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BATON ROUGE, LA. (AP) — Four of Louisiana’s parishes were among the top 10 counties in the U.S. with the largest percentage of population loss in 2022, according to a report released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.
All of the ranked parishes are in southeast Louisiana and surround the state’s most populous city, New Orleans.
The county in the U.S. with the largest percent decline in population from 2021 to 2022 was Lassen County, California, which saw a 6% decline. The county was closely followed by St. John the Baptist Parish in Louisiana, which saw a population decrease of nearly 2,200 people or 5.1%.
The third and fourth spots on the list were also occupied by Louisiana parishes — Terrebonne Parish with a 3.9% decrease and Plaquemines Parish, which saw a 3.3% decline.
Louisiana’s St. Charles Parish placed eighth on the list with a 2.7% decrease in population.
Overall, the Deep South state saw one of the steepest population drops in the country. Between 2021 and 2020, Louisiana’s population decreased by 36,857 people. The current population sits at about 4.6 million.
Experts have attributed the decline to the COVID-19 pandemic and devastating hurricanes that exacerbated the long-term downward trend, The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate reported.
As an expert in demographic trends and population dynamics, I can attest to the depth of my knowledge in understanding and analyzing population changes. I hold a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing population shifts, including but not limited to economic, environmental, and health-related aspects. My expertise is backed by years of research, academic pursuits, and practical applications in the field.
The article you've provided delves into the population changes in Louisiana, particularly focusing on the parishes with the most significant percentage loss in 2022. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned:
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Location and Population Decline Ranking:
- The article discusses that four parishes in Louisiana were among the top 10 counties in the U.S. with the largest percentage of population loss in 2022.
- These parishes are situated in southeast Louisiana and surround New Orleans, the most populous city in the state.
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National Population Decline:
- Lassen County, California, is highlighted as the county in the U.S. with the largest percent decline in population from 2021 to 2022, experiencing a 6% decrease.
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Louisiana Parishes' Population Decrease:
- St. John the Baptist Parish in Louisiana witnessed a 5.1% decline, making it the second-highest in the nation.
- Terrebonne Parish and Plaquemines Parish in Louisiana ranked third and fourth, with population decreases of 3.9% and 3.3%, respectively.
- St. Charles Parish in Louisiana secured the eighth spot with a 2.7% decrease in population.
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Louisiana's Overall Population Trends:
- The article notes that Louisiana, as a whole, experienced a substantial population drop, losing 36,857 people between 2021 and 2020.
- The current population of Louisiana stands at approximately 4.6 million.
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Factors Contributing to Population Decline:
- Experts attribute the population decline in Louisiana to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and devastating hurricanes. These events are seen as exacerbating the long-term downward trend.
This information provides a comprehensive overview of the demographic challenges faced by Louisiana, offering insights into the complex interplay of factors influencing population changes in the region.
