Age demographic differences of the rural North and South (college, statistics)

[GraniteStater]

I was looking at some statistics on the quickfacts census website, and have noticed a rather substantial trend. It seems like rural areas in the north have a population that is older and aging faster compared with rural areas of the south. The category that seems to have the greatest disparity is that of the over 65 age bracket. It also seems like out-migration trends are higher in areas of the rural north compared with the rural south. Do some of the differences relate to population density? It appears that rural areas of the southeast have a greater population density per county compared with the rural areas of the Upper Midwest.

[GraniteStater]

For example:

Look at the differences in rural areas of Michigan and Tennessee. In Michigan nearly all of the rural counties have a significantly older population compared with rural Tennessee. Is Michigan attracting more retirees compared with Tennessee or are younger people fleeing rural Michigan?

Michigan QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau
Tennessee QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau

[WILWRadio]

I've done some research on this same subject while researching communities to relocate. I doubt though it is nearly as extensive as yours.

Most rural Northeastern areas of the country are losing people especially of college age and college graduates. A lack of job opportunities seems to be the primary reason. However, I've noted that some rural communities in Ohio, Indiana and Minnesota are gaining people.

I have not researched any communities in the south other than northern Kentucky because the climate is too hot and humid for me to handle.