Potential Rural Sourcing Cities Near Universities

Several small towns across the United States have become hubs for rural technology providers, combining affordability with a growing talent pool. Here are a few examples:


Jonesboro, Arkansas: With a population just over 75,000, Jonesboro has a strong educational foundation thanks to Arkansas State University. The town has attracted tech firms focused on software development and IT services.

Augusta, Georgia: Known more for golf than tech, Augusta is emerging as a rural tech hub due to the nearby Fort Gordon, home to the U.S. Army Cyber Command. This has spurred growth in cybersecurity and IT support services.

Athens, Ohio: Home to Ohio University, Athens has seen a rise in startups and tech service providers. The town’s emphasis on innovation and its well-educated workforce make it ideal for tech companies looking to tap into a rural area.

Duluth, Minnesota: Although larger than a typical small town, Duluth offers a combination of affordability, good infrastructure, and proximity to a highly educated workforce from nearby universities, making it a growing tech hub.

Missoula, Montana: This town is known for its quality of life and a growing number of tech companies specializing in software and remote IT support.


These towns demonstrate that with the right combination of education, infrastructure, and quality of life, small rural towns can support thriving technology providers.

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