Puerto Rico municipalities see significant population decline

The Institute of Statistics of Puerto Rico (IEPR) has reported that 42% of the island's municipalities—33 out of 78—have lost more than 15% of their population over the last 25 years. The most significant declines were observed in Guánica (45.8%), Ceiba (41%), Loíza (33.7%), Maricao (32.7%), and Yauco (31.8%).

Demographic data indicates a severe decline in younger age groups, with all 78 municipalities losing more than half of their children aged 0 to 9. This trend has led to a reduction in services and businesses catering to families, including schools, childcare centers, and specialized retail stores.

The IEPR released these findings through its new Municipal Demographic Observatory, a tool designed to provide municipalities and the public with rapid access to statistics regarding aging, birth rates, mortality, and migration to assist in urban planning and management.