Community capitals: Examining the socioeconomics of a rural community

This research project study centered on the examination of community capitals that exist within a thriving rural community located in the upper Great Plains region. Grounded theory helped in the analysis of the data to understand how community capitals contributed to the socioeconomic growth and well-being of a thriving rural community. Interview data were collected from key informants and questionnaire results from business owners showed there were a number of factors that contributed to the community's ability to thrive.

The main contributing factor to the growth of the community was a change to a positive mindset among rural community leaders. Other factors that contributed to the success of this thriving rural community included the shift from economic development to community development, proximity to metropolitan centers, a strategic community-wide plan, non-profit foundations, and the forward thinking of community leaders willing to maintain a socioeconomic community that offers a quality of life for the residents.