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Compared with urban counties, rural counties had a lower share of working-age populations and a higher share of residents older than 60 in 2023

by Richelle L. Winkler
5/5/2025

Rural Economy & Population

Line chart showing percent of population, by age, in urban and rural U.S. areas.

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Working-age populations in rural counties are shrinking. As a result, rural populations are becoming more concentrated in younger and older age groups, which tend to require more economic support and caregiving.

Compared with urban counties, rural counties had a lower share of working-age populations and a higher share of residents older than 60 in 2023

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