Agricultural Economics Department

 

Nebraska Rural Poll

Date of this Version

1-2025

Document Type

Report

Citation

Nebraska Rural Poll Research Report 24-6, January 2025 (released January 17, 2025)

Funding for this project was provided by Nebraska Extension of the Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Rural Prosperity Nebraska, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Agricultural Economics

Also available at http://ruralpoll.unl.edu

Abstract

Rural Nebraskans are more positive about the current change in their communities this year but are less positive about its future. Starting three years ago, the proportion believing their community changed for the worse was more than the proportion believing it had changed for the better (similar to what occurred in 2003 and 2009). However, last year that trend reversed back to the typical pattern and continued this year. This year, more people believe their community has changed for the better than has changed for the worse. When asked about what they expect ten years from now, this year more people believe their community will be a worse place to live ten years from now than a better place.

Despite that, rural Nebraskans are positive about their community by many different measures. Most rural Nebraskans rate their community favorably on its social dimensions, as friendly, trusting and supportive. Most rural Nebraskans also say it would be difficult to leave their community and have a positive attachment to their community. Finally, most rural Nebraskans disagree that their community is powerless to control its future.

Differences in perceptions of their community are evident by community size. Persons living in or near larger communities are more likely than persons living in or near smaller communities to get what they need in their community. However, persons living in or near the smallest communities are more likely than persons living in or near larger communities to have an attachment to their community.

Rural Nebraskans support community investment in jobs, K -12 education, and entertainment or culture. Most rural Nebraskans believe their communities should invest somewhat more or much more in the following areas: local and regional job opportunities, K- 12 education (infrastructure and people), and entertainment and cultural events. Many rural Nebraskans also support increased investment in the area’s natural resources and medical services. And, many rural Nebraskans say their community frequently promotes medical services and the area’s K-12 educational system.

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