Geographic differences in recovery after the Great Recession

The Great Recession (officially December 2007-June 2009) had a significant impact upon employment, poverty, and uninsurance rates across the US. There is evidence to suggest this recession, and the subsequent recovery, affected rural areas differently. Using data from the Area Health Resource File and the Census Bureau, we examined growth in population, unemployment, poverty, and uninsurance across urban and rural areas. Findings indicate rural areas were affected differently and, in some cases, did not recover as well as urban areas. Cluster analysis clearly indicates differentials by geography and rurality that warrant further attention.