Am I Rural?
The Rural Definition
AIRSS advocates for all Illinois rural and small schools. This work depends on a clear understanding of who we are and where we are. Thus, defining “rural” must be the priority. It is the basis for each of our efforts: giving power to the rural VOICE, context for rural ADVOCACY, and urgency for greater rural ACCESS.
AIRSS has spearheaded defining “rural” with the Rural Education Advisory Council and other partners. Utilizing data from the U. S. Census Bureau, the National Center for Education Statistics’ Locale Codes, and the Rural Education Achievement Program, AIRSS Executive Director David Ardrey and Program Director John Glasgow established an early baseline for this definition. When these agencies updated their metrics in January 2025 because of changes in the 2020 U.S. Census, Glasgow and Ardrey undertook an extensive review of the new data to advance a more refined definition.
The revised data showed conclusively that Illinois became more rural than previously thought. Illinois gained 56 new rural communities and 21 rural districts according to NCES. We now host 489 small and rural school districts – about 57% of all public school districts in the state, representing 100 counties. The updated data also resolved earlier anomalies in the district codings. The revised data was more accurate, conclusive, and clear – and more small and rural than ever before. Glasgow and Ardrey shared their full confidence in the new data.
The following criteria for the Illinois definition of “rural” were recommended to the Rural Education Advisory Council, who in turn advanced their approval to the Illinois State Superintendent of Schools:
- District NCES Locale Code of 31, 32, 33, 41, 42, or 43.
- Community Unit District Enrollment of 3,500 or fewer.
- Elementary District Enrollment of 2,500 or fewer.
- High School District Enrollment of 1,100 or fewer.
Defining “rural” for Illinois is an essential task that AIRSS is determined to carry forward under the leadership of its new President, Chris Janssen. It allows us to say with confidence and pride that “We Are Here!” and it gives direction and focus for the many great projects we have.
Map of Illinois Rural and Small Schools
This map displays the full list of schools considered “rural” using our proposed definition. All schools are color coded to their most recent NCES locale code. Clicking on a dot will show the school’s name, locale code, and REAP eligibility status.
