RANKING · 2000 CENSUS · 500 SHOWN OF 3,122
Fastest shrinking, US counties · 2000
US counties with the steepest population decline from the 1990 census to 2000. Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska leads at -42.3%. 3,122 counties qualify in total. North Dakota carries 12 of the top 25 entries.
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RANKPLACESTATEPOPPOPULATION GROWTHVS –
USUnited States281,421,906+14.8%–
UPDATED 2026-07-15 · DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU DECENNIAL CENSUS
Frequently asked
Which county has the lowest population growth?
Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska ranks #1 with -42.3% (2000 Decennial Census).
What are the top 5 counties by population growth?
Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska, Loving County, Texas, Esmeralda County, Nevada, Reagan County, Texas, Burke County, North Dakota.
How many counties are in this ranking?
3,122 counties qualify after filtering for population minimums and data availability. The ranking covers 2000 Decennial Census data.
How is population growth measured?
Percent change in population from the prior decennial census. Source: US Census Bureau, 2000 Decennial Census.