For 1993-94, data from the Internal Revenue Service indicate that nonmetro areas showed positive net migration for the United States, all regions, and all economic county types, with the greatest gains in the West and in retirement-destination counties. The most rapidly growing counties had the highest rates for both inmigration and outmigration.…

Largely from immigration, Appalachian population grew by over 2,000,000 from 1970 to 1980, a rate of 11.1 percent. Statistical tables give state, local development district, regional and county-group population figures for 13 Appalachian states. A map and bar graphs show rate of population change by county, region and state. (NEC)

Whatever migration patterns evolve, changes in the age structure mean that rural communities in general can expect fairly stable elementary school population, reduced high school population, slower growth in new business and employment, and continued increase in the elderly population. (JHZ)