This study uses locally weighted regression to identify county-level characteristics that serve
as drivers of creative employment throughout the southern United States. We found that higher per capita income, greater infrastructure investments, and the rural nature of a county
tended to promote creative employment density, while higher scores on a natural amenity index
had the opposite effect. We were also able to identify and map clusters of rural counties
where the marginal effects of these variables on creative employment density were greatest.
These findings should help rural communities to promote creative employment growth as a means of furthering rural economic development.
