Despite their service, rural veterans often face unique barriers to accessing the care and support they need after leaving the military. The first step toward supporting rural veterans is educating ourselves on the challenges they face.   

Here are 6 Things You Might Not Know About Rural Veterans: 

1. Rural veterans lack access to necessary healthcare 

While there are 4.7 million veterans who live in rural areas, they each face their own unique barriers to accessing healthcare. Many rural veterans struggle to access necessary healthcare due to factors like geographic distance to VA facilities, transportation challenges, and limited internet access that hinders telehealth services. 

2. Rural veterans face  a higher risk of mental health challenges 

Rural veterans are less likely to receive the mental health care they need compared to urban veterans. While mental health is a significant concern for all veterans and their families, due to their living environment, rural veterans are at a higher risk of mental health challenges like post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety. 

3. Rural veterans are more likely to face economic disparities 

Compared to their urban counterparts, rural veterans are more likely to have lower household incomes and experience higher rates of poverty, with more than half earning an annual income of less than $35,000. This can further compound their challenges in accessing essential resources like healthcare. 

4. Rural veterans are in a position to have their well-being impacted by social isolation 

The isolated nature of rural communities can lead to social isolation, impacting their mental health and overall well-being. Veterans die by suicide at 1.5 times the rate of their non‐veteran counterparts, with rural veterans at a 20%–22% greater risk of dying by suicide than urban veterans. Peer support and community engagement programs can help combat this, which leads us to our final point. 

5. Rural veterans rely heavily on resources 

The VA is a crucial resource to rural veterans, but they also rely heavily on community providers, veteran service organizations, and programs to meet their needs.  

Mission Roll Call has identified and vetted many nonprofit organizations that work with these communities. For example, the Alaska Warrior Partnership™ (AKWP) is committed to improving veterans’ quality of life in the state of Alaska through the coordination of local services and opportunities. And Boulder Crest Foundation provides a free, first-class rural wellness retreat dedicated to helping America’s military members, veterans, and their families. For more resources and support, visit Mission Roll Call’s comprehensive Veteran Resource Directory. 

6. Rural veterans are resilient, resourceful, and deeply connected to their communities 

This isn’t just a list of challenges—rural veterans bring incredible strengths that deserve recognition. They embody grit, self-reliance, and a strong sense of duty, often serving as the backbone of their communities long after their time in uniform. With deep family roots and a commitment to service, they step up as mentors, leaders, and quiet helpers in times of need. These qualities not only make them vital to the fabric of rural America, but they also make them powerful voices in shaping the future of the broader veteran community. 

Conclusion 

Rural veterans make up an essential part of the American veteran population—yet too often, their stories are overlooked, and their needs go unmet. From barriers to healthcare and mental health services to economic hardship and geographic isolation, the challenges are real. But so is their strength.

As individuals, we can show support to rural veterans by educating ourselves on their unique needs and challenging harmful stereotypes or stigmas. We can also point veterans and their families to useful benefits, service organizations, social groups, and other resources.

To join us in advocating for rural veterans and ensuring their voices are heard, visit www.missionrollcall.org. 

If you are a rural veteran, we want to hear from you through our open polls. Participating in our polls is crucial for Mission Roll Call’s advocacy efforts. Your input helps us understand the needs and concerns of the rural veteran community, guiding our actions and amplifying your voice in driving meaningful change.