Population Figures Tell a Tale of Two States in Arizona

Recent Census population estimates tell a story of quick growth in many parts of Arizona, but there are a few places that are quickly shrinking, too.

1 minute read

June 7, 2019, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Arizona

Nogales, located in southern Arizona, has continued to lose population over a decade after the Great Recession. | Daniel J. Macy / Shutterstock

Jen Fifield reports from Arizona on the small towns of Arizona losing population where other parts of the state boom with new population and expand to house the newcomers.

For every Phoenix, there are examples like Douglas, a town that lost 200 people in the most recent count, and 400 people the year prior. "By 2018, the city had lost 9.3% of the population it had in 2010, or nearly one in every 10 people, according to U.S. Census data released recently," report Fifield.

But there are more examples: "Of the 91 cities and towns in the state, 18 have shrunk since the worst of the Great Recession, the data shows."

Most of the shrinking towns are located south of Tucson, between that growing metropolis and the U.S.-Mexico border. Fifield includes infographics and lots of data to debunk some of the common misconceptions about why the populations of these cities are shrinking (e.g., crime) as well as describe some of the realities of the situation (e.g., declining jobs).

Monday, June 3, 2019 in Arizona Republic

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City