American Ghost Counties American 'ghost counties' High unemployment and foreclosure rates, combined with overbuilding before the economy went south, have meant that once-booming areas – many of them tourist destinations -- have become modern-day "ghost counties." We review 10 American cities with vacancy rates of more than 55 percent, according to 24/7 Wall St. Lake County, Mich. Long a vacation and fishing destination for residents of nearby industrial centers, such as a once-booming city and a car-centric city, Lake County has seen its fortunes decline as the number of second-home owners there has dropped. Number of homes Vacancy rate Population Michigan attractions: The capital city Sculpture gardens and park Home to a magical place Vilas County, Wis. This county, located on Wisconsin's northern border,has depended on tourism and logging, forestry and construction industries – all of which have declined dramatically during the recession. Number of homes Vacancy