Innovative Strategies to Combat Population Decline in Western Pennsylvania
Western Pennsylvania is facing a significant challenge: a sharp decline in population over the next 25 years. This trend has prompted local communities to adopt creative strategies to attract and retain residents. One such initiative involves offering financial incentives, such as cash payments, to households willing to relocate.
In Mercer County, towns like Sharon and Hermitage have launched programs that provide $5,000 to each household moving there. These efforts are part of a collaboration with MakeMyMove, an online relocation marketplace. In addition to the cash incentive, residents can enjoy benefits like YMCA memberships or access to coworking spaces. Meanwhile, Greenville, also in Mercer County, is focusing on nonmonetary benefits to entice new residents.
This initiative has caught the attention of Adriana Krasnow, a San Diego resident who works remotely and is looking for a more affordable place to live. Krasnow, who grew up in Hermitage, had not considered returning until she learned about the MakeMyMove program. After researching the cost of living, she and her family are planning to move to Hermitage, drawn by the nostalgia of her childhood and the small-town charm.
Hermitage, with a population of about 16,000, is one of many small towns struggling to attract new residents. The challenge is compounded by the allure of larger communities that offer more jobs, housing options, and recreational activities. State officials are now taking action through the Rural Population Revitalization Commission, created last year by lawmakers. This commission is tasked with finding ways to bring in and keep residents in rural areas.
Community leaders see an opportunity in the growing number of remote workers across the country. MakeMyMove campaigns specifically target these individuals, who can relocate without losing their jobs. In Mercer County, officials are working to counter a steady annual population loss of around 1%. Jake Rickert, associate executive director of Penn-Northwest Development Corp., highlighted the economic impact of this decline, noting that smaller tax and customer bases affect the county’s economic success.
Kyle Kopko, executive director of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, emphasized the importance of population growth for rural communities. He pointed out that population loss leads to reduced funding for schools, infrastructure, and other essential services. For Mercer County, the MakeMyMove campaign could theoretically combat population loss if it had sufficient funding. However, the pilot program is only accepting five households for the entire county.
Mercer County is not alone in its efforts to stabilize or grow its population. While Pennsylvania as a whole is expected to grow to 13.2 million people by 2050, many western Pennsylvania counties face projected declines. Only two counties, Erie and Indiana, are expected to see population increases, according to research from the Pennsylvania State Data Center and the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.
Indiana County Commissioner Sherene Hess attributed the county’s growth to the presence of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the upcoming College of Osteopathic Medicine. Seven regions in Pennsylvania are now exploring the possibility of establishing similar incentive programs with MakeMyMove.
Not all communities rely on financial incentives to attract residents. Butler County, for example, has been steadily increasing its population due to relatively low tax rates and a strong quality of life. Mark Gordon, chief of economic development and planning in Butler County, noted that the area offers the charm of a small town with the amenities of a larger city.
Despite these efforts, Butler County is still projected to lose 7.5% of its population by 2050. Gordon attributes this to broader trends of people having fewer children. According to Kopko, the primary factor in population loss is deaths outpacing births.
While some areas, particularly those near Philadelphia, are anticipating growth, the eastern side of Pennsylvania faces different challenges. The Rural Population Revitalization Commission has made four key recommendations to address these issues. These include revising the definition of high-speed internet to exclude DSL and assessing state programs for their impact on rural areas.
The commission aims to improve quality of life in rural communities, making them more attractive to newcomers. By addressing issues like internet connectivity and government policies, these efforts could help reverse population decline and support the long-term viability of rural areas.
