US Policies and Rural Employment

Following an analysis of the economic characteristics of rural areas in the United States and some of the social challenges that they face, trends in total employment and the structure of employment are described, followed by a description of policies at federal and state levels: primarily rural development policies at the federal level and economic development policies at the state level. In both cases, the emphasis is on infrastructural development as a means of improving the quality of life and increasing economic activity. Although some rural counties are experiencing population growth, the majority are losing residents. Rural counties tend to be less economically diversified than urban counties. They have a greater incidence of persistent unemployment and poverty, and lower educational levels in the workforce. Despite federal and state programs oriented toward improving rural infrastructure, there are significant deficiencies in key areas, such as transportation and telecommunications. A recent assessment indicates that a substantial increase in effort is required at all levels of government to improve the quality of life in rural areas and to strengthen the conditions for growth and employment creation.