| By Bob Weaver
The overall population of West Virginia has declined again in 2013.
A US Census report found 41 of 55 West Virginia counties lost population in 2013.
Southern West Virginia counties are leading the decline.
Deaths outpaced births in 42 of 55 counties and by 1,000 people overall.
The Census Bureau estimates Calhoun's population of 7,613 fell by 49, the bureau having predicted a 25-year decline for the county.
The report found that Monongalia County, home to West Virginia University, had the biggest population increase.
The Eastern Panhandle counties of Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan also saw growth. Cabell and Putnam counties were the only two gaining population in southern West Virginia.
West Virginia's population fell nearly 2,400 last year. The state has 1.85 million residents.
As a consequence of population decrease, West Virginia could well lose one of its three seats in the U. S. House of Representatives in 2020.
West Virginia is not alone in population exodus.
More people are moving out of New Jersey than are moving in. The same is true for Illinois and New York.
The average rental price in New York City for a one-bedroom apartment is $3,000.
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