Rural Communities Need Better Data highlights the gaps that hinder effective rural policy and investment—especially exposed during COVID-19. Current datasets often define rural as “not urban,” overlook prosperous rural areas, and rely on small, error-prone samples that mask community strengths and needs. The report calls for new synthesis methods, stronger data integration, and creative use of alternative sources like administrative or private-sector data. This aligns with Aspen CSG’s work because better, more accurate rural data is foundational for building equity-centered strategies, ensuring rural voices are not left behind in recovery and long-term prosperity efforts.
RURAL COMMUNITIES NEED BETTER DATA
