In 2002, more American counties (985) experienced natural decrease than at any time in the nation's history. The incidence of natural decrease has diminished since then, but remains near record levels. It is most common in rural areas remote from metropolitan centers. Spatial concentrations exist in the Great Plains, Corn Belt, and East Texas,…

More than 64% of U.S. nonmetropolitan counties gained population during 1990-92, compared to 45% in the 1980s. Nonmetro population continued to grow at a slower pace than the metropolitan population, but the gap was narrower than in the 1980s. Net migration gains accounted for 43% of total nonmetro population gain, 1990-92. (Author/SV)

During 1980-90, nonmetropolitan population grew by 3.7% natural increase offset a small migration loss. A significant net loss of young adults was partially offset by an influx of older adults. Tables depict net migration by age, 1950-90; and population change, net migration, and natural increase by employment sector, income, and rurality,…