New Census figures are out, tracking the latest population estimates from 2000 through July 2009.<\/p>\n
The numbers show that New York state as a whole is still gaining population, largely because of growth in New York City, the downstate suburbs and the Hudson River valley.<\/p>\n
But Upstate and rural parts of the the North Country are struggling, and shedding population at a perilous rate.<\/p>\n
Hamilton County has lost more than 8% of its population over the period — nearly a 1% per year decline. <\/p>\n
That’s painful in a rural territory already thinly settled, dropping from roughly 5,400 residents down to just 4,900. <\/p>\n
Essex and St. Lawrence Counties each lost roughly 1,200 people over the decade. Franklin County lost about 1,000 people.<\/p>\n
Other North Country counties are faring better. <\/p>\n
Jefferson Country grew by about 7,000 residents. Warren County picked up around 3,000 people. Clinton County gained about 2,000 people over that period.<\/p>\n
The North Country’s decline mirrors similar erosion in Western New York and some of the Empire State’s industrial cities.<\/p>\n
This news is likely to further inflame tensions between Upstate and Downstate spending priorities — already a hot issue in Albany as the budget is debated.<\/p>\n
But the decline has been going on for decades and it’s unclear whether government subsidies or spending programs can reverse it.<\/p>\n
Your thoughts? Comment below.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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