Rural population exodus.

• Position: TRENDS & TRANSITIONS - Brief Article

America is a country on the move--mostly out of the countryside.

The majority of rural counties have been losing population, according to the Census Bureau. Only a few saw gains and these are areas with natural amenities, like mountains, or were attractive to retirees.

"Most young people leave rural areas, unless they have some attraction, like a major college or ski area," says USDA employee Patrick Sullivan. "Climate, landscape and access to services attract people to rural areas. Areas lacking these qualities see people leave."

This means the Great Plains, from the Dakotas to Texas, have seen a...