Brain Drain Wreaks Havoc In Upstate New York

As the area's tax base dwindles, job growth has also slowed, according to recent census figures that show a reduction in the number of young adults.

1 minute read

June 14, 2006, 6:00 AM PDT

By Matt Baumann


From 1990 to 2004, the exodus of many well-educated adults (ages 25-34) to the South has created havoc on local tax bases and economic development in the majority of New York counties outside of New York City.

"Upstate New York is staggering from an accelerating exodus of young adults, new census results show. The migration is turning many communities grayer, threatening the long-term viability of ailing cities and raising concerns about the state's future tax base."

"In New York City and the five suburban counties in New York State, the number of people ages 18 to 44 increased by 1.5 percent in the 1990's. Upstate, it declined by 10 percent.

Over all, the upstate population grew by 1.1 percent in the 1990's -- slower than the rate for any state except West Virginia and North Dakota."

Thanks to Matt Baumann

Tuesday, June 13, 2006 in The New York Times

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