Abstract
In this brief, author Kenneth Johnson examines rural demographic trends finding that between 2020 and 2025, rural America gained population after widespread population losses between 2010 and 2020. This recent rural population gain was surprising given that the Covid pandemic produced a substantial excess of deaths over births in rural America. The entire recent rural population gain was due to migration with more people moving to rural areas and fewer leaving. Rural population gains were greatest in recreational and retirement areas, and in rural counties near metropolitan areas. Whether these population gains continue remains to be seen. The ongoing aging of the rural population and the continuing low fertility in both rural and urban America make it likely that future rural births will barely exceed deaths. So, future rural demographic change will depend heavily on migration.
Department
Carsey School of Public Policy
Publication Date
Fall 10-26-2026
Series
Issue Brief 203
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Kenneth M., "Rural America Grew During the Pandemic Era Because of Migration Gains" (2026). Carsey Publications. 578.
https://scholars.unh.edu/carsey/578
Rights
© 2026 University of New Hampshire. All rights reserved.