By NHBR Staff

Rural counties across the United States with high numbers of seasonal homes have seen higher rates of Covid-19 cases than either urban or other rural areas, according to new research out of the University of New Hampshire.

“These findings are consistent with anecdotal reports from popular vacation spots that were seeing an increase in visitors, including some who may have unknowingly been infected, that are leaving urban areas and trying socially distance at second homes and seasonal rental properties,” said Jessica Carson, research assistant professor at UNH’s Carsey School of Public Policy.

The study found that in the nation’s 199 rural counties where seasonal housing accounts for 25% or more of all housing units, average cases per 100,000 people were more than twice as high as in other rural counties and 15% higher than in urban areas.

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