Population Change in Appalachia since 1910

Appalachian population trends over the last century have fluctuated from large gains to enormous losses. This has led to extreme economic swings across the region. Past studies have shown Appalachia as a whole saw major growth and development in the early 1900’s due to mining and manufacturing, as well as the fall of the region’s main economic suppliers in the latter half of the 20th century. This study analyzes population variations across Appalachia since the early 20th century. The purpose was to show where population has varied and the links between economic changes among the sub-regions within Appalachia. Research utilized census records in the three Appalachian regions: northern, central, and southern. The results of this study indicate that areas in northern and central Appalachia began to lose population in the 1950’s and are still recovering from this loss. The majority of southern Appalachia saw little decrease in population during this time and has gained population in the last thirty years. These population changes coincide with major economic variances