Population growth in rural communities: Residents’ perceptions of its consequences

Local satisfaction with several community services and selected social conditions are investigated using a cross‐sectional survey design. The design includes six rural communities representing two sizes (1500–2000 and 4500–6000) and three patterns of growth (stable, low, moderate). Comparisons across communities reveal significant variations by size and growth even though faster growing communities were generally found to have lower satisfaction. The most consistent dissatisfaction corresponding with growth was expressed toward health services. Variations in the size and growth associations with other variables are used to emphasize the need for more definitive information regarding rate of growth and community size in relation to specific attributes of community life. Some logical reasons for these variations are discussed.