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Explore national- and state-level data for hundreds of health, environmental and socioeconomic measures, including background information about each measure. Use features on this page to find measures; view subpopulations, trends and rankings; and download and share content.
Mississippi Value:
Percentage of a state's total population estimated to live in a rural area
Percentage of a state's total population estimated to live in a rural area
0.0% - 13.2%
13.3% - 24.0%
24.1% - 30.8%
30.9% - 39.3%
39.4% - 66.1%
No Data
US Value: 20.4 %
Top State(s): California: 5.8 %
Bottom State(s): Vermont: 66.1 %
Definition: Percentage of a state's total population estimated to live in a rural area
Data Source and Years(s): U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 1-Year Dataset, 2023
Suggested Citation: America's Health Rankings analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 1-Year Dataset, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2026.
Rural areas are often under-resourced and face unique challenges, especially regarding the social determinants of health. Compared with those living in urban areas, rural populations have a 40% higher rate of preventable hospitalizations and a 23% higher mortality rate. People living in rural areas are more likely to die from cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, heart disease, stroke and unintentional injury than those living in urban areas.
Rural areas are home to a higher proportion of older adults — more than 20% of rural residents in the United States are 65 and older. This population is at especially high risk for poor health outcomes such as dementia, heart disease and cancer.
The health of rural populations is affected by a complex mix of economic, social, racial, ethnic, geographic and health workforce factors. Financial insecurity, remote location, lower socioeconomic status and higher rates of unhealthy behaviors contribute to the significant health disparities between rural and urban populations. Furthermore, geographic isolation and shortages in the health care workforce make access to care a very serious challenge for rural populations.
Addressing rural health disparities requires special policy considerations at all levels of the government and community.
To reduce health disparities in rural areas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that health care providers:
Davis, James C., Anil Rupasingha, John Cromartie, and Austin Sanders. “Rural America at a Glance: 2022 Edition.” Economic Information Bulletin. U.S. Department of Agriculture, November 2022. https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/105155/eib-246.pdf.
Johnston, Kenton J., Hefei Wen, and Karen E. Joynt Maddox. “Lack Of Access To Specialists Associated With Mortality And Preventable Hospitalizations Of Rural Medicare Beneficiaries.” Health Affairs 38, no. 12 (December 1, 2019): 1993–2002. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2019.00838.
America’s Health Rankings builds on the work of the United Health Foundation to draw attention to public health and better understand the health of various populations. Our platform provides relevant information that policymakers, public health officials, advocates and leaders can use to effect change in their communities.
We have developed detailed analyses on the health of key populations in the country, including women and children, seniors and those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, in addition to a deep dive into health disparities across the country.
