Total farm population has continued to decrease; the April 1968 average of 10,454,000 persons reflected an estimated drop of 421,000 since April 1967. The regional distribution remained the same, however, with the largest concentration in the South, about 45 percent, while the North Central Region ranked second with 39 percent. During 1967-1968,…

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)

Annual nonmetro population growth was lower in 1980-88 than in 1970s, but agricultural and manufacturing counties showed some recovery in 1986-88. Retirement counties grew at twice national rate during 1980s, underscoring diversity in nonmetro population trends across regions. Rural outmigration pattern was diverse with a net national balance to…

The purpose of this paper is to review recent trends in the rural and/or nonmetropolitan population and to indicate some of the linkages and implications for national population policy. The vast rural to urban migration of the last generation was necessary and rational, since most migrants believed they benefitted by moving. Although much of the…

Late in 1973 it became evident that the trend of population growth in the U.S. had turned toward rural and small town areas. Growth and migration rates for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas were compared. Counties were classified by certain basic functional characteristics, and the trend was examined in those that were dominated by some…

During 1950-87, deaths outnumbered births in 1 or more years in 993 U.S. counties; 95 percent were nonmetro counties, mostly in Florida, central United States, and Appalachia. Because of such natural decrease of population combined with increased outmigration of young adults, these counties may undergo financial stress and have difficulty…

Presenting a continuous series of U.S. farm population estimates for 1910-70, this report also presents estimates of the farm population for geographic regions, divisions, and States for 1920-70. Annual estimates of the components of farm population change (births, deaths, and net change through migration and reclassification of residence) are…

U.S. Census data (1970-74) comparing population trends in the West were analyzed in reference to the recent urban to rural migration patterns exemplified by a total U.S. metropolitan population growth of 3.4 percent vs a nonmetropolitan growth of 5.6 percent (1970-74). In the West it was found that: (1) population increased 6.9 percent with…

Rapid rural outmovement began around 1940. This trend continued in the 1950's as farm adjustments rapidly took place and the worker-short cities welcomed rural manpower. The majority of nonmetro counties had greater retention of population in the 1960's. The peak of potential migration was reached and passed by the mid-1960's. Due to emerging…

Examines and explains unexpected population trends since 1970: substantial rural and small-town growth, regional shifts to the South and West, lower birth rates, increased life expectancy, smaller household size, and population growth from immigration. Illustrates how demographic events offer classic examples of the difficulty of predicting human…

Analyzes fertility information for the United States noting characteristics of counties with high and low fertility rates. Compares birth rates for rural and smalltown (nonmetro) women with urban and suburban (metro) women noting that young nonmetro women no longer intend to have families larger than those of metro women. (JHZ)

Examines increasing rural to urban migration as caused by farming crises, employment cutbacks, slow rural population growth in 1980s, and slow rural recovery from recession. The migration was especially heavy during 1983-1986. Cites indicators showing possible future reversal. Includes charts, graphs, and maps. (Author/TES)

Based on the decennial censuses of 1950, 1960, and 1970, patterns of population change between 1950-60 and 1960-70 are analyzed for U.S. nonmetropolitan incorporated cities and towns via tabular and narrative data. The cities and towns which are analyzed range in size from less than 100 to 50,000 population and, as of 1970, include over 30 million…

Population grew faster in nonmetro than in metro countries of the United States between 1970 and 1973. This trend reverses the previous pattern of inmigration to cities. Among the reasons for increases in rural areas and small towns are: (1) decentralization of manufacturing and other industry; (2) increased settlement of retired people; (3)…