INDUSTRIAL JOBS EXPAND IN RURAL MISSOURI

A study of industrial jobs in Missouri and some other Midwest states served by the 8th District Federal Reserve Bank show a trend of increases in rural areas in the decade ending in 1994 and decreases in urban areas.

There are several reasons cited by the Fed, but in general manufacturing companies can find dependable workers at lower costs in rural areas. The study shows a gap still exists between urban wages and rural counterparts. Overall, this trend is good for rural Missouri. More outstate residents can find jobs, and companies can improve cost efficiencies by hiring them.

The study also predicts another wave of development in rural areas as new telecommunication technologies expand out of urban markets. The good news is this should mean improved medical service and increased access to educational opportunities, as well as new jobs.