28. Ocean City, NJ
Major Industries: Healthcare, Retail
Annual Growth Rate: -0.42%*
Picture this: Ocean City, a sun-soaked haven, calls out to New Yorkers and New Jersey natives alike, promising pure bliss amidst endless waves and sandy shores. But even this buzzing retreat bears scars. In 2018, this once-thriving coastal gem suffered the unwelcome title of America’s 11th fastest shrinking city, witnessing a stunning 4.8% decline in population from 2010 to 2018. Families bid farewell, causing a dearth in newborns, while the tide of mortality tipped the balance unfavorably. With Ocean City’s mature population, the challenges loom large, casting a shadow over its future.
28. Ocean City, NJ
29. West Allis, WI
Major Industries: Healthcare, Education
Annual Growth Rate: -0.01%*
Back then, the Wisconsin suburb of West Allis was home to 60,411 people. But little did they know, things were about to take a turn. Allis-Chalmers, once a vibrant manufacturing hub, had already begun its decline by then, leaving behind the echoes of a bygone era. By 1985, this once-prominent company had lost its former glory. In 2011, a report by The Atlantic vividly captured the struggles faced by households in West Allis. In the words of Jefferson Elementary’s principal, Shelley Strasser, more than half of the students qualified for free or reduced school lunch programs. The numbers soared even higher – a staggering 90% – in nearby schools. These stark realities serve as a somber reminder of the challenges faced by this resilient community.
29. West Allis, WI
