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Perceptions Of Well-Being In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: 2016 Nebraska Rural Poll Results, Rebecca Vogt, Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph Cantrell, Brad Lubben, Larry J. Mcelravy Jr.

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Certain indicators have pointed to overall economic growth in Nebraska. The state’s unemployment rate has remained among the lowest in the nation and wages have increased. However, net farm income continued to decline last year and employment growth in the state has been largely concentrated in the metropolitan counties. Given the challenges and uncertainties of recent years, how do rural Nebraskans believe they are doing and how do they view their future? How satisfied are they with various items that influence their well-being? Have these views changed over the past 21 years? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these …

Broadband And Mobile Internet Services In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: 2016 Nebraska Rural Poll Results, Rebecca Vogt, Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph Cantrell, Bradley Lubben, Larry J. Mcelravy Jr.

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

A recent Pew Research Center survey revealed that home broadband adoption has plateaued in the United States. In addition, there has been an increase in adults who use a smartphone to access the Internet but do not have traditional broadband service in their home. Given these national trends, how do rural Nebraskans access the Internet? Are they accessing the Internet from their cell phones? Are they subscribing to high-speed Internet services at home? How satisfied are they with their Internet services? How important do they feel Internet access is for various items? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these …

Climate And Energy: Opinions Of Nonmetropolitan Nebraskans, Rebecca Vogt, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph Cantrell, Bradley Lubben, L. J. Mcelravy, Tonya Haigh

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

In coming decades, climate change threatens significant changes to the way Nebraskans live, work and play. Effects range from increased heavy precipitation events, increased periods of drought, warmer summers and a greater frequency of days over 100o F., and overall temperature increases. These changes have significant implications for agricultural production, water resource management, the increased occurrence of floods and droughts, human health, wildfires and other sectors. Are rural Nebraskans concerned about climate change? Do they think we have a role in adapting to our changing climate? Do they believe climate change will affect their family’s health in coming years? Energy …

Engagement In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: Civic And Political Participation And Views Of Community Leadership, Rebecca Vogt, Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph Cantrell, Bradley Lubben, L. J. Mcelravy

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Trends have consistently shown that the population in nonmetropolitan counties is decreasing as a proportion of the total population of the state. These trends have the potential to significantly impact two areas of rural community sustainability, effective community leadership and community involvement. Rural communities rely on volunteers for many community development activities as well as local leadership positions. In smaller communities in particular, reduced populations requires community members to take on multiple roles. Rural Nebraskans are aware of the importance of good community leadership when faced with such issues. Most rural Nebraskans rated effective community leadership as absolutely essential for …

Optimism In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: Perceptions Of Well-Being, Rebecca Vogt, Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph Cantrell, Bradley Lubben, L. J. Mcelravy

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Nebraska farm income decreased nearly 35 percent from 2014 to 2013. This resulted in Nebraska being the only state in the country to experience a drop in per capita personal income last year. However, hourly earnings in manufacturing have increased in 2015 compared to last year. Given the challenges and uncertainties of recent years, how do rural Nebraskans believe they are doing and how do they view their future? How satisfied are they with various items that influence their well-being? Have these views changed over the past twenty years? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions. This report …

Perspectives On Community Life In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska, Rebecca Vogt, Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph Cantrell, Bradley Lubben, L. J. Mcelravy

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Population losses are an ongoing problem in rural counties. This loss leads to many issues faced by rural communities such as funding public services, business transition and retention, recruiting new residents, an aging population base as well as many others. Given these challenges, 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 twenty years? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions. This report details 1,991 responses to the 2015 Nebraska …

Perceptions Of Crime And Safety In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska, Rebecca Vogt, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph Cantrell, Bradley Lubben

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

There is a common perception that rural areas are generally safer compared to urban areas. Furthermore, state crime rates in smaller communities showed a smaller increase over the past year than did rates in larger communities. However, many changes are occurring in rural Nebraska. Given all that, how worried are rural Nebraskans about crime in their community? Do they believe crime has increased in their community? Have these perceptions changed over the past eleven years? Do their opinions differ by their region, the size of their community or other demographic characteristics? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions. …

Successful Communities: What Is Desired And What Is Present In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska, Rebecca Vogt, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph Cantrell, Bradley Lubben

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Many rural communities have experienced population declines during the past several decades. However, recent research has shown that rural counties are experiencing in-migration of persons age 30 to 49 years. Rural communities have also been typically viewed as having many positive characteristics. So, what do rural Nebraskans look for in a community? What characteristics are present in their current community? Do their perceptions differ by the size of their community or their age? This report details 1,943 responses to the 2014 Nebraska Rural Poll, the nineteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions …

Life In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: Perceptions Of Well-Being, Rebecca Vogt, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph Cantrell, Bradley Lubben

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Nebraska farm income decreased in 2013 compared to the previous year. However, Nebraska’s per capita income has been above the national average since 2011. Given the challenges and uncertainties of recent years, 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? How do rural Nebraskans believe they are doing and how do they view their future? How satisfied are they with various items that influence their well-being? Have these views changed over the past nineteen years? This paper provides …

Earning A Living In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska, Rebecca Vogt, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph Cantrell, Bradley Lubben

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

While wage and salary jobs make up about 80 percent of all Nebraska jobs, they are being steadily replaced by self-employment. This is especially true in nonmetropolitan counties. Given this, what types of jobs do rural Nebraskans have? How many rural Nebraskans derive income from self-employment? What motivates rural Nebraskans’ decision to be employed? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions. This report details 1,943 responses to the 2014 Nebraska Rural Poll, the nineteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about their employment. Comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, …

Community And Individual Well-Being In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska, Rebecca Vogt, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph Cantrell, Bradley Lubben

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Following record levels of farm income in Nebraska in 2011, those levels only dropped slightly in 2012 even though the state experienced one of the worst droughts in 50 years. And, historically Nebraska’s per capita income has been below the national average. However, in 2012 the Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates show the state’s per capita income was higher than the national average. Given the challenges and uncertainties of recent years, 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 …

Funding Public Services: Opinions Of Nonmetropolitan Nebraskans, Rebecca Vogt, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph Cantrell, Bradley Lubben, Eric Thompson

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Taxes were in the spotlight in Nebraska last year when the governor proposed the elimination of the state income tax. Although this proposal did not pass in the Legislature, a review of the state’s tax system was authorized. While this study may focus more on the revenue side of the tax equation, the expenditures or spending side of the equation are important to examine as well. How do rural Nebraskans feel about the current level of spending for various items? How would rural Nebraskans fund five major public expenditures? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions. This report …

Health Care Reform: Perceptions Of Nonmetropolitan Nebraskans, Rebecca Vogt, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph Cantrell, Bradley Lubben

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

The Affordable Care Act (also known as the health care reform law) includes provisions that are intended to expand access to insurance, increase consumer insurance protections, improve quality and system performance and curb rising health care costs. Though some of the reforms were effective in 2010, many provisions will be effective January 1, 2014. How well do rural Nebraskans understand what’s in the new law? How do they think the law will affect various groups? Do they think it will be successful at accomplishing its objectives? How do rural Nebraskans currently obtain their health insurance? This paper provides a detailed …

Water And Climate: Perceptions Of Nonmetropolitan Nebraskans, Rebecca Vogt, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph Cantrell, Bradley D. Lubben

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Water has always been an important resource to rural areas. Competing demands for water come from communities, households, agriculture, industry and the environment. After last summer’s drought, one of the worst in the state’s history, more attention was placed on water issues in the state. The drought also caused increased awareness of global climate change issues. Given these conditions, what impacts did rural Nebraskans experience as a result of last summer’s drought? What priority do rural Nebraskans place on various uses of water? Have those priorities changed over time? What do rural Nebraskans think about global climate change? What are …

Natural Resources In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: Use And Priorities: 2012 Nebraska Rural Poll Results, Rebecca J. Vogt, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bradley Lubben

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Natural resources are vital to Nebraska’s economy and quality of life. Policies to protect these valuable natural resources – such as soil and water – ensure that they will be available for future generations. However, development of natural resources for economic gain must often be balanced with these policies. Developing such a compromise is often difficult. What barriers are preventing rural Nebraskans from recycling more? What collection methods are they using to recycle? How do they feel about some of the issues surrounding the Keystone XL pipeline? What priorities do rural Nebraskans give for various uses of land and natural …

Quality Of Life In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: Perceptions Of Well-Being And Church Life: 2012 Nebraska Rural Poll Results: A Research Report, Rebecca J. Vogt, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bradley Lubben, Philip Schwadel

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Nebraska’s unemployment rate has been one of the lowest in the nation in recent years. The agricultural economy has also been strong with record levels of farm income in 2011. Given the challenges and uncertainties of recent years, how do rural Nebraskans believe they are doing and how do they view their future? Have these views changed over the past seventeen years? How satisfied are they with various items that influence their well-being? Most rural Nebraskans have also reported high satisfaction levels with their religion/spirituality in previous polls. How often do they attend church? How do they view their church? …

Quality Of Life In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: 2011 Nebraska Rural Poll Results, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bradley Lubben, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Nebraska appeared to survive the recent economic recession better than most other states. The state's unemployment rate has been one of the lowest in the nation in recent years. The agricultural economy has also been strong. Farm income levels reached record levels in 2010 and are expected to remain strong this year. Given the challenges and uncertainties of recent years, how do rural Nebraskans believe they are doing and how do they view their future? Have these views changed over the past sixteen years? How satisfied are they with various items that influence their well-being? How happy are rural Nebraskans? …

Community Life In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: Current Perceptions And Future Strategies: 2011 Nebraska Rural Poll Results, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bradley Lubben, Connie Reimers-Hild

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Recent community level Census data show that most small communities in Nebraska experienced population decline since 2000. However, most of the larger communities experienced population growth during this same time period. Various economic development strategies could be employed by communities to grow their population and economies. 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 sixteen years? How do rural Nebraskans believe various economic development strategies would impact their …

The Digital Age: Nonmetropolitan Nebraskans’ Use Of Technology 2011 Nebraska Rural Poll Results, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bradley Lubben, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Over the past decade, people have increasingly used the Internet for shopping, social networking, government services, learning and education. Are rural Nebraskans using the Internet for these applications? What do they believe are the benefits and drawbacks of these applications? In addition, people are increasingly using mobile devices to connect to the Internet. Are rural Nebraskans using their cell phones to access the Internet? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,490 responses to the 2011 Nebraska Rural Poll, the sixteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions …

Animal Welfare: Perceptions Of Nonmetropolitan Nebraskans: 2011 Nebraska Rural Poll Results, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bradley Lubben, Connie Reimers-Hild

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

The manner in which food animals are produced, shipped and processed has been in the news lately. Specifically at question is whether or not current livestock practices adequately ensure the welfare of food animals. With a sizable animal agriculture production sector in the state of Nebraska, this is an important issue. How do rural Nebraskans feel about animal welfare issues? Do their opinions differ by age, education or their experience with livestock production?

This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions. This report details 2,490 responses to the 2011 Nebraska Rural Poll, the sixteenth annual effort to understand rural …

Living And Shopping In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Bradley D. Lubben

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

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. In addition, small rural communities in Nebraska have experienced a decline in retailing activity in the past few decades. The Internet has also impacted retail shopping behaviors, allowing customers to purchase goods and services online that they normally purchased from businesses in their community. 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 …

Views On Agriculture, Energy And Food In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Bradley D. Lubben

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Agriculture has played and continues to play a critical role in Nebraska’s economy. However, the industry is currently facing changes in consumer preferences for food production along with increased demands for renewable energy production and environmental goods and services. Given these changing demands, how closely are rural Nebraskans connected to agriculture? What product attributes are important to them when food shopping? What preferences do they have for government support and incentives for producing energy from various sources? How do they feel about alternative energy sources and energy conservation? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details …

Life In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: Perceptions Of Well-Being And Acts Of Care Giving, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Given the challenges and uncertainties of recent years, how do rural Nebraskans believe they are doing and how do they view their future? Have these views changed over the past fifteen years? How satisfied are they with various items that influence their well‐being? The aging population in nonmetropolitan Nebraska faces additional challenges to their quality of life and many rely on nearby social support systems to enable them to remain in rural areas. How many rural Nebraskans provide assistance to aging or ill relatives and neighbors? Do they live near their parents or grown children? This paper provides a detailed …

Well-Being In Non-Metropolitan Nebraska: Perceptions Of The Present And Views Of The Future, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Bradley D. Lubben

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Nebraska has experienced the effects of the recent recession. How do rural Nebraskans perceive their quality of life? Do their perceptions differ by community size, the region in which they live, or their occupation? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,852 responses to the 2009 Nebraska Rural Poll, the fourteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about their individual well-being. Trends for these questions are examined by comparing data from the thirteen previous polls to this year’s results. In addition, comparisons are made among different respondent …

Satisfaction With Community Life In Non- Metropolitan Nebraska, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Bradley D. Lubben

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Most of the smaller communities in rural Nebraska have experienced population decline since 2000 while most of the larger communities have experienced population growth. 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? Are they planning to move from their community next year? Do their perceptions differ by community size, the region in which they live, or their occupation?

This report details 2,852 responses to the 2009 Nebraska Rural Poll, the fourteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. …

Adapting To The Current Economic Climate In Non-Metropolitan Nebraska, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Bradley D. Lubben

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

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 paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,852 responses to the 2009 Nebraska Rural Poll, the fourteenth annual …

Working In Non-Metropolitan Nebraska, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Bradley D. Lubben

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

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.

This report details 2,852 responses to the 2009 Nebraska Rural Poll, the fourteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series …

Effects Of Recent Television Signal Changes On Rural Nebraskans, Rebecca Vogt, Randolph Cantrell, Bruce Johnson, Brad Lubben

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

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 …

Global Climate Change: Opinions And Perceptions Of Rural Nebraskans, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Miguel A. Carranza, Bruce B. Johnson, David J. Peters

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

It is predicted that the earth’s climate will change because of the buildup of greenhouse gases. However, the exact effect of these gases on the climate is difficult to predict. Given these conditions, what do rural Nebraskans think about global climate change? Do they think global climate change will impact them? What are their opinions about the causes and effects of global climate change? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,496 responses to the 2008 Nebraska Rural Poll, the thirteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions …

Energy Use And Concerns Of Rural Nebraskans, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Miguel A. Carranza, Bruce Johnson, David J. Peters

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Energy prices have steadily increased during the past year. Rural residents are now faced with higher costs to drive and heat and cool their homes. Given these conditions, how much of a problem have rising energy costs been for rural Nebraskans? What are their opinions on future energy sources? What changes have they made or do they plan to make due to the price increases? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,496 responses to the 2008 Nebraska Rural Poll, the thirteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of …