The U.S. Census Bureau released population estimates this week– and Fort Polk South area in Vernon Parish reported the largest percentage of population loss in the U.S. of 3.4 percent.

Between mid-2017 and mid-2018 the urban area lost 1,208 people.

Fort Polk South is considered a “micropolitan statistical area,” an urban area with at least 10,000 residents but fewer than 50,000.

This comes after news released by the bureau that statewide, Louisiana lost an estimated 10,840 residents during that same period, and was one of nine states that lost population year over year.

Other metropolitan areas reporting losses include:

• Monroe 0.8 percent loss,
• Shreveport-Bossier City 0.75 percent loss,
• Alexandria 0.36 percent loss,
• Houma-Thibodaux 0.36 percent loss,
• Lafayette 0.15 percent loss,
• New Orleans-Metairie 0.01 percent loss.

Three areas gained populations over the same time period: Hammond gained 1.09 percent, Lake Charles gained 0.39 percent, and Baton Rouge gained 0.02 percent.

Two of the 10 fastest-growing major metro areas are in Texas: Midland (first), with 4.3 percent growth, and Odessa (fifth), with 3.2 percent growth.

Nationwide, nearly 74 percent of metro areas gained population; 48 percent of micropolitan areas gained population.