Let me take you on a journey through the dying towns of Texas, specifically focusing on Deport, Pagoda, Clarksville, and Detroit. These towns are experiencing a decline in population, some nearing the status of ghost towns. First, we’ll explore Deport, named after Colonel D Thompson, which has a current population of around 500. The town has a high poverty level but a low cost of living. Moving on to Pagoda, which was misspelled after Bogota, we find a smaller population with a high percentage of widows/widowers and a similar high poverty level. In Clarksville, we’ll witness the town’s loss of almost half its population, a high poverty rate, and a diverse racial breakdown. Lastly, we’ll delve into Detroit, known as “Little Motor City,” which has experienced a decline in population and has a higher crime rate compared to the US average.
Dying Towns in Texas: Deport’s Struggle Towards Ghost Town Status
Deport: A Once Thriving Town
Deport, a small town in Texas, was once a thriving community. The town was named after Colonel D Thompson, although it remains a mystery how the name “Deport” was derived from his name. Over the years, Deport has experienced a significant decline in population. In 1915, the town reached its peak population of over 1,200 residents. However, by 1940, the population had dropped to just over 800. Today, Deport only has a little over 500 people. The town is slowly fading away, as evidenced by its median age of 47, which is relatively old compared to the national average. The gender breakdown further highlights the aging population, with 59% of the population being female and 41% being male. Additionally, 22% of the females and 8% of the males in Deport are widowed. This means that approximately 30% of the population has experienced the loss of a spouse. These numbers paint a clear picture of a town facing demographic challenges and struggling to maintain its population.
Population Decline and Demographics
The decline in population in Deport is accompanied by specific demographic characteristics. The median age in Deport is 47 years old, indicating an older population. Moreover, there is a higher percentage of widows/widowers in the town, with 22% of females and 8% of males having experienced the loss of a partner. These demographics suggest a town that is experiencing an aging population and a decline in youthful residents.
High Poverty Level and Low Cost of Living
Deport has a high poverty level compared to the national average. The poverty rate in Deport is 16%, while the U.S. average is 12.8%. However, it is worth noting that the cost of living in Deport is relatively low. This means that although the poverty level is higher than average, the low cost of living can help ease the financial burden for the residents of Deport. It also presents an opportunity for individuals looking for affordable housing and a lower cost of living.
Abandoned Buildings and Decline
The decline of Deport is evident through its abandoned buildings. As one explores the town, it becomes apparent that there are many empty homes and structures. It’s a heartbreaking sight to witness the dilapidated state of what was once a vibrant community. The fire department and gas station stand as reminders of what the town used to be, but they now stand mostly empty and without activity. The abandoned homes scattered throughout Deport serve as a poignant symbol of the town’s decline and struggles to preserve its past glory.
Pagoda: A Forgotten Town
Pagoda, another dying town in Texas, was named after the city of Bogota in Colombia. However, the misspelling of the name during the town’s incorporation in 1881 led to the adoption of the name Pagoda. Similar to Deport, Pagoda has a smaller population and a significant percentage of widows/widowers. In 1980, the town reached its peak population of a little over 1,500 residents. Today, Pagoda has just over 1,000 people residing within its borders. The median age in Pagoda is 43, indicating an older population. The gender breakdown reveals that 54% of the population is female, while 46% is male. Additionally, 24% of the females and 13% of the males in Pagoda have been widowed. These numbers highlight the challenges of an aging population and a shrinking community.
Population and Demographics
The demographics of Pagoda further emphasize the prevalence of widows/widowers in the town. A staggering 37% of the population in Pagoda has experienced the loss of a spouse, making it one of the highest percentages seen in this context. These demographics paint a picture of a town that is facing the loss of its younger residents, leaving behind an elderly population.
High Poverty and Crime Rate
Pagoda, like Deport, faces a high poverty level compared to the national average. The poverty rate in Pagoda is 29%, which is nearly three times higher than the U.S. average. Among older individuals aged 65 and above, the poverty level is a staggering 42%. This signifies a significant struggle for the elderly population in Pagoda to meet their basic needs. When it comes to crime, Pagoda has a relatively high crime rate. With 18 incidents per 1,000 people, the town exceeds the national average of 23. This is reflected in both violent and property crimes, which are nearly twice as high as the U.S. average.
Gas Prices and Abandoned Buildings
Gas prices in Pagoda, like in many small towns, tend to be higher compared to urban areas. At $3.28 per gallon, the residents of Pagoda face additional expenses when it comes to transportation. Furthermore, the town is dotted with abandoned buildings, deteriorating reminders of the town’s declining population and economic struggles. The once vital City Hall and Post Office now stand as empty shells of a bygone era.
Clarksville: A Slowly Fading Town
Clarksville, another town in Texas, is experiencing a slow decline in its population. Over the years, Clarksville has lost almost half of its residents. The town was named after James Clark, who founded it in 1833 and fought for Texas’ independence. Today, Clarksville has a median age of 50, suggesting an older population. Similar to Deport and Pagoda, there is a higher percentage of widows/widowers in Clarksville, indicating the loss of spouses and a reflection of the challenges faced by an aging population.
Population Loss and Aging Demographics
The decline in population in Clarksville is evident through its current population size. With nearly half of its residents gone, the town’s once-thriving community has dwindled. The median age of 50 reflects an aging population, which may pose challenges for the town’s future development and sustainability.
Low Per Capita Income and High Poverty
Clarksville faces economic challenges, with a low per capita income of $18,500 per year. This indicates the financial struggles faced by individuals in the town. Moreover, Clarksville has a high poverty rate, with 28% of the population living below the poverty level. These economic challenges may contribute to the town’s decline and exacerbate the difficulties faced by its remaining residents.
Race Breakdown and Poverty Among Children
The race breakdown in Clarksville shows diversity, with 50% of the population being White, 40% Black, and 4% Hispanic. However, the town also faces a high poverty rate, especially among children. The poverty level for children aged 17 and under is 16%. These statistics depict a challenging environment for the youth of Clarksville, highlighting the need for intervention and support to alleviate poverty and provide opportunities for future generations.
Conclusion
The three towns of Deport, Pagoda, and Clarksville exemplify the struggles of many dying towns in Texas. Population decline, aging demographics, high poverty levels, and abandoned buildings are common themes throughout these towns. While the cost of living may be lower in these towns compared to the national average, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the economic challenges and revitalize these communities.
Preserving the history and identities of these dying towns is crucial. The unique characteristics and stories of these communities should be recognized and celebrated. Additionally, implementing initiatives to attract new residents and businesses can help breathe new life into these towns. Balancing economic development with the preservation of the town’s unique character can create a sustainable and vibrant future for these once-thriving communities. With proper support and investment, it is possible to reverse the trend of population decline and transform these towns from struggling to thriving once again.