In 2021, many families are saying goodbye to the suburbs and hello to the rolling countryside, embracing the country living lifestyle. According to a recent poll conducted by Gallup, almost half of Americans now prefer to live in a town or rural area. This is up 9% when compared with the same poll conducted two years ago.

According to the poll, only 25% of Americans prefer to live in a suburb, while 11% prefer a small city and 16% a big city. These numbers have all shown a decrease since the poll was conducted at the end of 2018.

“Current attitudes are similar to those recorded in October 2001, the only other time Gallup has asked Americans this question,” wrote Lydia Saad with Gallup. “That reading, like today’s but unlike the 2018 one, was taken during a time of great national upheaval — shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, when the public was still on edge about the potential for more terrorism occurring in densely populated areas.”

The 2020 Gallup poll was conducted at the end of 2020, nine months into the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. At this time, Americans were staying home significantly more than in years past, as well as keeping most social and public activities to a minimum. This change in living styles could be one of the reasons there is a notable shift in living location preferences.

Other significant statistics from the 2020 poll include:

• 48% of adult Americans would prefer to live in a rural area or town. 66% of Republicans, 47% of Independents, 33% of Democrats agree with this statement. In addition, 52% of men and 44% of women would also agree.
• 27% of adult Americans would prefer to live in either a big or small city. 17% of Republicans, 27% of Independents, 31% of Democrats agree with this statement. In addition, 24% of men and 26% of women would also agree.
• Only 25% of adult Americans would choose to live in the suburbs, given the choice. 17% of Republicans, 27% of Independents, 36% of Democrats agree with this statement. In addition, 24% of men and 29% of women would also agree.

Overall, a majority of men, White Americans, adults 55 and older, residents of the Midwest and Republicans preferred to live in the country, finding the living situation to be ideal.

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