in

15 U.S. Towns That Are Nearly Empty

Andrew Filer/Wikimedia Commons

The least populated towns in the U.S. offer unique insights into rural American life. Many of these towns face declining populations due to economic challenges, local industries’ decline, and younger generations moving to urban areas for better opportunities. Despite their size, these towns remain rich in history and character.

Monowi, Nebraska

Andrew Filer/Wikimedia Commons

Monowi is the only incorporated town in the U.S. with a population of just one person. Elsie Eiler, the town’s sole resident, serves as mayor, librarian, and bartender. She even pays taxes to herself and maintains the town’s four buildings, including a tavern.

Buford, Wyoming

frankenstoen/Wikimedia Commons

Once a bustling railroad town, Buford is now recognized as one of the smallest towns in America, with a population of just one. This town, situated at 8,000 feet above sea level, was reduced to a single resident after Don Sammons, its former owner, sold it in 2013.

Lost Springs, Wyoming

Idunno00923/Wikimedia Commons

Lost Springs’s population has fluctuated significantly over the decades, with its official count now at four. Despite its tiny size, the town once played a role in supporting the nearby coal mining industry. Its sign humorously changes between listing a population of one and four.

Bonanza, Colorado

Jeffrey Beall/Wikimedia Commons

The town, originally a mining hub during the silver rush, now has fewer than five residents calling it home. A once-thriving Bonanza, it is now a near-ghost town, but its remaining residents keep the spirit of its mining past alive. 

Loving, New Mexico

Matthew Rutledge/Wikimedia Commons

With a modest population of around five, Loving’s origins trace back to its early days as a farming settlement. This town remains rich in history and retains its agricultural roots. It was named after pioneer Oliver Loving, whose cattle-driving legacy inspired parts of the classic western “Lonesome Dove.”

Weeki Wachee, Florida

Leonard J. DeFrancisci/Wikimedia Commons

Weeki Wachee has around 13 residents and is known for its underwater theater and springs and is uniquely located in Florida’s tourism. The town is also officially recognized as one of the country’s smallest towns and was incorporated in 1966 to boost its profile as a mermaid show destination.

Eek, Alaska

Porkypinekiwi/Wikimedia Commons

A remote town in Alaska, Eek is home to approximately 20 residents who are largely of Yup’ik descent. Residents continue to uphold traditional subsistence lifestyles. Eek’s name comes from the Yup’ik word “Ekvic,” meaning “tail,” which depicts the area’s fishing history.

Tenney, Minnesota

Benjamin Tighe/Wikimedia Commons

Tenney’s population has been consistently low, estimated at around five residents. Despite its small size, this town was once on the brink of dissolving but remains incorporated and maintains a legacy that dates back to the 19th century. 

Gross, Nebraska

Andrew Filer/Wikimedia Commons

Home to just two people, Gross, Nebraska, is a reminder of the rural depopulation that has affected many small American towns. Regardless, Gross is noted for its residents’ resilience and determination to keep the settlement on the map. 

Laurier, Washington

General Services Administration/Wikimedia Commons

Laurier, with about five residents, is primarily a border crossing town between the U.S. and Canada. Interestingly, it processes a high volume of international cargo daily, and its location caters to the needs of travelers, making it an essential trade route.

Tordal Estates, Colorado

GunnarAa/Wikimedia Commons

This unique town in Colorado’s mountains has fewer than ten residents. Tordal Estates is known for its serene environment and remoteness and attracts those seeking solitude and a connection with nature. The area has beautiful hiking trails and wildlife.

Funkley, Minnesota

Ed Kohler/Wikimedia Commons

Often described as Minnesota’s smallest incorporated city, Funkley has a population of around five. It is known for its lively bar, which attracts more visitors than the town’s population. The bar’s quirky events and memorabilia make it a notable stop for road trippers and locals.

Whiteclay, Nebraska

Ammodramus/Wikimedia Commons

This small Nebraska town, located near the South Dakota border, has a population of about ten residents. It has faced significant challenges and controversies related to its relationship with residents of the nearby Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. 

Coolidge, Kansas

Pmsyyz/Wikimedia Commons

Coolidge, with a population of around 90, is a small town on the western edge of Kansas, near the Colorado border. It has a rich history tied to the Santa Fe Trail, and its historic buildings and grain elevators are evidence of Coolidge’s agricultural roots.

Ludlow, Colorado

Don Graham/Wikimedia Commons

Ludlow has fewer than 10 residents, and it is best known for its historical significance rather than its size. In 1914, it was the site of a riot in which striking coal miners and their families were attacked. Today, the town’s ghostly presence is a reminder of its turbulent past.

Written by Jace Lamonica

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *