Rural diversity refers to the presence of a diverse population of people in a low-density area outside of a city. While the term "rural" is contextual, it generally refers to a relatively low population density, a land-based economy (particularly agricultural), and a distinct regional identity. Some researchers have defined rurality as existing on a continuum. A report estimates that in 2020, 43.85% of the world's population was living in rural areas. However, the United Nations predicts that this number will shrink in the coming years; projecting that 68% of the worlds population will live in urban areas by 2050. Rural areas may lack diversity in demographics like religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental health, socioeconomic status, physical ability, or other socially significant identifiers.
Diversity in a rural context is different from urban diversity in that the underrepresented populations of those of the identities listed above are usually numerically smaller than might be found in cities. However, some researchers have suggested that trends indicate the distinction between urban and rural diversity, in terms of community ethnoracial composition, has become less clear. The small size of many rural communities still means that many of these groups tend to be relatively invisible or go unnoticed, oftentimes to avoid drawing attention to themselves as a defense to avoid rejection by the majority. For example, although almost 20% of the United States' rural population is non-white, and a similar proportion of the nation’s LGBTQ+ people also live in rural areas, rural areas are often depicted as completely heterosexual and white. This lack of visibility can result in a deficiency of resources for marginalized populations in rural areas, inadequate policies that fail to take the experiences of the underrepresented populations into account, and a general misunderstanding of rural populations.
Academic research
There has been a renewed interest in rural diversity. Research on the subject tends to focus on highlighting previously ignored non-white rural communities and formerly all-white regions that are now diversifying due to Hispanic immigration.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
The 2006 U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service studied rural populations across America. This study displayed the increasing racial and ethnic diversity in rural America. This study displayed the increasing immigration and Hispanic population in non-metro areas across America. This study also revealed the poverty distribution in non-metro areas across races and ethnicities in 2006.
Pew Research Center
The 2018 study titled “What Unites and Divides Urban, Suburban, and Rural Communities” researched by the Pew Research Center examines demographic trends across America, categorized as either suburban, urban, or rural. When regarding racial and ethnic rural diversity, this study reveals, through surveying, how rural counties are becoming more racially and ethnically diverse at a significantly slower pace than suburban and urban counties.
Center For American Progress
A study titled "Redefining Rural America" was published in 2019 by the Center For American Progress. It is authored by Olugbenga Ajilore and Zoe Willingham. The study investigated industrial diversity in rural areas. Moreover, it investigated challenges faced by minorities in rural areas, such as people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ people and disabled people. The study concluded that rural America is more actually economically diverse than perceived.
MDRC
A study was published by MDRC in 2020 about College Access Strategies in Rural Communities of Color. It was authored by Alyssa Ratledge. It investigated educational challenges unique to Rural communities such as black, Latino and native American. The paper presented strategies to help increase diversity amongst rural colleges.
In the United States
Rural parts of the United States encompass 97% of the US landmass and nearly 20% of its population. Every type of diversity that exists in metropolitan areas also exists in rural areas, however, the way that diversity manifests itself may be different based on local context.