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Nebraska Rural Poll

2009 Nebraska Rural Poll Reports

“Satisfaction with Community Life in Non-Metropolitan Nebraska”, November 6, 2009

Recent community level Census data show that most small communities in Nebraska have experienced population decline since 2000. However, most larger communities have experienced population growth during this same time period. Most communities are also facing budget issues due to the economic recession. Given these conditions, how do rural Nebraskans feel about their community? Are they satisfied with the services provided by their community? Are they planning to move from their community in the next year? Have these views changed over the past fourteen years? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

“Effects of Recent Television Signal Changes on Rural Nebraskans”, November 6, 2009

In mid-February 2009, some television stations in the country started broadcasting only in digital signal. All were required to switch to digital only signal this past June. This change did not affect households that currently receive their television signal from a cable or satellite TV provider, only those that receive their signal over-the-air through an antenna or rabbit ears. The 2009 Nebraska Rural Poll included questions related to television viewing, providing a picture of how rural Nebraskans prepared for this change and the effect this change has had on 2,852 randomly selected non-metropolitan Nebraskans. Not all television stations had made the digital conversion when this survey was in the field. Thus, the effects of the change in some areas of the state are not reflected in these results.

Well-Being in Non-Metropolitan Nebraska:
Perceptions of the Present and Views of the Future, October 5, 2009

Nebraska has experienced the effects of the recent recession. Given these conditions, how do rural Nebraskans believe they are doing and how do they view their future? Have these views changed over the past fourteen years? How satisfied are they with various items that influence their well-being? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

Working in Non–Metropolitan Nebraska,
Sept. 1, 2009

Self employment is the fastest growing part of the rural economy. Given this, what types of jobs do rural Nebraska households have? How many rural Nebraskans derive income from self employment? Are rural Nebraskans self employed out of necessity or because of personal preferences? How many rural Nebraskans have health insurance? Who owns agricultural land in the state and what are their future plans for it? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

Adapting to the Current Economic Climate in Non-Metropolitan Nebraska, July 9, 2009

The national economy has faltered during the past year. While Nebraska’s economy has also faltered, it has not seen the level of job losses and mortgage foreclosures that have occurred in other parts of the country. Given these conditions, what do rural Nebraskans think about the current economic climate? How has their household been impacted during the past year? What changes have they made because of concerns about the economy? How concerned are they about financial matters? This report provides a detailed analysis of these questions.