How Much Does Local Job Growth Improve Employment Outcomes of the Rural Working Poor?

Using administrative data from Oregon, the study analyzes the impact of local labor market conditions on the employment and earnings of low-income adults. The study finds that local job growth helps the working poor, resulting in higher earnings, more frequent employment, and more quarters with earnings above the poverty level. However, the evidence suggests that the effect of local job growth on employment outcomes may be weaker in rural areas than in urban areas. This finding raises concerns about the ability of low-income adults (including former welfare recipients) to achieve economic self-sufficiency in rural areas.