PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - For the first time in a long time the latest population numbers show a stable population in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.
The 2018 American Community Survey puts Pittsburgh population at 303,587. That's down just 2,000 from the 2010 census. Allegheny County showed a gain of about 2,500 people to 1,225,561.
Pittsburgh Today Director and Pittsburgh Quarterly Editor Doug Heuck tracks local demographic numbers. He says avoiding another decade of population loss is important.
"It would mean an erosion of ultimately jobs, tax base, amenities, all sorts of things. It's the biggest problem, I think, the region faces."
It has been a long standing problem. Pittsburgh has lost population in each census dating back to 1960. Allegheny County's population loss started in 1970.
"In recent years we've had more people dying than being born," said Heuck. "And we've still seen some out migration to higher wage regions."
In fact, Heuck believes immigration will be the fastest way the region can gain population.
"We need more than incremental change. In my opinion we need bold ideas to make a place that brings people here."
___Follow KDKA Radio: Facebook | Twitter | InstagramListen to KDKA Radio on the Radio.com App - Download Now