Rural Wyoming is missing something in the middle, according to a new analysis of U-S Census numbers. The Center For Rural Affairs report finds a downward trend of residents in their 20s, 30s and 40s, while the numbers of young people and seniors are holding steady. Report author Jon Bailey says it's unexpected in a state that depends on a strong workforce for oil and gas production - but those jobs tend to be closer to cities and towns, and that leaves a demographic and tax gap in rural areas.
Bailey says the research demonstrates the need to focus on new and innovative ways to create rural economic opportunities. Renewable energy, broadband expansion and ecotourism are recommended in the report as investments that could help grow working-age populations, and in turn, better support the younger and older generations.
Bailey says rural areas depend on the taxes paid by working-age folks to fund education and health care, and with younger and older populations holding steady, the loss of those funds hurts communities. The trend isn’t unique to Wyoming – the report shows the same trend throughout the Great Plains.
Bailey says the research demonstrates the need to focus on new and innovative ways to create rural economic opportunities. Renewable energy, broadband expansion and ecotourism are recommended in the report as investments that could help grow working-age populations, and in turn, better support the younger and older generations.
Bailey says rural areas depend on the taxes paid by working-age folks to fund education and health care, and with younger and older populations holding steady, the loss of those funds hurts communities. The trend isn’t unique to Wyoming – the report shows the same trend throughout the Great Plains.
No comments:
Post a Comment