Rural areas are those geographical areas that are not located near towns. In most cases, they are known as farming areas. It is the opposite of urban areas, which are characterized by buildings and where people work and live.
Key Takeaways
- Low population density, open landscapes, and a strong emphasis on agriculture and natural resources characterize rural areas. High population density, built-up environments, and diverse economic activities characterize urban areas.
- Urban areas generally offer a wider range of amenities, services, and job opportunities than rural areas, resulting in different lifestyles and economic opportunities for residents.
- Infrastructure, such as transportation, communication networks, and utilities, tends to be more developed and extensive in urban areas. In contrast, rural areas may need help accessing these resources due to lower population density and greater distances between communities.
Rural vs Urban
Scattered villages with open spaces and natural plantations characterize rural areas. The population density in these areas is low. The primary source of income in rural settings is farming.
Urban settings are man-made environments which are populated. Towns and suburban areas are also classified as urban areas. Urban centres are populated, and chances are that there are better employment opportunities.
One major difference between rural and urban is that; rural areas are less populated. Urban settings are densely populated.
Comparison Table
| Parameter of Comparison | Urban | Rural |
|---|---|---|
| Life | Urban life is fast and involving | Life in rural areas is relaxed and simple |
| Include | Urban areas include cities and towns | Rural areas include villages and smaller settlements (hamlets) |
| Definition | An area where people work and live. It is highly populated and possesses features of an established environment. | The area is located away from towns and cities. |
| Associated with | Urban settings are associated with trade, commerce or the provision of services (Non-agricultural work) | Rural areas are associated with agriculture and livestock |
| Environment | Urban areas are secluded from nature | Rural areas are in direct contact with nature |
| Development | Urban areas have settlement plans in place. Developments in these areas occur depending on urbanization and industrialization. | These areas develop at random, depending on the availability of natural plants. |
| Social Mobility | It is highly intensive | It is less intensive |
| Division of labour | Division of labour is always available during the allotment of the job | There is no division of labour |
| Size of Population | Urban centres are densely populated | Rural settings are scarcely populated |
What is Rural Area
A rural area is an open environment with vast tracts of land, few homes, and other buildings. In rural areas, the population is deficient. Homes and businesses are located a few miles from each other.
In most rural areas, agriculture is the main economic activity. Most of the rural area inhabitants live or work on farms. People and buildings are absent, but the presence of wildlife is constant.
Life in these areas is simple as people can meet and interact more often. Rural residents are often seen as peasants, rustic, and isolated.
What is Urban Area?
A built-up area or urban area is a human-inhabited area.
The area is highly populated and features characteristics of a built environment. Urban areas are highly developed with human structures like commercial buildings and roads.
Lifestyle in urban areas is stereotyped in most cases. It’s presumed to be more hectic and moves at a fast speed compared to rural life. Urban centres are significant because getting development right creates job opportunities.
They also improve the living standards of residents and increase economic growth.
Main Differences Between Rural and Urban
Occupation Mobility
There are many occupations in the city. As such, there is occupation mobility in urban areas is continuous. In rural areas, the scope for occupational mobility is shallow.
General Life
In urban areas, life is complex, and many activities must be done. It is also not straightforward. In rural areas, life is straightforward. It is reflected in the way people live, dress, shelter, and many other things.
Social Status
People in urban areas do not enjoy the same social status. They belong to different social class, religion and their cultures are different. In rural areas, people within the community are similar.
They, therefore, enjoy the same (less or more) social status.
Hold of the family
In urban areas, the hold of the family isn’t compact. Institutions and other organizations have taken away the many functions of the family. In rural areas, the family’s hold is firm because the family is in control of almost everything.
Life
In rural areas, there is no need for social adaptability because life isn’t fast. In urban areas, life is changing very fast. As such, there is a need for fast mobility and adaptability.
Division of labour
In rural settings, there is no division of labour. In urban settings, there is a division of labour and specialization in job distribution.
Culture
Culture is deeply rooted and respected in rural areas. Almost everyone loves culture and cultural heritage more than anything else. In urban cities, it isn’t easy to find a pure culture. There is a mix of races, each with its own culture and taboos.
Employment
Urban centres provide employment and incentives. It is one reason that has stimulated rural-urban migration. In rural areas, there are zero chances of providing employment and incentives.
- https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/19711801387
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00220679909597608
- https://pubs.aeaweb.org/doi/pdf/10.1257/aer.89.2.281
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/095624780301500111
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Chara Yadav holds MBA in Finance. Her goal is to simplify finance-related topics. She has worked in finance for about 25 years. She has held multiple finance and banking classes for business schools and communities. Read more at her bio page.
