Abstract Search Find and explore abstracts from the RSS Annual Meeting

Natural Resources

Updating the Natural Amenity Scale: Conceptual and Empirical Advancements in Measuring Rural Natural Amenities in the United States Laura Paul*, Laura Paul, Elizabeth Dobis,

The USDA, Economic Research Service’s Natural Amenities Scale has long served as a benchmark for understanding rural desirability, shaping research on migration and regional development since its release in 1999. However, advances in data availability and analytical methods now provide an opportunity for a major update. Our project introduces a new Natural Amenity Scale that integrates high-resolution spatial and climate data, expands coverage to Alaska and Hawaii, and offers finer geographic detail at county and census tract levels.

This updated scale focuses exclusively on natural amenities, such as temperate climate, forest cover, and water access, drawing on best-available data from NASA, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the U.S. Forest Service. Using an additive index based on min-max normalization without weights, the scale ensures transparency and flexibility, allowing researchers to adapt individual components to their needs. Inputs reflect contemporary literature and improved data sources, enhancing accuracy and relevance for modern policy and research applications.

The new scale is designed to support analysis of rural migration, infrastructure investment, housing access, and economic development. By modernizing a widely cited tool, we aim to provide a more precise and policy-relevant measure of rural quality of life and residential preferences. Engagement and feedback from the Rural Sociology audience will help refine this contribution and ensure its utility for future scholarship and decision-making.