New York Hometowns Losing The Most Residents In 2026

Some hometowns are losing residents fast. Is yours on the list?

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:05pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a city street at night, with warm pools of light and color reflecting off the wet pavement, capturing the energy and movement of urban life in a dreamlike, nostalgic way.As New York communities grapple with shifting populations, the vibrant energy and diversity of urban life remains, though the future of many hometowns remains uncertain.NYC Today

New census data reveals a surprising trend across New York, with more than half of the state's counties losing residents between 2024 and 2025. The 20 hometowns across New York State with the biggest percentage population loss have been identified, and the top reasons why many New Yorkers are fleeing the state have been outlined.

Why it matters

The population shifts in New York State, with some areas experiencing significant declines while others see gains, highlight the complex demographic changes happening across the region. Understanding the factors driving these trends, such as the top reasons cited for New Yorkers leaving the state, can help policymakers and community leaders address the underlying issues and develop strategies to retain and attract residents.

The details

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, 38 out of 62 counties in New York State lost population between 2024 and 2025. The 10 counties that lost the most residents were identified, with the data tracking population changes from April 2020 to July 2025 based on births, deaths, and migration patterns. The top reasons why New Yorkers are leaving the state include high cost of living, taxes, job opportunities, weather, family, and politics.

  • The census data tracks population changes from April 1, 2020, through July 1, 2025.
  • Between 2024 and 2025, 38 out of 62 counties in New York State lost population.

The players

Westchester County

A county in the Hudson Valley region of New York that saw a population increase of 6,578 people in one year, the highest population ever recorded for Westchester County, which is now home to over 1 million residents.

Governor Hochul

The governor of New York who has acknowledged the issue of New Yorkers leaving the state and the need to address it.

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The takeaway

The population shifts in New York State, with some areas experiencing significant declines while others see gains, highlight the complex demographic changes happening across the region. Understanding the factors driving these trends, such as the top reasons cited for New Yorkers leaving the state, can help policymakers and community leaders address the underlying issues and develop strategies to retain and attract residents.