The overwhelming majority of the United States' population at the start of the 19th century lived in rural communities. Times have changed. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population now lives in places having less than 2,500 residents. However, while the Census Bureau's rural population data is extensive, it is also a trial to navigate. A more accessible window on U.S. rural population distributions and other demographic information using data from the Census and other sources can be found on the Rural Data Portal site. The Portal's interactive map can quickly show which states have the largest rural populations and where they can be found within each state. This can be a useful tool for recycling decision-makers trying to understand the population specifics of different areas.
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