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Economic Development

As the economy changes, understanding major drivers of change—such as shifts in migration, a growing outdoor recreation economy, and the significance of nonlabor income—is critical to making sound decisions about how to improve economic performance.

Featured Research

Is rural America really doing so badly?

Nearly half of rural communities have grown so much since the 1970s they are now classified as “urban.” Those that remain are diverse, but often have more specialized economies.

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Housing costs broke records across the U.S.

Unaffordable housing came to a head during the pandemic as communities across the country saw unprecedented rises in housing costs.

Houses in San Francisco

Unaffordability for renters made worse during the pandemic

The unprecedented rise in housing prices since 2020 has affected renters more than homeowners—especially in places that were already unaffordable.

recreation counties, outdoor recreation

Recreation Counties Attract New Residents and Higher Incomes

Recreation counties, especially in non-metro places, draw new residents and have higher incomes and faster earnings growth than places without recreation.

Fiscal policy is failing rural America

State and federal fiscal policies hurt rural communities by limiting how local governments can grow, diversify, and invest revenue.

Recent Economic Development Research

The Outdoor Recreation Economy by State

The outdoor recreation economy is large, growing faster than the overall economy, and consists of jobs in many industries. Explore data by state.

The American Community Survey in our data tools

Find the latest American Community Survey data in all of our tools, including the Economic Profile System and Neighborhoods at Risk.

Economic Impact of National Parks

Millions of national park visitors generate economic opportunities for gateway communities, spending money that creates jobs and income. See the trends for every national park service unit.

Housing costs broke records across the U.S.

Unaffordable housing came to a head during the pandemic as communities across the country saw unprecedented rises in housing costs.

Houses in San Francisco

Unaffordability for renters made worse during the pandemic

The unprecedented rise in housing prices since 2020 has affected renters more than homeowners—especially in places that were already unaffordable.

Is rural America really doing so badly?

Nearly half of rural communities have grown so much since the 1970s they are now classified as “urban.” Those that remain are diverse, but often have more specialized economies.

Fiscal policy is failing rural America

State and federal fiscal policies hurt rural communities by limiting how local governments can grow, diversify, and invest revenue.

Montana wildfire risk is widespread and growing

The number of western Montana homes in areas with high wildfire hazard has doubled, outpacing development rates in areas with low wildfire hazard.

Explore COVID-19 unemployment by county

As U.S. jobless claims reach historic levels from the coronavirus pandemic, find the latest county-level unemployment numbers.

Wind Turbines sit atop a hill with low clouds.

The Changing Geography of U.S. Electricity Generation

Most U.S. states are adding electricity generation capacity faster than capacity is being retired. Renewable energy adds the most capacity in 18 states.

See all research under Economic Development

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