Mapping Population and Economic Trends in Rural and Small-Town America

The Economic Research Service (ERS) Atlas of Rural and Small-Town America helps shed light on the overall scope and diversity of demographic, economic, and social trends across the US by providing county-level mapping of over 60 statistical indicators. Along with nonmetro-metro differences, interactive features of the Atlas enable users to view indicators for the full array of ERS county typologies, such as nonmetro counties that are farm dependent, persistently high poverty, or recreation based. Knowledge regarding the population's age structure, race and ethnicity, income, employment, and other measures in different geographic areas can help national, State, and local policymakers create economic development strategies targeting challenges specific to particular regions and building on local assets. New population profiles from the American Community Survey are combined with the latest agricultural statistics from USDA, employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other indicators in four broad categories: people, jobs, agriculture, and county classifications.