6 Charts that Illustrate Rural America
What the Data Reveals
Back in March of 2017, PBS ran an article illustrating some differences between Rural and Urban America. You can find that article here. There are some good statistics on poverty, disability, jobs, and entrepreneurship in rural areas.
In the workshops that I give, I highlight that poverty and homelessness is very present and in some cases more prevalent than in urban centers. It just looks different than what you see in urban areas.
For example, when I served as a child abuse investigator in a predominantly rural district, we termed a lot of homelessness as “couch surfing,” as the person who was homeless was staying with friends or family members, moving from house to house, never staying in one place long enough to be counted.
The Hidden Poverty of Rural America
Rural poverty is often hidden. It does not look like urban poverty. There are no tent cities. No panhandlers on street corners. No visible homelessness. But the poverty is real.
The USDA Economic Research Service reports that rural poverty rates are often higher than urban poverty rates. And the effects of poverty are compounded by limited access to services, transportation, and employment.
The Rural Health Information Hub notes that rural residents are more likely to be uninsured, more likely to have chronic health conditions, and less likely to have access to health care. Poverty and health are deeply connected.
Related reading
- We Must Re-Think Education in Rural America
- The Aging Demographics of Rural America
- Small Towns, Big Wounds: Why Rural Churches Keep Meeting Hidden Social Crises
What Churches Can Do
Churches are often the first line of defense against poverty in rural communities. Food pantries. Clothing closets. Utility assistance. These are the kinds of practical help that churches provide every day.
But churches can do more than meet immediate needs. They can advocate for policy changes. They can partner with other organizations. They can create economic development opportunities. And they can pray for their communities.
The key is to see the poverty that is hidden. To look beyond the surface. To recognize that the family in the pew next to you may be one paycheck away from homelessness. And to respond with compassion and action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this apply to rural churches?
Every rural church is different. Adapt these ideas to your specific context.
What first step should we take?
Start a conversation. Identify one practical change you can make this month.
Where can we find more resources?
RuralThinkTank.com and MinistryPlace.net offer resources for small and rural churches.
Practical Resources for Rural Churches
MinistryPlace offers free and affordable resources for small and rural church leaders.