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Population

Labor Force Nonparticipation in Rural and Urban America, 2000–2024 Tim Slack*, Tim Slack, Arijita Pal, Heather Rackin,

Labor force participation is pivotal for the economic health of individuals, families, communities, and the nation. Conversely, labor force nonparticipation—especially among prime working-age (25–54) adults—represents a major challenge to economic vitality. In this paper, we examine temporal trends for those not in the labor force (NILF) between 2000 and 2024, and rural-urban differences therein. Further, we analyze whether and how changes in the demographic profile, health, education, industry, and regional distribution of the population over time account for such trends. More specifically, drawing on data from the March Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement (CPS-ASEC) from 2000 to 2024, we analyze inequality in the prevalence of NILF between metro and nonmetro areas of the United States, paying special attention to differences between men and women. Using descriptive statistics and linear probability models, preliminary findings reveal: 1) NILF has consistently been higher for nonmetro men compared to their metro counterparts, and the gap is growing wider over time; and 2) a similar trend in NILF has emerged for nonmetro versus metro women in the last decade. These trends hold critical implications for rural wellbeing in the first quarter of the 21st century.