aging-farmlands

Community Snapshot

There are 268 counties in this group set on the Great Plains, with a median of 3,400 people per county.

Just over 1.13 million people reside in the Aging Farmlands, with 100% living in a rural area, according to Census Population Estimates. These areas experience low rates of higher education, only 21% have a college degree, compared to the national average of about 34%. Broadband access, at 80%, is 7 points below the national average. Unemployment in the Aging Farmlands sits low at 3%. Though these areas are not prone to excessive drinking, the percentage of driving deaths involving alcohol is 25%. The national average is 27%. Voter turnout, at 72%, stands above the national average.

Senior Population

24% age 65 and over

Vol. 3 2020-2021

Deaths of Despair Across America

The American Communities Project is undertaking a 30-month study of Deaths of Despair in its 15 community types.

Learn More