According to the Center for the Study of Rural America, rural communities gained about 155,000 factory jobs from 1991 to 1998. However, starting in the late 90s, a backslide occurred and rural towns have lost 13.4 percent of their manufacturing jobs. The slump has occurred because more manufacturers are shifting production overseas and trimming their workforces. The job loss has happened at such a rapid pace, that many communities are struggling to adjust.
See "Downturn robs rural U.S. of jobs won in '90s", Adam Geller, Chicago Tribune, August 10, 2003