Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

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 …

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 …

Views Of Community Life In Rural Nebraska, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Miguel A. Carranza, Bruce B. Johnson, David J. Peters

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. 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? How do they view the quality of life in their community? What factors are important in contributing to the quality of life in their community? Do their perceptions differ by community size, the region in which they live, or their occupation? This report details 2,496 responses to the …

Television Signal Changes And Rural Nebraskans, Rebecca Vogt, Randolph Cantrell, Miguel Carranza, Bruce Johnson, David Peters

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Starting in mid-February 2009, all television stations in the country can only broadcast a digital signal. This change does 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 2008 Nebraska Rural Poll included questions related to television viewing, providing a picture of the effect this change will have on 2,496 randomly selected nonmetropolitan Nebraskans.

Perceptions Of Well-Being And Personal Finances Among 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)

Nebraska has experienced slow economic growth recently. However, the state has also seen higher farm income this past year. 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? How concerned are rural Nebraskans about their personal finances? This report 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 about their individual well-being. Trends for some of these questions are …

Where Do Rural Nebraskans Plan To Retire?, David J. Peters, Randolph L. Cantrell, Miguel A. Carranza, Bruce B. Johnson, Rebecca J. Vogt

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Key Findings

• Younger people in their 20s are unsure of their plans to move in retirement (65%). Those in their 30s and 40s are also unsure (about 55%), but are also more likely to stay where they currently live (about 35%) than younger people.

• Plans to move become more definite as people get older. Those in their 50s and early 60s either do not plan to move (45%) or are still unsure (40%), while those 65 and older overwhelmingly plan to stay where they are (62%) rather than being unsure of their plans to move (20%).

• Only …

Rural Nebraskans Working In Retirement, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Miguel A. Carranza, Bruce B. Johnson, David J. Peters

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Key Findings

• Employment is an important part of retirement and retirement planning for rural Nebraskans.

• Many rural Nebraskans who are not yet retired expect to work past the traditional retirement age of 65, especially those age 40 to 64 and farmers and ranchers.

• Motivations for working past the traditional retirement age include to meet basic income needs and to keep both physically and mentally active.

• Retirees are more likely to work for enjoyment while persons who are not yet retired expect to work for basic income needs.

• Most rural Nebraskans are anticipating some form of …

Newcomers To The Nebraska Panhandle: How Do We Keep Them Here?, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Charlotte Narjes, Rebecca J. Vogt

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Key Findings

• Most new residents considered other locations before choosing their current location.

• Most new residents view their new communities as friendly, trusting, and supportive.

• Many new residents are involved in their new community, but are not as engaged as they were in their previous community.

• Many new residents are either not planning to stay in their current community or aren’t sure of their plans.

• Younger persons are more likely than older persons to be planning to leave or to be unsure of their plans.

• The feeling of belonging in the community has the …

Retirement Plans And Perceptions Among Rural Nebraskans, David J. Peters, Randolph L. Cantrell, Miguel A. Carranza, Bruce B. Johnson, Rebecca J. Vogt

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

• Most rural Nebraskans indicate an ideal retirement age of between 55-64 years (about 55%), or an ideal age of between 65-70 years (under 30%).

• However, only one-third of those ideally retiring between ages 55-64 think they will have sufficient income to do so, while nearly one-half of those ideally retiring between ages 65-70 think they will have enough retirement income.

• Over 40 percent of rural Nebraskans say they plan to work during retirement. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to plan on working than those in their 20s and 30s.

• A majority of …

Rural Nebraskans And Health Care In Retirement, Randolph L. Cantrell, Miguel A. Carranza, Bruce B. Johnson, David J. Peters, Rebecca J. Vogt

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

• Rural Nebraskans are concerned about health and health care during their retirement.

• Concerns over health care needs are likely to influence where older Nebraskans choose to reside.

• The perceived need to provide personal health insurance for oneself is likely to keep older rural Nebraskans in the labor force.

• Upon retirement, rural Nebraskans expect to finance their health care in a variety of ways, but expect to rely most heavily upon Medicare.

• Reliance upon family and friends for any level of health care support is seen as an unlikely option by most rural Nebraskans.

Rural Nebraskans And Retirement Income, Bruce B. Johnson, Randolph L. Cantrell, Miguel A. Carranza, David J. Peters, Rebecca J. Vogt

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

• Most rural Nebraskans are concerned about adequate income for their retirement years.

• Social security is only one of many retirement income sources that rural Nebraskans are employing.

• Planning on continuing employment, either full or part-time, into the retirement years as an income source is the rule rather than the exception.

• Few rural Nebraskans plan to leave a portion of their estate to their community organizations and causes, even though they may think favorably about their community.

Newcomers To The Nebraska Panhandle: Who Are They?, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Charlotte Narjes, Rebecca J. Vogt

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Key Findings

• New residents bring many assets to the Panhandle region: high levels of education, children, professional occupation skills, entrepreneurial backgrounds, and volunteer and community leadership experience.

• New residents come from many different locations, arriving from 38 different states.

• Most new residents come from other parts of Nebraska or from the adjacent states of Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota and Kansas.

• The majority of new residents moved to the Panhandle from a metropolitan county.

• While one quarter of new residents moved to the Panhandle alone, most brought either a spouse/partner or children with them.

• A …

Newcomers To The Nebraska Panhandle: Why Did They Move Here?, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Charlotte Narjes, Rebecca J. Vogt

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Key Findings

• New residents rated the high cost of living and urban congestion as the top reasons for leaving their previous community.

• The top rated reasons newcomers move to their current communities involve community quality of life amenities: to find a simpler pace of life, to find a less congested place to live, and to be closer to relatives. Other reasons for moving to the Panhandle include the decreased cost of living, the quality of the natural environment and to find a higher paying job.

• Families cite the better environment in which to raise children and better …

Perceptions Of Individual And Community Well-Being Among 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)

Many rural communities have experienced population growth during the past decade and the state has experienced relatively stable economic conditions during the past year. 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? 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 report details 2,680 responses to the 2007 Nebraska Rural Poll, the twelfth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of …