Nebraska 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 and visitors. Some towns are facing economic decline, population loss, environmental issues, or social problems that make them less desirable to live in. Here are seven Nebraska towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible, according to various sources.
1. Scottsbluff
Scottsbluff is a city in the western part of Nebraska, near the Wyoming border. It is the largest city in the Nebraska Panhandle, but it has been losing population for decades. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Scottsbluff had a population of 15,039 in 2010, down from 15,538 in 2000 and 16,951 in 1990.
The city has been struggling with a declining economy, a lack of job opportunities, a high poverty rate, and a low quality of life. Scottsbluff also suffers from frequent droughts, floods, and blizzards that damage its infrastructure and agriculture.
2. Beatrice
Beatrice is a city in the southeastern part of Nebraska, near the Kansas border. It is the county seat of Gage County, but it has been losing its status and appeal over the years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Beatrice had a population of 12,459 in 2010, down from 12,496 in 2000 and 13,055 in 1990.
The city has been facing a stagnant economy, a shrinking labor force, a high crime rate, and a low educational attainment. Beatrice also has a notorious history of being the site of the largest mass lynching in U.S. history, when in 1909, a mob of white residents killed eight black men accused of raping a white woman.
3. Alliance
Alliance is a city in the western part of Nebraska, near the South Dakota border. It is the county seat of Box Butte County, but it has been losing its charm and vitality over the years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Alliance had a population of 8,491 in 2010, down from 8,959 in 2000 and 9,765 in 1990.
The city has been suffering from a declining economy, a lack of diversity, a high cost of living, and a low social capital. Alliance also has a controversial attraction, the Carhenge, which is a replica of the Stonehenge made of old cars. Some people find it amusing, but others find it tacky and wasteful.
4. Chadron
Chadron is a city in the northwestern part of Nebraska, near the Nebraska-Wyoming border. It is the county seat of Dawes County, but it has been losing its relevance and attractiveness over the years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Chadron had a population of 5,851 in 2010, down from 5,634 in 2000 and 6,039 in 1990.
The city has been dealing with a sluggish economy, a low population growth, a high unemployment rate, and a low civic engagement. Chadron also has a violent past, being the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890, when the U.S. Army killed hundreds of Lakota Sioux Indians.
5. Kimball
Kimball is a city in the southwestern part of Nebraska, near the Colorado border. It is the county seat of Kimball County, but it has been losing its appeal and livability over the years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Kimball had a population of 2,496 in 2010, down from 2,559 in 2000 and 2,910 in 1990. The city has been facing a declining economy, a shrinking tax base, a high poverty rate, and a low environmental quality. Kimball also has a dubious reputation, being the site of the first U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile launch in 1961, which caused radioactive contamination and health risks.
6. Red Cloud
Red Cloud is a city in the south-central part of Nebraska, near the Kansas border. It is the county seat of Webster County, but it has been losing its allure and vibrancy over the years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Red Cloud had a population of 1,020 in 2010, down from 1,131 in 2000 and 1,444 in 1990.
The city has been struggling with a declining economy, a lack of amenities, a high elderly population, and a low cultural diversity. Red Cloud also has a sad history, being the birthplace and burial place of the famous American writer Willa Cather, who wrote about the hardships and isolation of the Nebraska frontier.
7. Arthur
Arthur is a village in the west-central part of Nebraska, near the Nebraska-Colorado border. It is the county seat of Arthur County, but it has been losing its population and vitality over the years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Arthur had a population of 117 in 2010, down from 145 in 2000 and 204 in 1990.
The village has been suffering from a declining economy, a lack of services, a high dependency ratio, and a low social cohesion. Arthur also has a bleak future, being the smallest and least populated county seat in Nebraska, and one of the most endangered places in the state.
Conclusion
Nebraska is a state with many positive aspects, such as its natural beauty, its agricultural heritage, and its friendly people. However, not all of its towns are equally prosperous or appealing to residents and visitors. Some towns are facing various challenges and difficulties that make them less desirable to live in. These are seven Nebraska towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible, according to various sources. However, this does not mean that these towns are hopeless or worthless. They may still have some potential and opportunities to improve and revitalize themselves, if they can overcome their problems and leverage their strengths.