New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows Louisiana among the top states that are losing population. From 2021 through 2022, our state lost nearly 37-thousand residents to other states; placing 5th behind New York, California, Illinois & Pennsylvania. New Orleans demographer Greg Rigamer says a great many left to take higher-paying jobs in other states…
“People have to make a living, and it’s getting more and more difficult to make a living in Louisiana.”
In July 2021 the state’s population was at 4-million 627-thousand. A year later it was 4-million 590-thousand. Rigamer says we rank 45th among states for median household income, and that results in people leaving…
“We have a median household income of about $57-thousand, compared to the United States average which is about $71-thousand. That’s a big disparity.”
The same Census data shows Louisiana #3 among states for percentage of population lost, behind New York and Illinois. Rigamer says states with population gains often have more diversified economies and business sectors than Louisiana, and less onerous tax structures. Rigamer says this seemingly defies state figures showing low unemployment and a glut of jobs statewide…
“We have a lot of jobs, but we don’t have good-paying jobs. Unemployment is at an all-time low, but at the same time income is very low.”
He expects the outmigration will continue until the state’s economy improves.
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