Welcome

Rural Law Center
of New York

The Rural Law Center of New York, Inc. is a nonprofit legal assistance organization which was incorporated in 1996 with the generous support of the IOLA (Interest on Lawyer Accounts) Fund and the New York Bar Foundation. The Rural Law Center of New York, Inc. is committed to focusing attention through our legal system and government institutions on the needs of low-income, rural New Yorkers. The Rural Law Center was established to meet a pressing need recognized by civil legal service attorneys practicing in New York’s rural regions. Specifically, that is the need to address legal issues which are characteristic of rural poverty by using common strategies, such as representing clients in impact cases, increasing public awareness and informing policy makers of the needs of rural, low-income New Yorkers.

Behind the Scenery

Many of us, when we think of rural New York, immediately think of the breathtaking mountains, lakes,
woodlands and parks. In 44 of the state’s 62 counties, mountains, rivers, farms and fields are the predominant visual landscape. But, while rural New York occupies the overwhelming portion of the state’s land mass, it is
home to only a small fraction of the population. In isolated rural regions, many find themselves in economically precarious situations. In fact, some rural upstate counties have higher proportions of their populations living
in poverty than New York’s urban areas.

It is no surprise that most government efforts and private policy initiatives are directed toward the needs of the majority, the urban poor. While they aim to address pressing concerns for those in need, these initiatives neglect the obstacles that are unique to the rural poor. In order to assist families, children and the elderly living in New York’s rural areas, significant efforts must be focused on the problems they face and the resources their communities can offer.

RURAL NEW YORK FACTS

  • Rural New York makes up approximately 86.6% of the state’s land mass.
  • Rural New York’s population would make it the 27th largest state.
  • Only 18% of the state’s population live in rural New York.
  • Rural New York’s average per capita income in 2019 was approximately $44,518.
  • Personal income for the rural New Yorker is 59% below that of his or her urban counterpart.
  • Approximately 1 out of 14 rural households have no access to a vehicle.
    Public transportation is available in approximately 27.2% of rural regions.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Merwin Institute, SENSES, Rural Transit Assistance Program, USDA NYS Facts, Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

RURAL NEW YORK NEEDS

  • Access to the Judicial System.

  • Community Legal Education.

  • Community Economic Development/Micro-Enterprise Support.

  • Safe, Reliable Transportation.

  • Adequate and Affordable Housing.

  • Health Care/Child Care.

  • Community Partnerships for Holistic Advocacy.

  • Reliable broadband.