20 Towns In The US With Extremely Low Populations

Bobak Ha’EriWikipedia

Are you someone who craves solitude? An artist seeking inspiration? Or a nature enthusiast looking for a peaceful retreat? When we think of cities, we often imagine bustling streets, towering buildings, and a constant buzz of activity. However, not every town fits this mold. Others are much quieter, with populations smaller than some suburban neighborhoods, and can offer a serene alternative to crowded urban life. In these least crowded towns, you can experience wide-open spaces, a tight-knit community, and the beauty of nature in its purest form. 

Kupreanof—Alaska

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Kupreanof, located on Kupreanof Island in the Alexander Archipelago, is Alaska’s least populated city. This remote and scenic city is surrounded by dense forests, waterways, and wildlife, offering unparalleled serenity for those seeking true seclusion in nature. Its population was 21 in 2020, and it’s only accessible by boat from Petersburg, which makes it one of the most isolated cities in the US. 

Winkelman—Arizona

Marine 69-71/Wikipedia

Winkelman is Arizona’s least populated city, located on the border of Pinal and Gila counties. It’s located along the Gila River, with beautiful scenic views of the surrounding desert and hills. The city was named after a local cattleman, and mining and agriculture have historically been the backbone of the economy. The town’s landscape and peaceful ambiance make it a great spot for those who love desert beauty.

Victoria—Arkansas

Brian Stansberry/Wikipedia

A 19th-century planter named Robert E. Lee Wilson established several towns, including Victoria, which he named after his sister and daughter. Although the town’s population was reported to be 200 in 1966, it gradually declined to 20 residents in 2020. There are no churches or businesses, and the only pin on Google is a farm. However, residents go to nearby towns to attend school or work. 

Amador City—California

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Amador City is the smallest city in California by area and the least populous one. However, it draws visitors intrigued by its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and quaint charm, as it played a significant role in the Gold Rush’s history. Travelers can see the abandoned buildings, the Imperial Hotel, the old railroad, the city cemetery, and the Amador Whitney Museum, which contains artifacts that show the history of the Mother Lode region. 

Lakeside—Colorado

Jeffrey Beall/Wikipedia

About 20% of Lakeside, Colorado, is covered by Lake Rhoda. According to the 2020 census, this town had a population of 16 people, but despite its tiny population, it has a big attraction—the historic Lakeside Amusement Park, which has been operating and entertaining locals since 1908. The park has changed ownership twice throughout its long history, and almost all the residents are employees of the amusement park. 

Union—Connecticut

Magicpiano/Wikipedia

Despite its small population, Union’s historic roots are evident in its old buildings and long-standing traditions. It is also one of the most forested areas in the state, with breathtaking natural beauty year-round. Established in 1727, Union became the last town in the state east of the Connecticut River. Union is a big attraction to outdoor enthusiasts who go hunting, hiking, fishing, and camping. 

Hartly—Delaware

Dough4872/Wikipedia

With only 73 residents in 2020, Hartly is a small town in Kent County that offers an old-fashioned rural lifestyle. It’s a tight-knit farming community where the pace of life is slow, and the countryside reigns supreme. Residents enjoy the serenity and peace of rural living while still being close to larger towns, which makes it an excellent spot for retirees and artists who prefer solitude. 

Marineland—Florida

Ebyabe/Wikipedia

Although the title of the least populated city in Florida previously belonged to Weeki Wachee, it lost it to Marineland, which had a population of 15 residents in 2020. The town was established when Marineland Dolphin Adventure opened in 1938. From 2010 to 2020, it changed from an all-white community to a more racially diverse community, with no one living below the poverty line. 

Edgehill—Georgia

Upstateherd/Wikipedia 

Located in Glascock County, Edgehill is Georgia’s least populated city. This tiny town offers a slice of rural Southern life, with sprawling farmland and plenty of peace and quiet. It features wide-open fields and a slower way of life, perfect for those looking to disconnect. But it got its name from its location, where a post office was established in 1902 and closed one year later. 

Manele—Hawaii

Forest & Kim Starr/Wikimedia Commons

Only seven people live in Manele, Hawaii, and all have completed or are already attending high school. This small town is the site of Four Seasons Resort Lanai, and it’s part of the bigger Lanai Island, which is famous for growing pineapples. The people of Manele live in a friendly community known for its welcoming aloha spirit and friendly attitude toward the resort’s guests. 

New Amsterdam—Indiana

W.marsh/Wikipedia

Although the title of the least populated city circled between several towns, New Amsterdam finally won in 2020 with a population that declined from 27 to only 12 people. James Riley and Jacob Youstler settled in New Amsterdam in 1815. At some point, it became the largest town in Harrison County. However, the Ohio River flood in 1937 destroyed most of the buildings. 

Le Roy—Iowa

PopePompus/Wikipedia

Many cities competed for the title of the least populous city in Iowa, but Le Roy won it with 11 inhabitants when Beaconsfield’s population increased to 15. The town is named after Leroy Buffman, an early settler, and it’s the location of several local events that celebrate nature. Just like other railroad towns, the community is pretty friendly, as it’s made of four families residing together. 

Frenchboro—Maine

Diiscool/Wikipedia

According to the 2020 census, Frenchboro had a population of only 29 residents, which made her the least populated town in Maine. This town is accessible by ferry, and it attracts guests who want to experience a small island experience. It’s also home to the famous Great Duck Island Light, which was built in 1890, and it attracts those interested in historical lighthouses. 

Port Tobacco Village—Maryland

Acroterion/Wikipedia

In the 17th century, English settlers arrived at modern-day Port Tobacco. This was once a thriving port town that played a significant role in Maryland’s colonial trade, especially tobacco. As the tobacco industry declined, so did the town. Today, it is a quiet, historic village where about 18 residents work in nearby towns or maintain the few remaining agricultural lands. 

Gosnold—Massachusetts

John Phelan/Wikipedia

The Wampanoag Native Americans never settled on Gosnold, located in the Elizabeth Islands, but usually used it for hunting and fishing, and many of the tools they used still exist. The town was established in 1864 and continues serving as a seasonal fishing and vacation community. Many residents maintain the island’s resorts and guide fishing trips. There’s a schoolhouse, but there haven’t been any students since 2020. 

Omer—Michigan

Notorious4life/Wikipedia

After a brief competition with Lake Angelus, Omer was ranked the least populated town in Michigan, with 274 people. This town is a prized destination for nature lovers, who can explore the Rifle River, where they go on daily paddling trips and camp by night. People with RVs usually stop for a brief break at the Rifle River Market. 

Funkley—Minnesota

Ed Kohler/Wikipedia

It’s easy to miss Funkley on the Minnesota and International Railway. Although 18 residents were officially recorded in the 2020 census, this town was once a thriving lumber town in the early 20th century. The population declined dramatically after the railroad ceased operations. Today, the few remaining residents work in nearby towns or are retired. It can be a cool spot for retirees who seek isolation and peace. 

Satartia—Mississippi

Chillin662/Wikipedia

Satartia was established in the early 1800s along the Yazoo River as a shipping point for cotton plantations. Agriculture remains the primary occupation of its 41 residents, who are often involved in farming. Some people pass by the town on their way to the Mississippi Petrified Forest, which is less than 30 minutes away. It’s the hometown of Rod Barnes, a college basketball coach. 

Ismay—Montana

Robstutz/Wikipedia

Life in Ismay is discussed in detail in Jonathan Raban’s book Bad Land: An American Romance. The town was founded as a railroad town to serve the Northern Pacific Railway, and today, most of the residents are involved in agriculture. In 1993, the town gained brief fame when it temporarily changed its name to “Joe, Montana” as part of a promotional stunt for the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Monowi—Nebraska

Andrew Filer/Wikipedia

Monowi is the least populated incorporated city in Nebraska, with just one resident, Elsie Eiler, who serves as the mayor, librarian, and bartender. Founded in the early 1900s as a railroad town, Monowi’s population dwindled as younger residents moved away. Eiler runs the town’s bar, the Monowi Tavern, and the public library in honor of her late husband. She has also been featured in several documentaries and news articles.

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