Countering Depopulation in Kansas: An Assessment of the Rural Opportunity Zone Program

Many rural areas throughout the Great Plains, including Kansas, have been affected by a “brain drain,” or the outward migration of highly trained or well-educated people. In response to a negative outlook for rural areas,... [ view full abstract ]

Many rural areas throughout the Great Plains, including Kansas, have been affected by a “brain drain,” or the outward migration of highly trained or well-educated people. In response to a negative outlook for rural areas, in 2012 the State of Kansas implemented the Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) Program to encourage college-educated adults to move to rural counties. This research looks at what influences young educated adults to participate in the program and what types of individuals are likely to participate. This research employed a survey of Kansas State University students and interviews with local economic development officials who manage the program. Survey results reveal that even the majority of students do not view themselves as likely to participate in the program, despite its financial incentives. Students likely to participate in the program are those from ROZ counties, likely to find employment in rural areas, and those with positive views of rural life. County official interviews revealed that the program primarily benefits those who were already intending to live in a rural area and the program rarely attracts newcomers. Also, the program is poorly funded in many areas and the lack of high paying jobs limits population growth in a way that the benefits of the ROZ cannot outweigh. Findings from this research will allow communities to make changes that build upon their positive attributes and limit their undesirable characteristics. This research also highlights the need for changes to be made by the state government concerning the program’s benefits and awareness.