Rural communities have been counted upon to feed, power, and build America. Our coverage will help you keep up with the latest economic trends shaping rural life and livelihoods. From jobs and workers to investment and development, we’ve got it covered.
The Daily Yonder’s coverage of rural economic issues, including workforce development and the future of work in rural America, is supported in part by Microsoft.
Rural Population Grows Slightly; Remote Counties Lose Residents, New Census Data Shows
Domestic and international migration drove the growth in rural population in 2022. But a low ratio of births-to-deaths tempered those gains, according to the latest population estimates from the Census Bureau.
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Death on a Dairy Farm
When an 8-year-old Nicaraguan boy was run over on a Wisconsin dairy farm, authorities blamed his father and closed the case. Meanwhile, the community of immigrant workers knows a completely different story.
Covid Relief Funding has Ended and Now a Small Town in Virginia has to Cut its Budget by 25%
Scottsville, Virginia’s mayor hoped a proposed apartment project would save them, but Council voted it down.
Pandemic Exacerbates Affordable Housing Shortage in Colorado Ski Towns
In mountain resort communities, demand for affordable housing is high, but supply is scarce.
Moonshine: From No Business to Big Business
Once illegal but highly sought-after, the hard “likker” of Appalachia is slowly trickling into the wide river of government-sanctioned booze.
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Featured Contributor: Bill Bishop
Even More Economic Stories to Explore
Microsoft to Expand Program That Grows Economic Development in Rural Areas
The tech giant is set to expand TechSpark to all 50 states as it looks to grow place-based economic development opportunities through digital skills training.
A Clip from the Documentary ‘East Kentucky Flood’: Isom IGA
“When it comes down to it, we all want the same thing. We all want to help and have a servant’s heart for one another.”
Commentary: Challenging Everything We Know about Funding as a Path to Thriving Rural Communities
“Flipping the script” on how rural communities, funders and other stakeholders approach economic development can mean the difference between success and stagnation.
A Clip from the Documentary ‘East Kentucky Flood’: The Drunk Angels
“They stayed with us three days. I don’t think they drew a sober breath while they was here. They just kept on a-cooking.”
Rural Americans Aren’t Included in Inflation Figures. For Them, the Cost of Living May Be Rising Faster
The data used by the Federal Reserve to set interest rates don’t include numbers from rural America.
In Search of Cheap Power and Land, Crypto Companies Look to Nebraska
Cryptocurrency is carving itself a home in rural Nebraska, bringing with it both jobs and an enormous demand on the state’s electrical grid. Critics say it could be cause for environmental concern.
After a Brief Pandemic Reprieve, Rural Workers Return to Life Without Paid Leave
Rural workers are less likely to receive paid time off than their urban counterparts, making it harder to care for themselves or loved ones.
Small Internet Provider Soon to Open a Digital ‘Empowerment Center’ in a Rural Wyoming Town
The company is funding the resource hub that will offer digital technology and a navigator for the community.
Relocation Programs Continue To Grow In Numbers In Rural America
By one count, more than 50 rural communities offer some sort of incentive to entice new residents.
Another Rural-Voter Survey Finds That the High Cost of Living Is the Most Pressing Problem
A child advocacy organization’s survey says more than half of rural respondents worry about having enough food to feed their families in the coming year.
In an Uncertain Economy, Rural Small Businesses Adapt
Individual entrepreneurs may not be able to control broadband access and supply chain interruption, but some have found success in making creative smaller adjustments.
Report: Rural Small Business Owners Feel Uncertain About Future
Like their urban counterparts, rural small business owners are hurting for a workforce, according to a new study.
Poor Plant Health Slashes Earnings of an Ag Innovator and Job Creator in Rural Kentucky
AppHarvest has expanded its controlled-environment agriculture from producing only tomatoes to include greens, berries, and cucumbers. Does a deep drop in revenue point to problems or just growing pains?
Buc-ee’s Is the Latest Roadside Attraction
There’s a Texas chain of mall-sized rest stops spreading across the country. But not everyone sees them as a “roadside oasis.”
Commentary: Credit System Discriminates Against Rural Communities; Banks Can Do Better
Credit histories aren’t the only way to tell if someone is a good investment for a business loan. Alternatives can help measure community support and potential.
Q&A: Advocating for Better Paid Time Off Benefits for Rural Workers
The disparity between rural and urban workers’ benefits is stark, and comes at a high cost to rural workers who have longer average drive times to medical appointments and childcare yet worse access to paid time off.
Analysis: South’s Population Growth Can Create Prosperity if Local Govts. Support Entrepreneurs
Rural and small-town Southern communities are attractive destinations for new residents. Creating more opportunities for small businesses could lead to inclusive and sustainable economic development.
One Third of Rural Roads Are in Poor Shape, Report Says
About a 10th of rural bridges are handling loads that exceed their safe limits, a research nonprofit says. The cost of getting these roads and bridges repaired is $180 billion.
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