Residents of rural America aren't happy or optimistic

In a February 2024 poll of 7,500 rural voters, majorities in the Midwest and elsewhere around the country agreed with pessimistic perspectives, such as that urban areas have too much political power and expecting young people from their area to leave as they reach adulthood. Less than half of respondents agreed with positive perspectives, such as that local kids had a promising future or that their communities get a fair share of government funding and support.