This is compared to 29.2 percent and 13.5 percent in metropolitan areas. Employment in farming made up 7.6 percent of all non-metropolitan employment in 1990.
Unemployment is also slightly higher in rural areas.
In 1997, rural unemployment was at 5.2 percent, compared to 4.9 percent in urban areas. Regional Differences Viewed regionally, it is clear that non-metropolitan employment in different sectors varies from state to state. With increasing competition from low wage global labor markets, it is likely that manufacturing employment in non-metropolitan areas will continue to decrease. 1989 Black represents metropolitan areas. 1989 Black represents metropolitan areas.