Census Figures Show Rural Exodus Across Country

<p>New census figures are showing an increasing trend of rural population decline, as more and more people are moving to urban metropolitan areas. These are just two stories of waning population in some of the nation's rural areas.</p>

March 23, 2007, 6am PDT | Nate Berg

From the Omaha World-Herald:

"Urban counties continued to gain population in Nebraska and Iowa, while rural counties continued to lose people, according to the latest U.S. Census estimates released Wednesday."

"In Nebraska, 25 of the 93 counties gained population and 68 lost population from 2000 to 2006."

"In Iowa, 35 counties gained population and 64 counties lost people since 2000. Growth was strongest in metropolitan areas, especially in and around the Des Moines and Cedar Rapid areas."

From the Raleigh News & Observer:

"Census estimates being released today show that people continue to flee rural Eastern North Carolina, even as newcomers pour into the state, settling mainly in urban centers around Charlotte and the Triangle."

"Hyde was one of 15 rural counties that lost population between July 2005 and July 2006. During the same period, the state's other 85 counties added nearly 185,000 new residents."

"Of the counties that lost population, a dozen had fewer people than in 2000. Ten of the 12 are in Eastern North Carolina."

Full Story:

Rural population wanes in Nebraska and Iowa

Published on Thursday, March 22, 2007 in Omaha World-Herald, The Raliegh News & Observer