There Are More Good Jobs in Rural America Than It Might Seem. That's Bad News for Colleges.

According to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are actually more jobs available in rural areas than urban areas. In 2019, the BLS reported that there were 54.3 million jobs in rural areas, compared to 68.7 million jobs in urban areas. However, this doesn't mean that rural areas have a higher unemployment rate. In fact, the unemployment rate in rural areas is often lower than in urban areas due to the nature of the jobs available.

Many of the jobs in rural areas are in industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and natural resources, which tend to be more stable and less affected by economic downturns. Additionally, many rural areas have a strong focus on tourism, which can provide a steady stream of employment opportunities.

Despite these positive aspects, there are still challenges facing rural communities when it comes to job opportunities. For example, many rural areas lack access to high-speed internet, which can limit the types of jobs that are available and make it difficult for people to find work. Additionally, rural areas often have a smaller pool of skilled workers, which can make it more difficult for businesses to find qualified employees.

Overall, while there may be more good jobs in rural America than it might seem, there are still challenges facing these communities when it comes to job opportunities. It's important for policymakers and businesses to work together to address these challenges and ensure that rural areas have access to the resources and support they need to thrive economically.