If your village is made of good, strong materials with lots of character, maybe you rent it out. That is happening to Corippo, Switzerland via a foundation:
The architectural pearl of the Verzasca Valley, Corippo retains its harsh and primitive charm. It fits into a scenario of rare beauty in symbiosis with the dominant nature. In 1975, the European year of architectural heritage, the village was designated by the Confederation and the Canton as a historic settlement worthy of being valued. The Corippo Foundation was established in 1975. An ambitious project is therefore born: the conservative restructuring of the dwellings to create a model of welcoming diffused with a tourist vocation. [translated from Italian]
In other words, a hotel for tourists that retains all the historic charm. I’m not sure this would work in the United States, but some dying communities might want to consider it, especially if there are attractions nearby.
