Definition of Rural
Rural areas are defined as regions typically located outside of larger and moderate-sized cities and towns. These areas are primarily characterized by low population densities and are often associated with agricultural activities, natural resources, and widely distributed infrastructures. The lifestyle and economic activities in rural areas are significantly different from urban or suburban living, focusing heavily on farming, ranching, and other natural resource-based enterprises.
Examples include isolated farms, ranches, small villages, woodland areas, and other sparsely populated regions.
Examples
- Agricultural Communities: Small farms and ranches operating predominantly in Midwest states like Iowa or Montana, where land is used for crop production and livestock raising.
- Mountain Regions: Areas like the Appalachian or Rocky Mountains, which are often isolated and focus on tourism, natural resource extraction, and small-scale manufacturing.
- Coastal Villages: Small towns or villages along coastal lines that depend on fishing, maritime, and related industries, examples include Maine’s fishing villages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What typically distinguishes rural from urban areas?
A: Rural areas are generally characterized by low population density, expanses of open land, and agricultural-based activities, whereas urban areas are concentrated with developments, high population density, and a wide range of industrial and service sector developments.
Q: Can rural areas become suburbs over time?
A: Yes, as cities grow and expand, nearby rural areas can undergo development and infrastructural changes that transform them into suburban regions. This process is often driven by population growth and increased housing demands.
Q: Are there economic advantages to investing in rural land?
A: Investing in rural land can yield various economic benefits, including lower purchase prices compared to urban areas, potential for agricultural production, and opportunities for resource extraction. It also often holds long-term value due to the potential for future development.
Related Terms
1. Urban
- Definition: Urban areas are characterized by high population densities and vast development with infrastructures like skyscrapers, transportation networks, and extensive municipal services.
2. Suburban
- Definition: Suburban areas are residential regions surrounding cities that offer a middle ground between urban density and rural spread, focusing on housing and community services.
3. Agriculture
- Definition: Agriculture is the practice of cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food, fiber, and other essential products.
Online Resources
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): Provides extensive resources on rural development, farming assistance, and related programs.
- Rural Development, US Department of Agriculture: Information on rural housing, utilities, and business development programs.
- National Rural Development Partnership: A coalition focused on improving rural prosperity through partnerships and collaborative approaches.
References
- Rural-Urban Commuting Area Codes, USDA Economic Research Service. “Defining the Rural in Rural America: The Impacts of Population Density and Proximity to Urban Areas.”
- “Rural Development: Concepts and Approaches,” Rural Sociology, Published by Oxford University Press.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Rural by Design: Maintaining Small Town Character” by Randall Arendt
- “The Rural Economy of New England” by John Quincy Adams
- “The End of the Rural: Self-Identity, Public Space, and Alternative Spaces in Contemporary British Writing” by K.J. James
