How Rural America Compares to its Urban Counterparts

How Rural America
Compares To Its Urban
Counterparts
B y T a l R a p p l e y e a

When looking at the geographical makeup of
America, one of the things that is constantly
mentioned is the difference between rural and
urban America. The differences between rural and
urban cities can be complex, but some economists
and geographers have tried to explain this
perceived divide by looking at some data.

Job Growth
Stats have shown that job growth in rural
areas has stagnated. A lot of these
communities have not fully recovered
from the damage that the economic
recession caused. These troubling
statistics are an example of why many
people who reside in these areas are
upset. Factors such as environmental
regulations have led to the decline of
resources in rural areas, taking away
many jobs. The majority of new jobs in
rural areas are created through customer
service. Many residents in these rural
communities are concerned about
their future.

Poverty
While there has been increased talk
about the rising amount of poverty in
urban areas, poverty continues to be
higher in rural areas. A disturbing trend
that is emerging involves many employed
workers identifying with being poor. Rural
workers are still more likely to live in
poverty compared to urban workers. More
than 20 percent of the rural workforce
lived below the poverty line. The market is
showing that the gap in rural-urban
poverty is not directly tied to someone’s
education, employment history, or other
factors. Economists feel that the key to
reducing poverty in rural areas is by
looking at the overall structure of the
community.

Entrepreneurship
There is a correlation between the
economic turnaround and the rapid rise
of entrepreneurial startup companies.
More than 1,000 companies open every
day, which provide new market
opportunities. Research has shown that
rural areas have produced more
entrepreneurial startups than urban
areas. Most of the rural areas depend on
farming, but there are other developing
business opportunities in rural areas as
well. Salary and wage jobs are not as
frequent in rural areas. Urban areas are
considered more lucrative for aspiring
entrepreneurs because people have
access to a larger network of suppliers
and workers. However, many people living
in rural areas may turn to
entrepreneurship due to a lack of options.

Health Issues
According to statistics, people who live in
rural areas are more likely to suffer from
a serious health issue that can cause a
disability. Economists point out that
demographics, health care policies, and
climate change are factors that may
cause people living in rural areas to have
more serious health issues.

How Rural America Compares to its Urban Counterparts

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