Kansas is a state with a rich history, a diverse landscape, and a friendly culture. However, not all of its towns are thriving or appealing to residents. Some of them are facing serious challenges such as population decline, economic stagnation, environmental degradation, crime, and lack of opportunities. Here are seven Kansas towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible.
1. Coffeyville
Coffeyville is a town in southeastern Kansas that was once a booming industrial hub and a site of a famous shootout between the Dalton Gang and the townsfolk in 1892. However, in recent years, Coffeyville has suffered from a decline in manufacturing, a high poverty rate, a low median income, and a high crime rate. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Coffeyville dropped by 9.4% from 2010 to 2019, making it one of the fastest-shrinking towns in Kansas.
2. Independence
Independence is another town in southeastern Kansas that has seen better days. It was the hometown of former U.S. President Harry S. Truman and the birthplace of the first monkey astronaut, Miss Able. However, Independence has also experienced a loss of jobs, a decrease in quality of life, and a rise in social problems. The population of Independence decreased by 8.3% from 2010 to 2019, and the town has one of the highest unemployment rates, poverty rates, and violent crime rates in the state.
3. Liberal
Liberal is a town in southwestern Kansas that is known for its annual International Pancake Day race and its Dorothy’s House museum, which features a replica of the house from The Wizard of Oz. However, Liberal is also facing a number of issues that are driving people away, such as a lack of diversity, a lack of entertainment, a lack of education, and a lack of health care. The population of Liberal decreased by 6.5% from 2010 to 2019, and the town has one of the lowest median household incomes, lowest high school graduation rates, and lowest life expectancies in Kansas.
4. Ulysses
Ulysses is a town in western Kansas that is named after the Greek hero of the Odyssey. However, Ulysses is not a place where many people want to stay or return to. Ulysses is a remote and isolated town that is far from any major city or attraction. It is also a town that is heavily dependent on agriculture, which is vulnerable to droughts, floods, pests, and market fluctuations. The population of Ulysses decreased by 6.4% from 2010 to 2019, and the town has one of the highest housing vacancy rates, highest food insecurity rates, and highest suicide rates in Kansas.
5. Concordia
Concordia is a town in north-central Kansas that is home to the Cloud County Community College and the National Orphan Train Complex, which commemorates the movement of orphaned children from eastern cities to rural areas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, Concordia is also a town that is struggling to retain and attract residents, especially young people. Concordia is a town that has few job opportunities, few cultural amenities, few recreational facilities, and few social events. The population of Concordia decreased by 6.3% from 2010 to 2019, and the town has one of the lowest median ages, lowest college enrollment rates, and lowest birth rates in Kansas.
6. Wellington
Wellington is a town in south-central Kansas that is the county seat of Sumner County and the Wheat Capital of the World. However, Wellington is also a town that is losing its appeal and its population. Wellington is a town that has been hit hard by the decline of the agricultural sector, the closure of local businesses, the deterioration of infrastructure, and the migration of residents to larger cities. The population of Wellington decreased by 5.9% from 2010 to 2019, and the town has one of the highest property tax rates, highest debt per capita, and highest water rates in Kansas.
7. Parsons
Parsons is a town in southeastern Kansas that is the headquarters of the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant and the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center. However, Parsons is also a town that is facing a number of challenges that are making people leave. Parsons is a town that has a low economic growth, a low quality of education, a low access to health care, and a high incidence of drug abuse. The population of Parsons decreased by 5.8% from 2010 to 2019, and the town has one of the lowest median household incomes, lowest college attainment rates, and highest opioid overdose rates in Kansas.
Conclusion
These are some of the Kansas towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible. They are towns that have been affected by various factors such as economic decline, social decay, environmental damage, and demographic change. They are towns that need urgent attention and intervention to reverse their downward trends and revitalize their communities. They are towns that deserve better.