ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION

HOLDING STEADY ON THE GREAT PLAINS:

AN EXPLORATION OF THE CHARACTERISTICS

OF THE REGION'S POPULATION-STABLE COUNTIES

by DEBORAH EPSTEIN POPPER



Dissertation Director'- Professor Briavel Holcomb



This dissertation explores the characteristics that distinguish U.S. Great Plains counties which have maintained even population levels since mid-century from those that have experienced decline.  It compares data on the demographic, socio-economic, land-use, and central-place patterns of the stable counties with those that have suffered loss.  The data indicate that the population-stable counties are generally larger in population, younger, less poor, have more capital available, and invest more actively in new construction.  They have more services available, particularly health ones, and they have more and more varied businesses.  The stable counties do not differ from the distressed in crops produced, but they use more intensive practices.  The stable counties offer easier access in and out of the county for people and products.  Even when controlling for both low population and dependence on agriculture associated with the declining counties, most of the characteristics mentioned above continue to differentiate the stable counties from the declining ones.  The final chapter offers policy suggestions for maintaining population or stemming loss but also concludes that in some cases population decline may be the preferable path.