Thursday, May 30 2013 3:27PM
A new analysis shows hiring may trend downward in rural Arizona.
A new analysis reveals that job creation in rural Arizona may begin to tick downward in the future and create further economic strain on small communities, according to the Verde Independent.
Citing data from the state Department of Administration, the newspaper reports that the state may only add 45,900 jobs in 2013, down from 48,900 for 2012. The projections also indicate that any employment growth in the state is expected to take place in the Phoenix metropolitan area, rather than in small rural communities outside the vicinity of larger cities.
Analysts predict that some rural locations will experience modest growth in 2013, particularly as a result of new jobs being created in the hospitality industry in rural regions. However, these jobs are typically the lowest-paying sectors and may do little to help contribute to economic community development.
The projections fall in line with the latest data reported by the Daily Yonder, which found that rural counties were experiencing declines in the number of jobs available. Historically, rural unemployment rates have been lower than both urban and national levels, but this scenario recently reversed itself and may continue over the next several months, the news source reports.
While the U.S. Department of Agriculture has implemented several new electricity, broadband, infrastructure and leadership projects to help spark job creation in rural locations, outward migration and economic obstacles still remain a problem for many states.
For more information, check out this resource: The Verde Independent