A Significant Slice of American Life
Rural America is home to 50 million people and includes 75% of the nation’s land.
This report takes a long look at the changing face of rural America. It highlights overall population trends and pinpoints the role that various factors — such as geography, economic activity and ethnicity — have played in shaping small-town USA. It is part of a series, produced by The Carsey Institute, which aims to reinvigorate discussions on policies and programs that invest in rural American life.
Between 1994 and 2001, annual federal spending on urban development was two- to five-times higher per capita than spending on rural community development. This support falls short, say experts, who note that investing in rural America is essential to helping these areas weather both population losses and growth.