North Carolina's rapid growth has been well-documented, with our state gaining nearly 1 million new residents from 2010 to 2020. But that increase wasn't as big as expected, largely because rural parts of N.C. lost residents. It's a trend that has sped up the past few years and it has the people still living in those rural areas concerned.

The exodus from rural areas has had a big impact on businesses and services in many counties. Now, those who remain are tasked with figuring out a way forward and how to attract new residents.