Memphis Faces Population Decline as Residents Leave Shelby County
Memphis, Tennessee, is feeling the heat lately, as the city grapples with a noticeable trend of residents bidding farewell to Shelby County. According to new data from the University of Tennessee, more than 6,300 people actually packed up and left the area last year alone. Since 2020, Shelby County has lost nearly 20,000 residents, and this is raising some eyebrows among local experts.
A Growing Concern for the Community
Shelby County is not just any county; itโs the most populated one in Tennessee, boasting over 916,000 residents in 2022. With such a large number of people calling it home, the recent trend of declining population is certainly concerning. Tim Kuhn, who heads up the Tennessee State Data Center at the University of Tennessee, points out that this situation is quite surprising. โShelby County is moving in another direction for the state of Tennessee as a whole,โ he explained.
A Stark Contrast with State Growth
To put things into perspective, Tennessee’s overall population growth is thriving, adding a million people every 20 years on average since 1960. Just last year, the entire state welcomed 77,000 newcomers, and the year before, there were about 90,000 added. Yet, amid all this growth, things arenโt looking so rosy for Shelby County. The numbers speak for themselves: over 16,786 people have left Memphis since 2020.
The Slow Decline
Since 2012, the population in Shelby County has been on a steady decline, losing over 63,000 residents in total, as noted by the University of Tennesseeโs Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research. While the center has not delved deeply into the reasons behind this exodus, itโs clear that cities like Memphis are feeling the impact.
Suburban Shifts
Interestingly, the decline isnโt uniform across the board. Suburban areas like Bartlett and Germantown have also experienced significant drops in their populations. On the other hand, places like Arlington, Lakeland, and Millington are witnessing modest growth. It seems that while some parts of Shelby County are on the decline, others are managing to hold their own.
What Lies Ahead?
Despite these shifting demographics, Shelby County remains the largest county in the state. However, experts are cautioning that the trend may not reverse anytime soon. According to projections from Kuhn and his team, we can expect to see Shelby County facing an annual decrease of about 2,000 people per year. This trend could mean another 10,000 to 20,000 residents could leave by the end of the decade. โItโs a slow but steady decline,โ Kuhn noted, pointing out the long-term implications it may have on the local community.
Looking Forward
So, what does this all mean for Memphis and Shelby County? As residents ponder their next moves, it opens the door to conversations about local services, infrastructure, and community engagement. Growth is a natural part of any city’s lifecycle, but when it slows down, a community must come together to adapt and find solutions.
As the conversations continue, itโs a reminder for everyone to keep their pulses on the local spirit, push for improvements, and welcome newcomers. After all, every little change contributes to the vibrant tapestry that is Memphis and Shelby County.
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
