Proper comparison of proportions for comparison - just a thought.
Comment too often used in statements about rural areas and to site something like Belgium to compare to the USA. Belgium is the size of the state of Maryland, but Belgium has double the population. I do know there are areas in Maryland that are called rural, but these do not compare the vast areas of other states like Kansas, Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, Florida, Nevada, Montana, Dakota(s), Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona, etc. that have 90+ miles between citys, not counting town of low population unable to attract "high speed" isp services, vs Belgium/Maryland width of 90 miles.
The term Rural is not always used in a parallel context.