Local art for sale in Floyd County, VA.
Big cities get a lot of attention for attracting the “creative class,” those folks who make their living in the arts, design, architecture or other creative fields. Much has been made of the importance of attracting this community, because, as the Daily Yonder says,”the creative-class thesis holds that communities that attract and retain more workers who are in creative occupations will fare better in today’s economy.” But new research from the USDA shows that there are plenty of rural counties that are attracting the creative class as well.
And why not? While many creative types enjoy living in big cities, Appalachia’s storied tradition of arts and culture, our beautiful landscape and the revitalizing downtowns of many of our towns can be inspiration for any creative type. A low cost of living and plenty of affordable office space compared to the big city just adds to the appeal. Plus, as a previous Daily Yonder column detailed, artists (of all types) in big cities can get lost among so many trying to make it, whereas in smaller towns they can make more of a mark. So where do the creative class live in central Appalachia? the top non-metro counties (which are in the top 25% of creative-class counties nationwide) are:
And the top “metro” counties are:
For comparison, Louisville’s creative class is 25.4% of the working population, Cincinnati is 27.2%, Nashville is 28.2% and Lexington is 29.9%.
Appalachian counties that didn’t make the list but which still have a good creative-class population include: Giles County, VA (19.4%), Johnson County, KY (19%), Sevier County, TN (18.8%) Tazewell County, VA (18.7%), Floyd County, VA (18.2%), and Logan County, WV (18.1%).
Clearly, big cities aren’t the only places creative workers want to live. Appalachia is full of artists, writers, photographers, architects, digital designers, musicians, actors… all contributing to our vibrant culture.
"When we talk about what holds Appalachian Kentucky back we often talk about things like infrastructure or education. When you get to know the region’s individuals who are at the brink of 'breaking out' and seizing new opportunities, however, others’ health problems often take on determinative role." #TransitionInAction
Transition in Action: Evan Smith, Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center
appalachiantransition.org
Who are you, and what’s your role at your organization? I’m Evan Barret Smith a staff attorney at Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center. How does your organization contribute to improving health in the …
"I think we all understand genetics plays a factor in our health, but so do our eating habits and activity levels. When we recognize this, each of us can be real change agents of community health across rural Kentucky." #TransitionInAction
Transition in Action: Ernie Scott at the Kentucky Office of Rural Health
appalachiantransition.org
1- Who are you, and what’s your role at your organization? My name is Ernie Scott and I am the Director of the Kentucky Office of Rural Health (KORH) at the UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health …
"Healthier communities will make us more attractive to employers. West Virginia used to have a reputation for a hardworking, healthy workforce. We now have a reputation for an unhealthy work force, which profoundly affects our economic development prospects." #TransitionInAction
Try This WV Highlights Health Transition in Action
appalachiantransition.org
Our guest blog today comes from Kate Long of Try This West Virginia, an innovative and community-driven health movement taking hold across the state. 1. Who are you, and what’s your role at…