What to know
- Rural communities are complex and have strengths and assets that can help them overcome health challenges, and not all communities have the same health disparities. CDC’s mission extends to all Americans. Where they live should not limit their health outcomes or potential.
A closer look at rural health
Antibiotic Use in Rural Hospitals - Antibiotic stewardship programs improve how hospitals use antibiotics and result in improved patient outcomes. About 1 in 3 antibiotics prescribed in hospitals is not needed or are prescribed incorrectly.
Arthritis in Rural America - Arthritis describes over 100 conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues. More than 1 in 3 adults in rural areas have arthritis. Community-based physical activity programs in rural areas can help adults manage arthritis pain.
Cancer in Rural America - Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Compared to urban areas, rural areas have lower rates of new cancer cases, but the cancer death rate is higher.2
Child Health in Rural America - Parents of children with mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders in rural communities often report more hardships than their urban counterparts. Children with these disorders who live in rural areas could benefit from better access to mental and behavioral healthcare programs that support parents and caregivers.
COPD Urban-Rural Differences - People living in rural areas face higher risks for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Rural areas have more smoking, less access to programs to help quit smoking, and limited healthcare. Improved access to healthcare can lead to better quality of life and reduced deaths.
COPD Burden - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. People living in rural areas experience higher rates of COPD, COPD-related hospitalizations covered by Medicare, and COPD deaths than urban Americans.
Diabetes Self-Management in Rural America - 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes. Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) helps manage diabetes, but most rural areas don't have DSMES programs. 62% of rural counties in the United States do not have diabetes self-management education and support.
Drug Overdose in Rural America - Drug overdoses are the leading cause of injury or death in the U.S. People who live in rural areas are now at greater risk of death from drug overdose than people who live in urban areas. Understanding differences in rural and urban drug overdose deaths can lead to better responses by healthcare professionals.
Health Behaviors in Rural America - People living in rural areas in the U.S. are more likely than their urban counterparts to be at higher risk for certain diseases and health conditions. Most chronic diseases can be prevented by eating well, being physically active, avoiding tobacco and excessive drinking, and getting regular health screenings.
Motor Vehicle Safety in Rural America - Deaths from motor vehicle accidents in rural areas are much higher than those in urban areas. The resources on this page help show why this is happening in rural areas and how they can be addressed.
Suicide in Rural America - People who live in rural areas are at a higher risk for suicide than people who live in urban areas. Suicide rates almost doubled between 2000-2020 in rural areas.
Vaccination in Rural Communities - Many adolescents in rural communities are not getting the recommended vaccines to protect against diseases. It is important to support healthcare professionals in effectively recommending vaccines for adolescents and addressing parents’ concerns.
Zoonotic Diseases in Rural America - Zoonotic diseases are infections that spread between animals and people. People can become infected with these diseases by interacting with animals. People in rural areas are often in contact with more animals than people in urban areas. The resources below can help people understand and prevent infection from zoonotic diseases.