EMPTYING AREAS OF THE UNITED-STATES, 1990-1995

Certain regions and places in the United States seem more prone to exp erience population loss. This study examines the geography of this ''e mptying'' process based on 1990-1995 census data and presents maps whi ch show county-level patterns of population change and several related components. The major emptying areas are the Great Plains, Western Co rn Belt, Lower Mississippi Valley, Central Appalachia, and metropolita n centers in the Northeast. Population change is correlated with socia l and economic variables, characteristics shared by the 635 losing cou nties are examined, and profiles of the major losing areas are present ed. Net outmigration emerges as the dominant problem, together with th e inability to find a substitute for declining employment in agricultu re and mining, or in the case of older metropolitan areas, to develop a new employment base.