Louisiana's population loss shows no signs of slowing

A new report from Tulane University’s Newcomb Institute took a look at the key issues impacting Louisiana’s demography. Specifically, the report focused on population growth, fertility, mortality, and migration. Dr. Anita Raj, Executive Director of Tulane University’s Newcomb Institute, says the findings of the study show that Louisiana’s population has been in a steady decline for years.

According to Dr. Raj, there are fewer people living in Louisiana than there were 10-20 years ago. “Really what we’re finding as our biggest concern is the amount of out-migration. Our vital young population is moving away for economic opportunities elsewhere. At the same time, we’re not drawing a lot of new people into the state”, Dr. Raj went on to explain.

The outward migration isn’t specific to the big cities within the state, either. “We are seeing it in our rural parishes, but at the same time, other rural centers in other parts of the country are experiencing good growth. We aren’t seeing that in our urban centers here,” added Dr. Raj.

While the reasons behind the steady trickle of talented workers leaving the state are complex and numerous, the main issue behind the exodus if a lack of solid job opportunities according to Dr. Raj. “We have got to improve the economic vitality of this state. We don’t have the job opportunities that we need to ensure that the people who are some of our strongest and brightest students stay in the state,” she notes.

Frustrating for many, including Dr. Raj, is that the innate appeal New Orleans has to a great many people isn’t enough to keep them here. “I know from working at Tulane University, we have a lot of people who come to Tulane from all over the country and sometimes all over the world. They would love to stay in Louisiana. They absolutely love New Orleans in particular. But, we don’t have the jobs available to keep them here and we don’t want to keep losing our best and brightest,” Dr. Raj went on to lament.