Discover the 5 Fast-Shrinking Counties in East Texas
Texas is a big state with 268,597 miles, a population of 30,029,572in June 2022, and 254 counties. The eastern region of Texas has 38 counties, pine tree forests, mills, ranches, agricultural property, and other industries. In the last two years, five counties have been called the fastest-shrinking counties in southeast Texas.
Texas has a diverse population and is primarily a growing state. The weather in Texas and the Southern hospitality the residents are known for are two reasons why people move to the state. In portions of the state,, there are plenty of job opportunities and chances for educational, personal, and financial advancement. Unfortunately, the entire state does not offer the same opportunities, and that is causing some areas to lose residents faster than others.
Which counties are losing population? How many people have moved out of each county? What is causing the population drop in these counties? This article is designed to help you understand the answers to these questions.
5. Houston, County; 31.2378° N, 95.4778° W
Most people have heard of Houston, Texas. The home of the Astros, Space Center Houston, and other spectacular places. But, in the case of the fastest-shrinking counties in East Texas, our number one pick is Houston County, not Houston City. The residents of Houston County are mostly older people, while the residents of Houston City are younger. More people in the city rent their homes, and more people in the county own them.
Houston County is in the Piney Woods’ eastern portion of the state. The county was established in June of 1837 and named after Sam Houston. The largest industries in this county are health care and human services. The main reason for the population decrease in this county is a lack of diversity in jobs. 19% of the county is poverty-stricken. The towns are far apart, and there are not many jobs available. People cannot get to and from work without the financial security to own a car. There are limited areas where a person could call an Uber; most cities do not offer city buses or transportation, and there are no taxi cab services.
In 2020, Census records show the population of Houston County was 12,016; in 2022, the population had reduced to 21,950. That means the county lost 117 residents in two years.
4. Newton, County; N 30° 50′ 56.8068″, W 93° 45′ 26.6904″
The county seat of Newton County, Texas, is the city of Newton. The county encompasses 940 miles in the lower portion of the timber region in East Texas. Newton County was established in April 1846 and named after John Newton, a veteran of the American Revolution. The boundaries of the county have remained unchanged since that time.
Newton County job opportunities are the reason people are moving to other locations. 24% of the county population is poverty-stricken. The main industries in the county are manufacturing, health care, and social assistance. The Sabine River runs along the county’s eastern border, separating it from Louisiana. Life moves at a slower pace in this county.
The pine forests in this area create employment opportunities in the lumber industry. Cell service is nonexistent in many sections of the county and poor in other sections. Newton County suffers from a housing shortage. Most of the population owns homes instead of renting.
In 2020, Census records show the population of Newton County was 22,067; in 2022, the population had reduced to 12,052. That means the county lost 164 residents in two years.
3. Jasper, County; 30.9264° N, 93.9878° W
The county seat of Jasper County, Texas, is the city of Jasper. Jasper County covers 970 miles, covered by pine trees. Jasper gained notoriety after the hate crime murder of James Byrd Jr. in June of 1998. 34.2% of the county’s population are low-income, and 14% live in poverty.
The main industries in Jasper County are the health and human services industry and manufacturing. Jasper City is 18 minutes south of Lake Sam Rayburn, and the town’s nickname is the Jewel of the Forest. Most people moved out of Jasper due to low employment prospects. There are limited job opportunities in the county. Most of the county residents are middle- to senior-aged individuals.
Jasper is a quintessential rural small town with lower than average crime rates for violent crimes and a high population of families that like the slower-paced lifestyle even without the economic opportunities that bigger cities offer. Housing in this county is hard to find and often priced higher than the average worker can afford. That fact has created a higher homeless population, even among employed people.
In 2020, Census records show the population of Jasper County was 32,983; in 2022, the population had reduced to 32,484. That means the county lost 499 residents in two years.
2. Bowie, County; 33.4473° N, 94.4800° W
Bowie County has a rich history. The county was established in 1840 and named after James Bowie. Bowie County is in the far northeast corner of East Texas. The terrain in this county is flatter than you see in Jasper or Newton Counties, and there are fewer pine trees in the area. Farming is easier to do because of the flatter land.
This county covers 923 miles. The main job opportunities in Bowie County are in the health and human services departments, education, and retail sales. The lack of job opportunities has created an exodus from the county. A lack of affordable housing contributed to the population decrease in Bowie County. 15.8% of the population of the county does not have permanent housing. 16.4% of the population is poverty-stricken. This is higher than the national average of 12.6%. The majority of poverty-stricken and homeless people in the county are females between the ages of 35 and 55.
In 2020, Census records show the population of Bowie County was 92,903; in 2022, the population had reduced to 92,035. That means the county lost 868 residents in two years.
1. Jefferson, County; 29.8165° N, 94.1514° W
Jefferson County is home to larger cities than Newton, Jasper, or Bowie counties. It is also home to a population of 18.2% living in poverty. This county encompasses 913 square miles. The terrain is low and flat, and the county is closer to the Gulf of Mexico than the other counties are.
The main industries offering employment in East Texas are health and social services, construction, and retail trade. Housing shortages, a lack of job opportunities, and poor educational facilities are the main reasons for the population decline. Without adequate housing and employment opportunities, the people in a county have no chance of growing and improving their situations.
Jefferson County has more cultural activities than the other four counties listed because the larger towns attract individuals who work in management and white-collar jobs. Most residents own homes instead of renting, and most homes have two cars. Jefferson County is one of the fastest-shrinking counties in East Texas due to a lack of opportunities for lower and middle-class individuals.
In 2020, Census records show the population of Jefferson County was 256,526; in 2022, the population had reduced to 250,830. That means the county lost 5,696 residents in two years.
Summary of the 5 Fast-Shrinking Counties in East Texas
County | 2020 Population | 2022 Population | Population Loss |
Jefferson | 256,526 | 250,830 | 5,696 |
Bowie | 92,903 | 92,035 | 868 |
Jasper | 32,983 | 32,484 | 499 |
Newton | 12,016 | 12,052 | 164 |
Houston | 22,067 | 21,950 | 117 |