Impending Disappearance: The Struggle of Nearly 130 Russian Towns Amidst Economic Decline

A new government-funded study reveals that nearly 130 small towns in Russia face the risk of disappearing due to accelerating depopulation and failing local economies.

According to the research conducted by the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), these towns, which collectively house around 3.4 million residents, have seen a total loss of 314,500 inhabitants over the past ten years.

The most at-risk communities are situated in northern areas that depend on coal, metallurgy, and forestry, along with isolated peripheral settlements that face challenges such as limited resources and minimal access to external investments.

The study points out especially critical situations in regions such as Bryansk, Novgorod, Kirov, and Krasnoyarsk.

«The industrial downturn and ongoing population migration to larger cities heighten the likelihood of these towns vanishing entirely,” the researchers caution.

Among the towns facing the greatest threat are Verkhny Tagil in Sverdlovsk, Trubchevsk in Bryansk, Inta in the republic of Komi, Kem and Medvezhyegorsk in Karelia, and Torzhok in Tver, each experiencing significant reductions in their populations.

Even in more economically robust areas, towns like Roshal (Moscow region), Okha (Sakhalin), Porkhov (Pskov), Zavolzhye (Nizhny Novgorod), and Nolinsk (Kirov) have been identified as vulnerable.

This population decline is fueled by various factors, including job losses, an exodus of young people, the closure of significant employers, aging infrastructure, and a lack of investment.

Lawmakers recognize that many small towns are grappling with failing utilities, inadequate transportation and healthcare systems, and unreliable telecommunications, all of which deter young professionals from remaining in or returning to these areas after their education.

In places like Totma and Kargopol, which each have fewer than 10,000 inhabitants, residents claim that municipal budgets are too constrained to repair roads, bridges, or buildings, forcing them to improvise repairs with makeshift materials.

«The outflow of the population continues, particularly in northern regions like Irkutsk,» stated Alexander Yakubovsky, a member of the State Duma’s construction and housing committee, in an interview with Izvestia. «In areas lacking jobs or basic infrastructure, attracting young people back is a challenge.»

His colleague, Vladimir Koshelev, concurred, emphasizing that enhancing living conditions and creating economic opportunities are crucial for the survival of small towns.

«Younger generations seek competitive wages, cultural access, and the advantages of modern life,» observed Irina Mironova, Director of Federal Program Development at Skolkovo School of Management.

The diminishing demand for coal and other raw materials, both locally and in global markets, has further jeopardized the futures of mining towns, she noted.

Saving every small town is «too costly and impractical,» Mironova concluded, urging the government to recognize this reality.

Currently, Russia has 1,120 towns, with over 70% classified as small or medium-sized. The federal government has earmarked 4 billion rubles (approximately $50 million) to support these towns in 2025.

Authorities are now working on master plans to steer investment and infrastructure enhancements in 106 of these towns.

The suggested approaches include fostering industries with favorable market conditions, promoting suburban growth near major cities, and facilitating voluntary resettlement to urban areas with better connectivity.