Neutral:
* Farmer
* Rural dweller
* Country folk
* Agricultural worker
* Laborer
* Commoner
Negative:
* Serf (implies servitude)
* Villein (similar to serf)
* Slob (implies lack of hygiene or refinement)
* Boor (implies rudeness or lack of sophistication)
* Yokel (implies ignorance or naiveté)
* Bumpkin (similar to yokel)
Positive:
* Working class
* Rural community
* Countryside dweller
* Simple folk (implies honesty and genuineness)
* Hardworking people
The best word to use depends on the specific context and your intended meaning. It's important to be mindful of the connotations of each word and choose one that accurately reflects your message.