymakers, urban planners, and community leaders who are working to revitalize the regions along this historic river.