A new study has predicted what could be the future for some of Tennessee's rural communities: a decline in population.
The study was released from the University of Tennessee, and it shows that while the state's urban and suburban areas will experience growth over the next 50 years, some of the state's rural counties will be declining in population within that time.
Cheatham County is listed as one of those counties. People there said they were surprised to hear that news.
"It's a shame, because its a good little community, it really is," said Kathy Gupton, a Cheatham County resident. "Cheatham county is a good place to live."
Statewide, the population is expected to increase by more than 1.2 million people in about 20 years.
