Sex in the (Non) City: Teen Childbearing in Rural America

Despite remarkable progress in reducing teen pregnancy and birth rates, many have wondered about particular segments of the population compare to others on rates of early pregnancy and childbearing. In particular, how do teen births compare in rural versus urban areas? In an effort to address this question, in 2013 The National Campaign released a first of its kind analysis of teen childbearing in rural America. Our analysis showed that, in 2010 (the most recent data available by county), the teen birth rate in rural counties was nearly one-third higher compared to rates in the rest of the country, and rates in rural areas have been falling more slowly than rates in non-rural areas. This follow-up report focuses specifically on explaining the why behind the high rates of teen births in rural areas.