More housing, less hog odor needed to bring new residents to county
~a column by Mary Weaver
Last week the National Realtors Association reported “people are not moving to big city centers like they used to.” Affordability is drawing folks to less dense and cheaper areas, particularly those in the booming Sun Belt.*
After reading that, I began asking people why they lived in Greene County; the usual response, “Its my home,” followed by, “I was born here”.
Sadly, we are not in the Sun Belt, nor seeing an influx of people to Greene County or Iowa. Fixing that issue will not be easy. The population of Iowa and Greene County is aging. Forcing persons into employment by cutting benefits has not created more labor or filled positions.
Brief research about why people live where they do shows where they live to be strongly associated with where they were born. People will move to cities for higher paying jobs, even though higher tax rates are charged. Low tax rates are not the answer in this multifaceted population issue.
Greene County doesn’t have mild winters, mountains, or seashores, but some places without those luxuries continue to grow. U.S. News and World Report list the factors to consider when making choices: cost of living, job availability, desirability and happiness, low crime, low pollution, proper sanitation, quality of education, commute time, quality, and availability of health care. I added available housing, as this is a number one problem for bringing people to live in Greene County.
Brookings Institute further breaks down desirability into pleasant weather, clean air, and proximity to cultural events. Clean air is a problem issue in the rural areas of Greene County. The stench from hog confinement buildings, while bringing income to farm families, is an issue that needs attention for us.
An article in Green Eyes, posted in 2017 indicates the environment where you live reflects what you enjoy. The best quote from that article, “Your location determines the type of people you will meet in your life.”
I am proud to live here. I am proud of our Greene County Schools. The Iowa Department of Education indicates Greene County Community Schools has a teacher ratio of 11:1, while the State average is 14:1. The graduation rate is 90-94 per cent, while the state average is only 89 percent.
Tanner Scheuermann, Greene County conservation officer, reports to his knowledge Spring Lake has never been closed due to algae, bacterial issues, etc. When questioned about nitrate levels in the Raccoon River and streams, he explains this varies, primarily associated with precipitation. He is proud that Greene County is doing so well with buffer strips and cover crops.
And finally, we are so fortunate to have Greene County Medical Center staff and health care providers serving our community. An ambulance service and emergency room close to home is a security factor for rural farming families.
I enjoyed finding this list of “HEALTH BENEFITS OF RURAL LIVING” from rural living.com: Lower stress; healthier food; stronger community; opportunity for purpose; improved mental health; lower pollution; experiencing the four seasons; smaller class sizes; exercise; larger living spaces; and personal autonomy.
Personally, I benefit from seeing the sunrise and sunset on the east and west horizons.
We offer positive reasons to live, work, and play in Greene County. We just need to address the lack of housing, and the air pollution from hog confinements.
I have friends and colleagues that I tell about our County. Can you help recruit persons to our communities?
*To learn more about the National Realtors Association report visit https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-live
