Rural areas are still losing population, but the rate slowed in 2013 for first time since 2006

Non-metropolitan or rural areas are still losing population but at a much slower rate, according to the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. From July 2011 to July 2012 non-metro areas lost 47,500 people, but from July 2012 to July 2013 they only lost 28,000. Since 2006 non-metro areas had lost more people each year than the previous year. (ERS graphics)

Non-metro areas have lost 400,000 people since 2010, with more than 1,200 counties suffering population loss. During that same span more than 700 non-metro counties gained population, adding 300,000 more residents. Most of the growth has occurred in western states, especially those experiencing a boom in oil and other businesses, such as North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nevada and Alaska. (Read more)