Thursday, Jul 28 2011 3:48PM
The number of people living in rural areas is decreasing substantially, new data shows.
According to the latest figures from the Census Bureau and the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), only 16 percent of U.S. residents lived in rural communities last year - down from 20 percent in 2000 and the lowest figure ever.
The Associated Press reports the Census data reveals many rural communities could soon disappear, as businesses, schools and residents living in these areas struggle economically.
Attracting residents to move to rural communities has been difficult for many local governments due to poorly performing business and funding cuts, among other financial difficulties, the source states.
"Some of the most isolated rural areas face a major uphill battle, with a broad area of the country emptying out," Mark Mather, associate vice president of the PRB, told the AP. "Many rural areas can't attract workers because there aren't any jobs, and businesses won't relocate there because there aren't enough qualified workers. So they are caught in a downward spiral."
Robert Lang, sociology professor at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, told the source he hopes thriving metros collaborate with rural municipalities to help with the development of new roads, high-speed rail and water and energy development projects.