Examines trends, 1960-87, in population, retail and service activity, and manufacturing activity for a random sample of 202 nonmetro villages. Finds slowest growth or absolute decline in the 1980s. Suggests a stronger position for the small town as a residential center, rather than a retail or production center. (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…

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…

Changes in population growth from urban to rural areas are reviewed and social, economic, and attitudinal explanations for these changes are discussed. In particular, the role of residential preferences in decisions to migrate and the resulting policy implications are analyzed. (Author/KR)

Discusses impact on rural economy and services of retirees moving into nonmetro counties. Describes location and characteristics of the new, predominantly rural, retirement counties. (LFL)

Discusses three alternatives to the standard definition of the farm population as the farm resident population. Alternatives are farm occupation population, farm income population, and total farm-related population. Points out shortcomings, advantages, and appropriate uses for each definition. Notes population characteristics and the overlaps and…

After decade of growth, rural income, population, and overall economic activity have stalled and again lag behind urban trends. Causes include banking and transportation deregulation, international competition, agricultural finance problems. Only nonmetropolitan counties dependent on retirement, government, and trade show continuing income growth…

Uses central place theory and a trade center hierarchy to examine changes in size and function of communities in Saskatchewan, 1961-90. Finds shift of population to larger centers and pronounced decline in hierarchical level of smaller trade centers, leading to questions of smaller communities' feasibility, Suggests possibility of coordination…

Uses 1950-90 census data to examine population trends in six northern Plains and Rocky Mountain states. Finds that, except for the rural turnaround of the 1970s, metropolitan counties grew faster than nonmetropolitan; nonmetropolitan counties containing larger communities grew in all four decades; and counties with smaller communities lost…

This state of the art report sees progress toward improving social and economic conditions in rural America, but cites areas where there is lag when compared with metro counterparts. Wage levels, family income, employment opportunities, housing, and access to health and other essential services could be improved. (Author/KR)

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)

A comparison of outmigration and inmigration rates for nonmetropolitan counties during 1985-90 reveals that high levels of outmigration in rural areas among young adults are mitigated by inmigration of this age group; that net outmigration is more severe among college-educated young people; and that high net-loss counties are distinguished by low…

Analyzes North Dakota and Texas farm families likely to be forced out of business and examines personal resources--employment experience and education--that will help them move to nonfarm life. Notes that when farm families leave the community, the declining tax base may mean trouble financing public services for those who remain. (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)