Rural Tennessee Dashboard: Smarter Decisions for Better Outcomes

Experts at East Tennessee State University have launched a new online dashboard to help

Tennessee policymakers dig deep into rural challenges.

Out of the state's 95 counties, 78 are rural, and 70 have more than half their residents

in rural areas.

This tool pulls together over 60 variables to spotlight where resources are needed most.

The dashboard reveals our contrast between counties.

Lake Monroe County, which is 98.2% rural, with just 72.5 people per square mile, and an

average income of $41,041 per person.

Compared that to Davidson County around Nashville, with over 1,130 people per square mile, and per

capita income of $85,551.

Researchers and officials praised the dashboard for guiding smarter decisions on poverty, economic

growth, and health.

Michael Mike from the Center for World Health Research says it directs funds the high-need

spots, sparking more investment and better outcomes.

It's especially timely for distributing Tennessee's share of the $50 billion federal

world health transformation grants.

The tool tracks factors like hospital access, suicide rates, teen births, and dental care,

aligning with state goals such as getting 80% of, rural folks within 30 minutes of care,

and preventing rural hospital closures.

As data updates roll in, this dashboard promises to track progress from new federal funds and

keep rural Tennessee thriving for years ahead.

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