Webinar Video and Report – Coming Home: Why Some Return to Rural Communities and Some Do Not, and What Difference It Makes – Hint… It’s about the kids

Persistent population loss is a fact of life for hundreds of small communities across the country. In nearly half of today’s nonmetropolitan (rural) counties, more people have moved out than moved in during every decade since 1950. The clustering of these counties in regions such as the Great Plains and Corn Belt illustrates that population loss is associated with low population density, low urban accessibility, and few natural amenities. Communities in these areas face challenges adjusting to aging populations, fewer workers, and declining revenues.

by John Cromartie, University of Montana Professor Christiane von Reichert http://www.cas.umt.edu/geography/people/faculty-details.php?id=614 , and University of Montana Student Ryan Arthun

Full Story: http://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2015-july/why-some-return-home-to-rural-america-and-why-it-matters.aspx#.VbZ9EPnMCh3

Full Conference Video: http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/usda/ERS/070815/ERS782015CAPSFINAL.mp4

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Brain gain in rural Minnesota

High school graduates might leave rural areas for college and jobs in the big city, but more are coming back with college degrees, careers, professional contacts, and young families. Still others with these credentials are moving to rural communities for the first time. Extension’s demographic research, publications, and perspectives on this brain gain can help community leaders consider what this means for their rural area. A report on the 2010 census data shows that this trend is continuing.

http://www.extension.umn.edu/community/brain-gain/