The definition of rural used for policy and program decisions affects Wisconsin residents in very real and tangible ways. Definitions affect how the demographic and economic makeup of Wisconsin communities are understood and handled in the context of policy and programmatic decision making.
In this report, rural Wisconsin is defined using ten commonly-used classification systems. Maps, methodology descriptions, and demographic data illustrate the differences and similarities between systems and the implications for Wisconsin residents. Distinctions are made between metropolitan, micropolitan, and rural classes to illustrate that rural is more than just “not metro.”
This report is an update to a previous report, Wisconsin Divided Six Ways. Appendices to this report are available in the "Additional Materials" tab.
