Retaining the Next Generation in Northwest Ohio

This study analyzes the trends and issues related to the retention of young adults in Northwest Ohio. Researchers sampledover 340 young adults (25-34 years of age) from 8 counties in Northwest Ohio. Results highlight rural community perceptions of youngadults as well as those factors that impact the decision to remain in Rural Northwest Ohio. Respondents report generally favorableimpressions of the area with emphasis on the quality of schools, community safety, and affordability of the area. Overall lower ratingswere revealed on components related to cultural, entertainment, and employment opportunities in the area. Respondents with higherincomes and those with stronger Northwest Ohio roots, i.e., who were themselves raised in Northwest Ohio along with their parents,were more likely to feel positively about Northwest Ohio’s economic outlook and the community’s strength. In addition, the higher therespondent’s education, the more likely they were to react positively regarding the community’s strength/safety.