Young Americans Are Moving to Rural Areas, Reversing Decades-Long Trends

For nearly 40 years, American migration patterns centered around people moving from rural communities to major metropolitan areas. Since 1980, 80% of the country’s growth in the under-45 population has been found in cities with more than a million residents.

Then a global pandemic happened, and this decades-long migration pattern was reversed.

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic occurred more than five years ago, the trends that emerged from this crisis remain. Rural communities continue to see an influx of younger residents. Some people move to rural areas because they can work remotely, while others are finding jobs and settling into communities where they feel welcome.

Keep reading to understand why younger generations are choosing to live the rural life, and how Montgomery County is taking steps to stand out as an ideal home for the Millennial and Gen Z workforce. 

Rural Migration is Felt Across the Country 

The University of Virginia analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data to highlight just how dramatic the shift to rural communities has become. In the early 2010s, only 27% of rural counties saw an increase in their 25 to 44 populations. In the early 2020s, 63% of rural counties saw a population increase from this demographic.

Migration trends are felt more acutely in rural communities. It is much more noticeable if a small town of 5,000 gains 100 new residents than if the same 100 residents leave a metropolitan area of five million.

That said, not every community is benefiting from this desire to move to rural areas. Counties that offer opportunities for young people are most likely to attract new residents. For example, the University of Virginia says counties with single, struggling industries (like the coal-dominant regions of Appalachia) haven’t seen as much growth as counties with diverse economies and multiple employment opportunities. 

Americans Still Want to Work Remotely 

One of the first effects of the COVID-19 pandemic was the meteoric rise of remote work. Millions of Americans clocked in from home, and many decided they never want to return to the office. Even in 2025, as return-to-office mandates became popular with executives, 55% of full-time employees said they would take a pay cut for permanent remote or hybrid work options. If forced back into the office, 30% of workers say they would consider quitting.

This desire for remote work also affected rural communities. In the months following the pandemic, Zoom Towns formed, otherwise known as rural communities with a large influx of remote workers. These towns didn’t need to find jobs for their new residents as long as they had reliable internet services.  

Five years later, many participants in the Great Zoom Migration have settled into their rural towns and have become part of the community. This relocation has been more than a long vacation from city life. Instead, it has become a complete lifestyle change. 

Rural Communities Offer Affordability to Young People

Many young people are also drawn to smaller towns because of their lower cost of living. One 2025 survey found 53% of people believe owning a home will never be financially affordable. In January 2026, the average home price in the United States is $357,275. This jumps to $832,857 in Seattle, Washington, as an example of a big city cost.  

When young people move to rural areas, they seek both affordable homes and larger housing options. A separate survey found that 56% of rural homebuyers expect to own 1 to 5 acres of land, while 32% expect a large backyard on a parcel of less than an acre. Rural communities allow young people to spread out in ways they couldn’t afford in cities.

Affordability also allows young people to live. When less of their paycheck goes toward a mortgage, they have more to spend on starting a family, launching a business, enjoying hobbies, and traveling. Young people are better able to build an emergency fund and plan for retirement when they aren’t living paycheck to paycheck.  

That said, not every rural community has housing. Many towns struggled with a housing shortage before the pandemic, and have struggled to keep up with demand as more people sought out their counties. 

Rural Life Offers Community and Family Connection 

Smaller towns also attract young people who want to live closer to their families or find community and friendships. According to the National Association of Realtors, the biggest reason people sold their homes in 2023 was to move closer to family and friends (23%). Similarly, 47% of young people say they would consider moving back to their hometowns at some point.

Proximity to family makes it easier for young couples to tap into the “village” and receive support when they have children. Access to friends also makes remote work easier. Young professionals can clock out after a long day and leave the house to enjoy activities in the communities they love.

Small towns aren’t just growing because they are affordable. They are also thriving because families and friend groups seek opportunities to spend more time together. 

Montgomery County is Ready to Welcome New Residents 

Montgomery County, Kansas, is one of the communities that stands to benefit from young people choosing the rural lifestyle. It offers ample recreational opportunities, especially for those who enjoy spending time outdoors, as well as fun annual events for the whole community.

The time to embrace rural living has come. Contact us if you are interested in Montgomery County or if your business is attracting new rural residents. We can help you find what you need as we create a community that residents and business owners are proud of.