Rural America posts 1st population loss in history

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

Living in a rural Nevada town, Moe Royels recalls a more-bustling time years ago when retirees poured in to enjoy the warm desert climate, nearby casinos and quiet community. But soon, boom turned to bust, and Royels wonders if things will ever fully turn around in small towns like his.

Across the U.S., rural counties are losing population for the first time ever because of waning interest among baby boomers in moving to far-flung locations for retirement and recreation, according to new census estimates released Thursday.

Long weighed down by dwindling populations in farming and coal communities and the movement of young people to cities, rural America now is being hit by sputtering growth in retirement and recreation areas, once residential hot spots for baby boomers.

The census estimates, as of July 2012, show that would-be retirees are opting to stay put in urban areas near jobs.

Recent weakness in the economy means some boomers have less savings than a decade ago to buy a vacation home in the country, which often becomes a full-time residence after retirement. Cities also are boosting urban living, a potential draw for boomers who may prefer to age closer to accessible health care.