Population Sustainability in Rural Great Plains Towns

Abstract

As researchers look to define a narrative of population decline throughout the region, the rural Great Plains towns that have been able to sustain their populations and attract new residents have seemingly gone unnoticed. This article features case studies from six rural Nebraska towns that address key questions regarding the population sustainability of rural Great Plains towns. Along with a discussion on the significance of geographic location in population growth or decline, this study includes several examples of how rural towns have used their locations to their advantage, created more job opportunities, enticed new residents to move in, and/or dealt with an influx of immigrants in recent decades. The findings included in this study will benefit individuals and groups who are concerned about the vitality of rural communities, as its findings can be applied to efforts not only to sustain current populations but also to attract new residents to rural towns.