![Evaluating the Rural Opportunity Zones Program [August 2023]](https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/2f/2f/0d/2f2f0de1-9ed8-1b08-1733-31230f2e8339/mza_11348873077500675685.jpg/400x400bb.jpg "Evaluating the Rural Opportunity Zones Program [August 2023]")
Evaluating the Rural Opportunity Zones Program [August 2023]
Description
The Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZ) program incents individuals to move to rural Kansas counties. Currently, 95 of the state's 105 counties qualify as rural opportunity zones. The program incents individuals to move by providing up to 2 benefits: up to $15,000 in student loan repayment assistance over 5 years and, for individuals who relocate from out-of-state, a 100% state income tax credit for up to 5 years.
As part of this audit, we used program data to estimate how often the ROZ program incented program participants to move to rural counties. We also used data from the U.S. Census Bureau to help estimate to extent to which the ROZ program counteracted rural depopulation. Based on our estimates, the ROZ program had limited effects on rural depopulation on a statewide basis. However, the program had more significant effects on the extent to which 19 counties gained or lost population.
United States
