News

Rural populations increasing

The USDA says rural populations are increasing for the first time in nearly a decade, but not in the Midwest.

John Cromartie with the Economic Research Service says their latest Rural America at a Glance report found retirement and recreation rural destinations, like the Upper Great Lakes and Florida, have the greatest uptick in population growth.  “Most rural counties are showing improvements in net migration during this period, inline with the overall national trend.”

About a third of rural counties in the U.S. are considered “older-age,” with 20 percent of the population over 65, and have continued to lose population, primarily in the Corn Belt and Northern Great Plains.

Cromartie says remote locations, like the Heartland, or high-poverty areas also see the greatest declines.

Researchers say lower unemployment rates and higher incomes have helped rural areas overall attract more residents.