In this paper the cause, intensity and consequences of depopulation in Lika-Senj County will be shown. Depopulation is a term used to denote the negative demographic trends caused by higher mortality than birth rate and / or higher emigration than immigration. The process of depopulation in Lika-Senj County emerged earlier than in other parts of Croatia, at the beginning of the 20th century (the peak of population in Lika-Senj County was in 1900 and since then the number has been constantly declining) and that is the consequence of the mutual influence of socio-economic and physical- geographical features of the area. Emigration that was present throughout 20th century was accompanied by the three wars whose role in depopulation of this area will also be investigated. An important element of depopulation is also unfavourable distribution of the population and the fact that there is no hierarchically stronger centre in the urban system that would attract the population. Gospić as the county headquarter does not have a sufficiently developed degree of centrality so it can only be considered as a subregional headquarter.