The 50 Least Populous Places In The U.S.

Of approximately 19,500 incorporated places, about 76 percent had fewer than 5,000 people and nearly 50 percent had fewer than 1,000 people. Some have fewer than five. Also, of the 50 towns with the smallest population, just little less than half of them are either in North or South Dakota.

The following list is based on the 2017 populated estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau.

2017 Population Estimate: 1

This is the only incorporated municipality in the country with a single resident.

2017 Population Estimate: 2

While Nebraska has a penchant for common nouns as town names, such as Magnet and Worms, perhaps the most unappealing city name is Gross. Ahead of the opening of a new railroad, the area was settled in 1893 by Ben Gross and his wife. The community began to thrive until the railroad ultimately bypassed the new city.

2017 Population Estimate: 2

Technically, Carlton Landing is the smallest town in the state because it has zero residents. But the, is it really populous at all? In 2000 eleven people lived in Lotsee, which is in Tulsa County. The most the town has ever had was 16 full-time residents.

2017 Population Estimate: 3

Only three people may live here but Idaho's residents know all about Warm River. It is popular for its stunning natural beauty, more specifically the beauty that surrounds the tiniest town in the state – parks, forests, mountains, rivers...

2017 Population Estimate: 3

The first tie in the country for the least populous places in the U.S. is in South Dakota. Hillsview and White Rock both have only three residents each...

2017 Population Estimate: 3

...even though, technically, Buffalo Chip is the smallest because it has zero people living there.

2017 Population Estimate: 4

This unincorporated area in Harper County was the smallest incorporated place in the U.S. with a bank – until 2009 when it moved.

2017 Population Estimate: 4

The name is perhaps what is most interesting about this city. It could mean a Russian word stand means "south of us" or it can come from the first two letters in both of the words "South Russia," which was the homeland of many area settlers.

2017 Population Estimate: 4

The town is growing. In 2000, it had a population of zero.

2017 Population Estimate: 4

This tiny town is located in Day County, about 45 miles away from Aberdeen. You can still see sign at the only gas station that they do not accept Amoco credit cards.

2017 Population Estimate: 4

There is an antique shop that is also a post office and it's only open from 8 a.m. until noon.

2017 Population Estimate: 5

Funkley, which was named after a county attorney, was incorporated as a village in 1904. It was also known earlier as Hovey Junction for the Minnesota and International Railway station. The post office operated until 1967.

2017 Population Estimate: 5

The town is on the St. Louis Metro Area. It was incorporated in the 1980s, and was included in the census for the very first time in 1990 when it had 10 residents.

2017 Population Estimate: 5

It's a borough in Camden County. The whole purpose of it being formed was so members of Tavistock Country Club were allowed to play golf on Sundays by members of the Victor Talking Machine Company.

2017 Population Estimate: 5

Verdon, which was named after the French city of Verdun, has had a declining population since 1910, when 136 people lived there. The post office closed in 1982.

2017 Population Estimate: 5

It was a railroad town in its heyday in the 1920's. In 1995, with some historical restoration money in hand, the National Park Service gave the Thurmond Depot a makeover. Some of it was turned into a NPS visitor center and a museum. The station still functions as a working stop on Amtrak's Cardinal Line.

2017 Population Estimate: 6

Located in the middle of Palm Beach County, Westlake is its newest city. One look at it and you'll think you are in a somewhat fancy resort. The plan is for the population to eventually reach 15,000 as 4,500 homes are built over the next decade.

2017 Population Estimate: 6

Three Creeks was incorporated in 2008 and had an estimated population of 4 in 2009. Si the village is improving because its population is slowly rising.

2017 Population Estimate: 6

Ten people were living here in 2000. There were two libraries and 12 cemeteries in the area.

2017 Population Estimate: 6

The town is located about seven miles southwest of Cherokee, the county seat. Just a century ago Lambert has 127 residents who had four churches, a hotel, even a bank, and six stores.

2017 Population Estimate: 6

At its height from 1910 until 1940, Lowry had 90 residents living there full time. Nowadays mostly hunters and fishermen visit throughout the year due to the town's proximity to the Missouri River and Swan Lake.

2017 Population Estimate: 7

Things haven't changes in Clayton, it appears. As of the 2010 census, there were seven people, four households, and two families residing in the city.

2017 Population Estimate: 7

This was a residential suburb until the expansion of the Louisville International Airport realigned runways and created significant noise levels. Just about all but a few locals were relocated.

2017 Population Estimate: 7

This is a relatively new town. It was only incorporated in 2010 when its population was 33. The most popular attraction is the Resort Marina, which is Set amidst the stunning Nantahala National Forest in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

2017 Population Estimate: 8

This is basically a Denver suburb. The two cities even share the same zip code. Fishing at the large Lake Rhoda, after which the town is named, is a favorite activity.

2017 Population Estimate: 8

This almost ghost town was founded in 1905 and it had a post office and a railroad two year later.

2017 Population Estimate: 8

The town in Campbell County is about 11 blocks, according to Google Maps. Artas comes from a Greek word that means "bread." After all, the town is located in the Wheat belt.

2017 Population Estimate: 8

The population hasn't changed since 2010 – eight people lived there as well.

2017 Population Estimate: 9

If you are looking to move to a new places and are looking for peace and quiet, in addition to affordable housing, McMullen may be it – few neighbors and houses that cost about $65,000 on average.

2017 Population Estimate: 9

The village has a total area of 0.17 square miles, none of which is water.

2017 Population Estimate: 9

Four people are between 50 and 54 years old, two between 45 and 49, and one between 25 and 29. Four of the seven people living there are men.

2017 Population Estimate: 9

2017 Population Estimate: 9

2017 Population Estimate: 10

2017 Population Estimate: 10

2017 Population Estimate: 10

2017 Population Estimate: 10

2017 Population Estimate: 10

This is a near-ghost town in Columbia County. The place is known for its underground mine fire that has been ongoing since 1962. Touch the ground and you'll see that it's still warm, even in the winter. Poisonous smoke seeps up from the ground, killing any sign of plant life on the surface.

2017 Population Estimate: 10

2017 Population Estimate: 10

2017 Population Estimate: 11

2017 Population Estimate: 11

2017 Population Estimate: 11

2017 Population Estimate: 11

The village and the scenic harbor that separates it from Shelter Island Heights were named after Thomas Dering, a prominent Boston merchant who was prominent supporter of the Declaration of Independence and member of the convention that forged New York's first state constitution.

2017 Population Estimate: 11

2017 Population Estimate: 12

2017 Population Estimate: 12

2017 Population Estimate: 12

2017 Population Estimate: 12

2017 Population Estimate: 12