The Aging Demographics of Rural America

Smaller and Grayer

This article from The Atlantic has been out on the web since 2016, but it gives a snapshot of what rural America looks like in many places. There are many small towns all over the landscape that were once prominent, but are now smaller and grayer, as the generations have moved on.

The USDA Economic Research Service confirms this trend. In 2023, older groups made up a larger share of the rural population than in urban areas, and rural counties had smaller proportions of people under age 55. The number of rural people between ages 15 and 64 has fallen from over 30 million in 2010 to 28 million in 2023.

This combination of shrinking working-age populations and growing older populations means communities are increasingly relying on a relatively small labor force to provide services and care for groups at the top and bottom of the age spectrum.

What This Means for Churches

Rural churches are aging along with their communities. Many congregations are made up primarily of members over 60. The young families that once filled the pews have moved away, and the remaining members are carrying the weight of the church alone.

This creates both challenges and opportunities. The challenge is sustainability — who will lead the church when the current generation is gone? The opportunity is wisdom — older members have decades of experience, faith, and knowledge to share.

How to Reach an Aging Community

The Rural Health Information Hub notes that the issue of aging is especially important in rural areas because residents tend to be older, on average, than those in urban areas. Churches need to think creatively about how to serve an aging population while also reaching the younger people who remain.

This means offering transportation to services. Providing home visits. Creating programs for seniors. And making sure the church building is accessible to people with mobility challenges.

It also means investing in the next generation. Even if there are only a few young families in your community, they are the future of your church. Invest in them. Welcome them. And give them a reason to stay.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the rural population aging?

Young people leave for education and employment, while older residents stay. The result is a population that is older and shrinking.

How do we reach young people in an aging community?

Be intentional. Build relationships. Create a welcoming environment. And invest in the few young families who are there.

What if our church has no young people?

Start by praying for the next generation. And look for creative ways to reach young people — through sports, through community events, through social media.

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Brent Lacy has spent over 25 years in small-town and rural ministry. He has seen the aging of rural communities firsthand and believes the church can be a bridge between generations.