Nationally, more than one of every five older Americans now live in rural areas. But that’s not the case in Utah, according to a Census Bureau report.
In the Beehive State, the number is nearer to only one of every eight — with the vast majority of older residents, 86.9%, living in urban areas.
That may mean that Utah’s rural areas face somewhat fewer challenges to serve the needs of the growing number of seniors than similar areas around the country.
“An older, increasingly rural population requires specialized medical and rehabilitation services, as well as innovative housing and public transportation options” — which rural areas often lack, the study notes.