About "Out in the country"
'Out in the Country' refers to rural areas, agricultural
regions, and sparsely populated lands that lie away from cities, suburbs, and urban development,
characterized by open spaces, natural landscapes, farming communities, and lifestyles distinctly
different from urban living. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's official classification system,
rural America encompasses approximately 97% of the nation's land area but contains only about 20% of
the population, representing vast expanses of territory where population density remains low and
natural or agricultural landscapes dominate the visual environment. The USDA's Economic Research
Service provides extensive documentation of rural life, economies, and challenges, noting that 'out in
the country' regions face unique circumstances including limited access to services, different
economic structures centered on agriculture and natural resources, stronger community bonds, and
lifestyles more connected to natural rhythms and seasonal cycles. The phrase evokes powerful imagery:
expansive farmland, rolling hills, forests and grasslands, small towns where everyone knows their
neighbors, starry night skies unpolluted by city lights, and the slower pace of life often associated
with rural living. Sociological research on rural-urban differences demonstrates distinct value
systems, with rural communities often emphasizing self-reliance, connection to land, traditional
values, and tight-knit social networks. The expression carries varied connotations depending on
speaker perspective: for some it represents freedom, peace, and connection to nature; for others it
may imply isolation, limited opportunities, or lack of amenities. Agricultural historians document how
'country living' has evolved from necessity to lifestyle choice for many, with growing numbers of
people deliberately seeking rural life to escape urban pressures. The phrase represents an enduring
aspect of American identity and geography, recognizing that beyond the cities and suburbs lies vast
countryside that remains essential to food production, natural resource management, and alternative
ways of living that value space, nature, and community over urban conveniences. Sources: U.S. Census Bureau - Rural America Definition, USDA - Rural America Overview.