Why do some rural areas experience a declining number of services?

Rural areas often experience a declining number of services due to a lack of demand for those services. In many rural communities, the population may be smaller and less dense than in urban areas, resulting in fewer customers to support local businesses. When there aren’t enough people using a service—such as shops, schools, or healthcare—these services may not be financially viable for providers, leading to closures or reductions in availability.

This trend can negatively impact the community, as residents may have to travel further for essential services, which can create additional challenges such as increased travel time and costs. While other factors, like high transportation costs and increased competition from urban areas, can also contribute to the decline of services, the primary driver is the insufficient demand within the smaller population of rural areas.