Table 2: Nonmetropolitan County Employment in Meat Processing, 1981-2000

Total number of meat processing employees Percent in nonmetro counties 1981 2000 1981 2000 Northeast 31,882 26,745 14% 13% Midwest 117,417 162,370 45% 58% South 115,856 225,026 66% 76% Northwest 9,262 12,207 30% 51% Southwest 44,194 63,785 27% 35% TOTAL 319,336 490,621 46% 60%