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DAYTON — So far this decade, only five large U.S. cities — one of which is post-Katrina New Orleans — have lost bigger shares of their populations than Dayton.

Population estimates released today by the U.S. Census Bureau show that Dayton continued its steady population slide during the 12 months ending last June, losing another 1,432 people or 0.9 percent of its residents.

For the decade, Dayton has now lost an estimated 9,462 people or 5.7 percent of its residents. The city, which began the decade as the 126th-largest city, now ranks 143rd in population with 156,771 people as of last July 1.

Only New Orleans — which lost 261,286 people or more than half of its residents in wake of Hurricane Katrina — Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Flint, Mich., lost more population than Dayton.

Dayton City Commissioner Nan Whaley said the continued decline has forced some tough choices on the city, including the elimination of 500 positions since 2001.

"The first thing is you have to accept it," Whaley said of the city's shrinkage. "I think the city is trying to adjust and provide the best services for its citizens. And making sure its citizens feel comfortable in the city.

"Eventually I think it will turn and level out," she said.

Among the 37 cities and villages with populations greater than 5,000 in the eight-county Dayton region, the city of Monroe led in population gain for the past year and the decade.

The city of 11,226, which straddles the border of Butler and Warren counties, grew by 7.9 percent during the last year and by 57.2 percent or more than 4,000 people for the decade. Springboro was second with gains of 3.3 percent during the last year and 37.2 percent or 4,598 people so far this decade.

All of Dayton inner ring suburbs — Oakwood, Kettering, Riverside, Moraine, Trotwood and Huber Heights also showed population losses during the 12-month period and the decade.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2393 or kmccall@DaytonDailyNews.com.