Migration to rural America results in the 4th year of population growth

“We saw an increase of about 134,000 new rural Americans in rural America... all of that is from migration.”

Migration to rural America saw a major jump for the 4th year in a row. It marks a notable turn from a nearly decade-long trend of population declines in rural areas.

Sarah Melotte with the Daily Yonder has been studying the data and spoke with RFD-TV’s Suzanne Alexander on how the years compare, contributing factors, and if this trend will continue.

Related Stories
The Washington Tree Fruit Association says this is not surprising and notes the USDA has offered a lifeline to growers while they transition away from the cannery market.
October 29 – November 1, 2025
Large animal veterinarian Dr. Rosalyn Biggs with Oklahoma State University warns producers may not be prepared for the real threat of New World Screwworm.
AFBF Associate Economist Samantha Ayoub joins us to dive into H-2A visa program changes and what can be done to ease the pressure on producers.
As the government shutdown pushes the farm economy closer to the brink, Sens. Grassley and Ernst of Iowa are raising their voices for agriculture.