The National Center for Frontier Communities (formerly the Frontier Education Center) in 1997 gathered a multi-disciplinary group of frontier and rural leaders to develop a definition of frontier using a consensus process. After nearly a year of work, consensus was achieved in support of a matrix that weights population density, distance in miles and travel time in minutes from a market-service area. This consensus definition has been formally adopted by both the National Rural Health Association and the Western Governors' Association.

State and Local "Feedback Loop"
The National Center for Frontier Communities applies the Consensus Definition in consultation with State Offices of Rural Health. The Center believes that states and communities should be involved in decision-making, because local people best understand conditions in their state. This process is unique in its use of a "bottom-up" feedback loop which acknowledges the diversity among frontier areas.

The Consensus Definition - 2007 Update
This report updates work done in 1997-98 to develop a consensus definition of "frontier."

Consensus Definition

Matrix: Designation of Frontier

Reports Based on the US Census

2000 Update: Frontier Counties in the US
A description of the area and population of frontier counties by state and region based on Census 2000. Frontier counties comprise about 56% of the land area of the US and contain about 3% of the nation's population.

2000 Census List of Counties
This list is based on data from the 2000 Census, the Consensus Definition Matrix, and the feedback loop with State Offices of Rural Health. This process identified nearly ten million people living in frontier areas consisting of 812 counties in 38 states.

1990 Census List of Counties
A list of frontier counties developed in 1999 using 1990 Census data and working with the states. This analysis placed 940 counties on the list.

Geography of Frontier America: The View at the Turn of the Century
Description of the process used to implement the frontier Consensus Definition and information on health resources, land ownership and the frontier economy.

Tables

Population Statistics by Density Category for the US
Source: 1990 and 2000 Census Data