Redefining Rural for a 21st Century Economy
October 24, 2019
NC Rural Center defines “rural” as counties with a population density
of 250 or less
The Economic State of Rural North Carolina
RURALITY OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTIES
The Economic State of Rural North Carolina
US Labor Force Is Not Growing Evenly
Source: NC LEAD, July 2019
The Economic State of Rural North Carolina
NC Labor Force Is Growing Faster Than The US
Source: NC LEAD, July 2019
The Economic State of Rural North Carolina
Rural NC Workforce Decline Is Similar To US
Source: NC LEAD, July 2019
The Economic State of Rural North Carolina
NC Job Growth Was Hit Harder By The Great Recession Than The US, But Has Recovered Well
Source: NC LEAD, July 2019
The Economic State of Rural North Carolina
Source: NC LEAD, July 2019
But That Growth Has Been Primarily In Large Metros
The Economic State of Rural North Carolina
Source: NC LEAD, July 2019
The Economic State of Rural North Carolina
Source: NC LEAD, July 2019
Source: NC LEAD, July 2019
Source: NC LEAD, July 2019
Four Principles for Redefining Rural
1. Embrace the Truck
2. Empty the Silos
3. Don’t Fear the Reaper
4. Get Your Boots Dirty
Creating Collaborative
SpacesREV Uptown
Making Workforce Training
Job-Driven, Affordable and
Convenient
NC Manufacturing Institute
Anson Advantage
Gateway to Wingate