The populations counted as rural under both definitions are concentrated in the eastern half of the U.S.

One dot equals 1,000 people

Metro fringe Open lands Small towns Metro counties Native lands

Source: ACS 2019 5-year estimates. Density estimates are derived from 2010 census block definitions and population estimates. Metro/nonmetro estimates are calculated using 2019 Core-based Statistical Area (CBSA) classifications. Native lands are 2019 American Indian Area Geographies published by the U.S. Census Bureau.

CENTER ON RURAL INNOVATION