Lincoln, Neb. —The Nebraska Rural Poll is extending a new opportunity for University of Nebraska researchers to collect data about the perceptions of rural Nebraskans.
Beginning this fall the Rural Poll will offer researchers across the University system, as well as those in non-profits and state and federal agencies, the opportunity to develop question sets about issues important to rural Nebraskans, which will then be included in the 2025 Poll.
Rural Poll team members experienced in survey methods, distribution and data analysis will work alongside researchers to develop questions and analyze the results for research projects, papers and other publications. Findings will also be distributed via news releases and IANR and UNL communications channels.
The cost of the service will range from $4,000 for a half page of questions, to $6,500 for a full page. The cost of shorter question sets can be negotiated.
The goal of the Nebraska Rural Poll, which is mailed annually to 7,000 households in 86 Nebraska counties, is to give local and state leaders a better understanding of the needs, priorities, and opinions of Nebraska's rural citizens. Questions historically have focused on community and individual well-being, agricultural policy, energy, the environment, government, crime, education, health care, housing, taxes, technology, employment, and related topics. Results are shared in a series of reports each year, which are broadly shared with policymakers and the general public. It is among the oldest polls of rural Americans in the country.
“For nearly 30 years, the Rural Poll has given voice to rural Nebraskans from every corner of our state, and has been used by local, state and federal leaders to address issues and develop policy important to the rural residents of our state,” said Mary Emery, director of Rural Prosperity Nebraska, which administers the poll. “I’m excited to extend this important tool to researchers work to address critical issues across our state.”
Researchers interested in learning more about the Nebraska Rural Poll, or purchasing question sets, can reach out to Becky Vogt at rvogt2@unl.edu or Mary Emery at memery2@unl.edu.
