What type of governments do rural residents tend to identify with?

Rural residents typically identify more closely with county governments due to several key factors. County governments often serve as the primary local government structure in rural areas, handling essential services and functions that directly affect daily life, such as education, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and land use regulation. These local entities are more accessible and responsive to the specific needs and concerns of rural communities compared to larger or more distant layers of government like city, state, or federal governments.

County governments are also reflective of local culture and demographics, which means they can address the unique challenges faced in rural areas, such as agricultural needs, emergency services, and community development. Additionally, rural residents may feel that they have more direct influence over county governance through local elections and community engagement initiatives, which reinforces their identification with this level of government.