An annual Indiana University report says St. Joseph and Elkhart counties have both seen a decline in population, and that’s for the second consecutive year.

The South Bend Chamber of Commerce CEO is concerned about the trend, according to WSBT. While St Joseph County is one of the larger counties in the state, it’s also one of the few dropping in population, generally due to more deaths than births in the area.

Lower populations have an impact on vacant housing, dropped school enrollment, and tax rates of current residents.

So, they’re looking further into the community’s housing, jobs, education opportunities and crime rate in an attempt to help population growth.

Both St. Joseph and Elkhart counties reportedly lost over 250 residents last year.