The number of migrant workers in rural England has grown by more than 200% in the last three years, a report says.
Living in the countryside costs £60 a week more than in towns and cities, a report has found.
The rise in non-UK workers from 309,080 to 579,050 is putting a big strain on local services, says the Commission for Rural Communities in its first report.
The Commission for Rural Communities study showed rural households spend an average of almost £480 weekly.
Its report also says that the rural population is both older and ageing faster than the urban population.
The report also found the overseas migrant workforce in rural England had more than trebled in three years, putting major pressure on services.
There are now almost 400,000 fewer people aged between 15 and 29 in rural areas than there were 20 years ago.
The study said the rural population is both older and ageing faster than the urban population.
The sheer scale and speed of immigration has put a big strain on rural local authorities Dr Stuart Burgess,Commission for Rural Communities
'Big strain'
Dr Stuart Burgess, chairman of the Commission for Rural Communities and the government's Rural Advocate, said: "The loss of young people is a real threat to the future diversity and sustainability of rural communities.
The report found the average weekly disposable income in the countryside was £522 and outgoings were £479.70. In urban areas the figures were £476 and £419.50.
"Much more needs to be done to retain young people and provide them with opportunities and incentives to return to their roots if they choose."
The sheer scale and speed of immigration has put a big strain on rural local authorities Dr Stuart BurgessCommission for Rural Communities
Vineyards
Country dwellers were spending more on items such as food and non-alcoholic drinks, household goods and services, transport, and recreation and culture.
Between 2001 and 2004 the average age increased from 42.2 to 43.6 years in rural areas and from 36.9 to 38.0 years in urban areas.
The number of non-UK migrant workers in rural areas rose by 209% from 20,970 in 2003 to 64,870 in 2006. The increase in Herefordshire was 933%.
Commission for Rural Communities chairman Dr Stuart Burgess said: "The sheer scale and speed of immigration has put a big strain on rural local authorities, both in their ability to provide services and ensure that new migrants are successfully integrated into their host communities."
Vineyard growth
Between 2001 and 2004 the average age increased from 42.2 to 43.6 in rural areas and from 36.9 to 38.0 in urban areas.
Dr Burgess said the ageing population was putting a strain on the viability of rural services, such as schools, youth services, healthcare and housing.
Dr Burgess said the ageing population was putting a strain on the viability of rural services, such as schools, youth services, healthcare and housing.
The commission was set up last year to advise the government on the needs of rural England.
The 2007 State of the Countryside report found:
In its "2007 State of the Countryside" report, it says:
There
are now almost 400,000 fewer people aged between 15 and 29 in rural areas than there were 20 years ago
The average rural household spent nearly £480 per week in 2005, £60 per week higher than was paid by the average urban household
Due to the changing climate there are now nearly 400 vineyards in England and Wales
Due to the changing climate there are now nearly 400 vineyards in England and Wales
Almost 233,000 people live in an areas without a Post Office within 1.25 miles (2km) or a bank, building society or cash machine within 2.5 miles (4km)
Almost 233,000 people live in an area without a Post Office within 1.25 miles (2km) or a bank, building society or cash machine within 2.5 miles (4km)
Affordable housing
Employment
rates are higher in rural areas - 78%, compared with 74% in urban areas
Employment rates are higher in rural areas - 78%, compared with 74% in urban areas.
Housing cost
An increasing number of jobs were taken by migrant workers. Between 2002/3 and 2005/6 the number of non-UK workers in rural areas increased from 309,080 to 579,050.
The average rural house price of £240,222 was 22.1% higher than the average urban house price of £196,700 in 2006.
Dr Burgess said: "The sheer scale and speed of immigration has put a big strain on rural local authorities, both in their ability to provide services and ensure that new migrants are successfully integrated into their host communities."
Ken Roy, a director at the commission, told BBC News that the cost of housing was a big issue.
He also says that one of the most serious issues facing rural England continues to be a lack of affordable housing.
He said: "If you live in a small place then houses are more expensive and less affordable.
The average rural house price, £240,222, was 22.1% higher than the average urban house price of £196,700 in 2006.
"If you're out on the periphery, Northumberland and Cumbria, then the affordability is so much worse, because your income is so much lower."
Rural areas have higher average incomes than urban areas, but in 2007, 928,000 people (32% of all rural households) had a household income of less than £16,500 a year.
Rural areas have higher average incomes than urban areas but 928,000 people - 32% of all rural households - had a household income of less than £16,500 a year.
The commission was set up last year to advise the government on the needs of rural England.
