Do people perceive population loss as a problem for their local community?

This data1, from Sarah Eckhardt and Adam Ozimek, would suggest yes. When a community is shrinking locals know it and feel it in their daily lives. The data show that local perceptions match demographic reality. Eighteen percent of respondents living in counties that lost population between 2010 and 2020 identified population loss as being a major problem for their community, versus 10 percent of those living in growing places. Including those who see it as a minor problem, 54 percent of respondents in declining counties view population loss as an issue, versus 34 percent in growing counties. ... Our survey results are consistent with all of these issues. Regression analysis shows individuals in shrinking places are more likely to report that vacancy, the availability of good jobs, and poor public service are a problem in their community, and the effect is statistically significant. School quality is directionally worse, though not statistically significant. However, people living in…