Part 6/12:
7. Youngstown, Ohio: The Steel Town in Decline
Once second only to Pittsburgh in steel production, Youngstown’s population soared to 170,000 in 1930. The city thrived in the early 20th century but has been in steady decline since the 1960s, losing over 65% of its population. The decline was primarily due to the erosion of the steel industry, which never diversified much beyond manufacturing.
Today, with around 17,000 residents, Youngstown exemplifies the economic and social challenges faced by rust belt cities still waiting for a robust comeback.