Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Make a sustaining gift today to support local journalism!

New Hampshire's Aging Population Could Lead To "Natural Decrease"

There’s a term in demographic studies, “natural decrease” – it’s when a county has fewer births than it has deaths, and it’s happening in parts of New Hampshire.

The latest analysis of US census data shows a record number of US counties in natural decrease – 36 percent. And two states – Maine and West Virginia – are in natural decrease. Analysts believe the economic downturn accelerated the process, but they say in most cases it takes place over decades and generations.

Ken Johnson is senior demographer at the Carsey Institute, and he joins All Things Considered host Brady Carlson to explain.

Related Content

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.