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Population Decline in Allegany County

January 19th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

While the district one legislative delegation has a full agenda to address in the next few months- Delegate Mike McKay says the big picture issue that has to become a focal point is the continuing steady decline in population. According to 2020 U.S. Census data released in August- jurisdictions in rural Maryland saw some significant population decreases. In Western Maryland, Allegany County’s population dropped by about 9%, from 75,087 to 68,106, and Garrett County’s population dropped by about 4%, from 30,097 to 28,806.  The declining population trends in Allegany County began in the 1970’s and grew worse in the 80’s when large manufacturers began closing their doors and significant employers shutdown operations. McKay said rather than working to attract folks from the metro area- he would like to see something done to incentivize those families already residing here to stay…