This is a form of natural selection.  Young people who can leave rural areas for the most part do because they see no future for themselves in these areas.  This is even more true for young people who, for whatever reason, do not "fit in" with the community.  The people who stay know there are few opportunities for them but they cannot bring themselves to admit this.  Drive through any small town on the plains that is not along one of the interstates and the number of empty houses and businesses will stagger you and this exodus is not going to change any time soon, if ever.