There is nothing new about job seekers fleeing the Appalachian counties. It has happened for decades, Crouch said. Until recently, families produced enough babies to offset the losses. The fertility rate in eastern Kentucky is among the lowest in the state, and the state of Kentucky is among the lowest in the nation. Reality is, the non-Hispanic white population is not replacing itself.
Industry wants young people.
Kentucky's population increased 9.7 percent from 1990 to 2000, according to the census. As a percentage of total population, it slipped to 24.6 in 2000 from 25.9 in 1990. Thirty-five of Kentucky's 120 counties lost youth population. As a result, people in the region face some wrenching decisions. The school board is mulling possible sites but has not taken the plunge.