Differentiation of Rural Areas of the Region by the Level of Realization of the Economic Interests of the Population

The realization of economic interests (REI) is associated with meeting the needs of villagers through obtaining a stable income and providing social and engineering infrastructure facilities. In 2013-2022, there were changes in the level of REI among the rural population of the Voronezh Region, caused not only by the restructuring of the rural economy, increased transport and logistical connectivity, but also by an increased shortage of workers in the rural labor market, as well as heterogeneous access to modern services. As part of the research, an algorithm for assessing rural areas in the region by the level of realization of the economic interests of the population has been developed, including the main stages: substantiation of indicators characterizing the economic and social orientation of the REI and their assessment; typification of rural areas according to the integral index of growth rates of indicators; characterization of the types obtained. The distribution of districts by economic component showed that in 94% of them (types I-III) the incomes of rural residents increased, but the number of people of working age and older decreased. In 6% of districts (types IV-V), not only the incomes of residents increased, but also their numbers. The distribution of districts by social component confirmed an increase in the housing area per 1 person, its well-being, accessibility of preschool education, but deterioration in the health sector in 69% of districts (types I-III). In 22% of districts (type IV), all criteria for providing the population with social and engineering infrastructure facilities have improved. In 9% of districts (type V), the area of housing and its comfort, accessibility to kindergartens, and the number of doctors have increased, but the hospital's bed capacity has decreased. The results of the study are of interest to government authorities in developing strategies and programs for the socio-economic development of rural areas.