Great Plains Studies, Center for

 

Date of this Version

Fall 2004

Comments

Published in Great Plains Research Vol. 14, No. 2, 2004. Copyright © 2004 The Center for Great Plains Studies, University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Used by permission.

Abstract

This paper discusses the impact of population influx on small communities using the city of Schuyler, NE, as a case study. As a small city of 4,000 some residents, Schuyler experienced a proportionally significant population influx in the past decade largely due to an increase of immigrant population. Unlike large cities, Schuyler has fewer resources to cope with the impact of a drastic population increase on its physical conditions and environment. The population expansion also impacted its previously homogeneous social and cultural environment. Through surveying long-time and newly arrived residents and comparing responses of the two groups, the study revealed similarities and differences between the two groups in response to questions regarding a variety of issues related to the population influx. The survey investigated residents' perceptions of changes in the physical and social! cultural environment, housing quality and development priorities, and concerns for future development of the city and its housing.

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