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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Rural-urban differences

Victimization At and Away From School Among Students Ages 12 to 18, 2013-2023 - Statistical Tables
Describes theft and nonfatal violent victimization rates among students aged between 12 and 18 both at and away from school between 2013 and 2023. Compares rural, suburban, and urban data in Table 1 and Appendix Tables 7 and 9.
Author(s): Erin Tinney
Date: 05/2026
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Justice
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A Geographic Disparities Analysis Between Standard of Care and Clinical Trial CAR-T Patients in Kansas
Examines demographic and geographic disparities in cancer care access within clinical trials at the University of Kansas Cancer Center (KUCC) as well as standard-of-care (SOC) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy at the University of Kansas Health System (TUKHS). Provides data breakdowns according to treatment type, demographics, rural versus urban location, Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) designation, and distance to the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC). Discusses the importance of access to (CAR)-T cell therapy and need for targeted outreach in rural and HPSA-designated areas.
Author(s): Sam Pepper, Aliya Rashid, Carine Tabak, et al.
Citation: Cancer Medicine, 15(5), e71974
Date: 05/2026
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Seat Belt Use in 2025 – Overall Results
Examines rates of seat belt use and occupant fatalities from 2012-2025. Includes data on seat belt use for 2024 and 2025 in rural and urban areas.
Date: 05/2026
Sponsoring organization: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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Broadband Access and Ophthalmologist Density in the United States: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study
Examines the relationship between broadband access and ophthalmologist density according to urbanicity and county-level demographic variables. Utilizes 2019 data from multiple national data sources and provides county-level U.S. maps showing ophthalmologist density, broadband access, and counties with both low broadband and ophthalmologist access.
Author(s): Patrick Akarapimand, John C. Lin, Ingrid U. Scott, Sally L. Baxter
Citation: JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, 12, e88473
Date: 05/2026
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Differential Impact of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program on Veterans Affairs Healthcare Utilization and Costs among Rural and Urban Veterans Experiencing Housing Instability
Presents a study examining differences in the impact of the VA's Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program on both healthcare utilization and costs for rural and urban veterans experiencing housing instability. Breaks down data by inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department utilization and costs for rural and urban, and SSVF and non-SSVF cohorts.
Author(s): Minkyoung Yoo, Alec B. Chapman, Ying Suo, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 42(2), e70167
Date: 05/2026
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Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2024
Presents an overview of the SNAP Program eligibility requirements and benefit levels. Provides detailed tables showing comparisons in rural-urban areas. Coverage includes October 2023 through September 2024.
Author(s): Ben Ward, Mia Monkovic
Date: 05/2026
Sponsoring organization: USDA Food and Nutrition Service
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Changes in Staffing, Resident Health, Closure, and Financial Performance of Rural Nursing Homes from 2017 to 2022
Examines changes in various characteristics of nursing homes, using data from 2017-2022. Features statistics with breakdowns by metropolitan, micropolitan, and small/isolated rural areas.
Author(s): Gulrukh Mehboob, Hari Sharma, Fred Ullrich, Keith Mueller
Date: 05/2026
Sponsoring organization: RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis
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Healthy Aging in Illinois, Metro vs. Nonmetro
Examines factors contributing to healthy aging in Illinois according to metro versus nonmetro county. Utilizes 2024 data from the American Community Survey and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and provides county rankings for healthy aging.
Author(s): Adee Athiyaman
Date: 05/2026
Sponsoring organization: Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs
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The Economic Impact of North Carolina's Hospitals
Reports on the statewide and regional economic contributions of 113 hospitals across North Carolina. Features statistics including number of hospitals by county designation and number of beds, with breakdowns by nonmetropolitan, micropolitan, and metropolitan areas.
Additional links: Infographic, Technical Documentation
Author(s): Sara Nienow, Carly Dotson
Date: 05/2026
Sponsoring organization: North Carolina Healthcare Association
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Environmental Supports, Expectations, and Barriers to Leisure-Time Physical Activity During Pregnancy: A Rural–Urban Comparison
Discusses leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) during pregnancy among rural and urban populations. Utilizes data from 374 pregnant women regarding their LTPA and related environmental support for LTPA in the first trimester with data broken down according to demographics as well as urban, micropolitan, or small town rural location.
Author(s): Carly Williamson Rogers, Alex Crisp, Katrina Wilhite, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 42(2), e70166
Date: 05/2026
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