Rural to urban population shift surprises Census data
The Census Bureau reports non metro areas grew faster than metro areas in the first third of the 1970s, a reversal not seen in the 20th century. Demographers caution it may not indicate a sustained trend, with officials like Richard L. Forstall and Calvin L. Beale noting cautious interpretation.
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Rural Areas Lead Growth as Urban Centers Slow
Beale reports a shift from postwar rural depopulation to renewed rural and small-town appeal. Census figures show nonmetropolitan counties up 4.2 percent from 1970 to 1973 while metropolitan counties gain 2.9 percent. From 1970 to 1974 net metro population fell 1.8 million as 5.9 million left and 4.1 million arrived, with new urban growth attributed largely to immigrants. Boston remains the only major metro seen with continued growth, others slowing.
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Rural areas fuel population rebound in the postwar era
Beale describes a broad rural revival across the Ozarks, Great Lakes, and Appalachia with counties near metros gaining faster than cities. He notes shifts from farming to diversified economies, rural growth spillover, and a 1940s to 1960s urban-to-rural migration shaping the landscape.
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