Introduction: The stroke mortality rate has gradually declined due to improved interventions and controlled risk factors. We investigated the trends in stroke risk factors and outcomes among a rural population in the United States between 2004 and 2018. Methods: We built a comprehensive stroke database called “Geisinger NeuroScience Ischemic Stroke (GNSIS)” for this study. Clinical data were extracted from multiple sources, including electronic health records and quality data. Results: Our cohort comprised of 8,561 consecutive ischemic stroke patients (mean age: 70.1±13.9 years, men: 51.6%, 95.1% Caucasian). Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor (75.2%). The rate of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and history of stroke increased significantly over the fifteen years window. The one-year recurrence and mortality rates were 6.3% and 15.8%, respectively. Although the one-year stroke recurrence increased from 2004 to 2018 (Cochran-Armitage test Z = -3.66, p<0.001), the one-year stroke mortality rate decreased significantly (Cochran-Armitage test Z = 2.39, p=0.008). Age >65 years, atrial fibrillation or flutter, heart failure, and prior ischemic stroke were independently associated with one-year all-cause mortality in stratified Cox proportional hazards model. In the Fine-Gray competing risk model, diabetes mellitus and age <65 years was found to be associated with one-year ischemic stroke recurrence. In the logistic regression, chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, and prior ischemic stroke were predictors of one-year recurrence while age >65 years, atrial fibrillation or flutter, CKD, heart failure, prior hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, history of neoplasm, myocardial infarction, and rheumatic diseases were predictors of one-year mortality. Conclusion: Although stroke mortality has decreased, stroke recurrence and several vascular risk factors have significantly increased in our rural population between 2004-2018. Older age, atrial fibrillation or flutter, heart failure, and prior ischemic stroke were independently associated with one-year all-cause mortality while diabetes mellitus and age less than 65 years were predictors of ischemic stroke recurrence.