From 1990 to 1998, net inmigration in Oregon hit unprecedented high levels, leading to policy concerns about needs for infrastructure and services. Different regions of Oregon attracted migrants who differed dramatically in age, educational attainment, occupational status, and income. Migrants who moved for quality-of-life reasons were willing to…

Uses national survey data to demonstrate that, compared to the rural or U.S. non-poor, the rural poor consumed less of eight of nine key nutrients; and disparities were greatest for vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium, and for the youngest (two-five years) age group studied. (SV)

During 1950-87, deaths outnumbered births in 1 or more years in 993 U.S. counties; 95 percent were nonmetro counties, mostly in Florida, central United States, and Appalachia. Because of such natural decrease of population combined with increased outmigration of young adults, these counties may undergo financial stress and have difficulty…

Areas of the West with natural amenities enjoyed growing populations and income levels in the 1990s, mostly from inmigration of people with self-employment or investment income. These were usually young, well-educated professionals in service industries. Rural communities with policies that enhance quality of life (better schools, environmental…

Whatever migration patterns evolve, changes in the age structure mean that rural communities in general can expect fairly stable elementary school population, reduced high school population, slower growth in new business and employment, and continued increase in the elderly population. (JHZ)