Local governments are essential to the democratic processes of the nation. Particularly in rural and other small communities, they are familiar institutions with much visibility and accessibility, promoting citizen participation and control. This guide presents an overview of the characteristics of American's small local governments. America's…

This book aims to acquaint researchers, primarily in local organizations, with data they can use to describe and better understand rural communities. Chapter 1 describes a few basic data concepts for readers who are not experienced data users. Chapter 2 provides an overview of major data sources that can be used to describe rural communities,…

Graphs, data tables, maps, and written descriptions give a statistical overview of rural Pennsylvania. A section on rural demographics covers population changes, racial and ethnic makeup, age cohorts, and families and income. Pennsylvania's rural population, the nation's largest, has increased more than its urban population since 1950, with the…

This publication presents indicators of social and economic conditions in Arkansas highlighting urban and rural differences. Initial information includes a discussion of the definition of "rural" and a display of classification schemes used to describe the regions of Arkansas. The remainder of the document contains data for 1990, state…

This report details results of the 1999 Nebraska Rural Poll, which asked rural Nebraska residents for their opinions on recent school finance legislation and on proposed consolidation of county offices and services. Survey responses were received from 3,036 residents of Nebraska's 87 nonmetropolitan counties. Recent school finance legislation…

This paper examines social and economic forces affecting rural areas at the beginning of the 21st century and lists potential strategies to cope with those concerns. Rural development is necessary to place rural and urban areas on a more equal footing, compensate for the youth "brain drain," preserve the retirement-option value, relieve…

With a total area of 197,116 square miles, the Appalachian Region has an uneven distribution of population, income, wealth and natural resources. The Region's 19.3 million people live in 397 counties and 5 independent cities in Virginia. Under 50% of the population live in metropolitan counties while only 25% live in rural counties. In 1975 the…