From the 1920s through the 1970s, Hartford City continued to thrive. Agricultural automation and consolidation of small farms into industrial-size farms started a decline in the population as the small farmer became unable to compete and fewer laborers were needed. Some workers turned to the manufacturing and construction sectors for employment in nearby cities. However, manufacturing hubs like Muncie and Marion saw the collapse of their economies when large factories closed. Despite the decline, Hartford City was able to retain its paper company, 3M. The city government has concentrated on bringing manufacturing to Hartford City and has had some success on securing state funding for businesses that use recycled materials or agricultural materials in the manufacturing process. Younger people leave to attend college and pursue professional careers outside the scope of those available in Hartford City. Community college, private colleges, and a university are within commuting distance; however, Hartford City currently lacks rental housing appropriate to college students or young adults. The town's population was 6,220 at the 2010 United States Census. The city is located within Licking Township in the southwest portion of the county.