The two major funders for small towns are military bases and colleges. Small college towns are stabilized by a steady stream of federal money from student loans

The two major funders for small towns are military bases and colleges. Small college towns are stabilized by a steady stream of federal money from student loans and subsidies. They will often have better services and healthier businesses. The same goes for military towns that get a ton of money from soldiers spending cash and buying/renting housing. Small towns that are supported by companies and agriculture have been drained dry by corporate greed. Jobs have been off-shored and taxes have been almost completely avoided. Sometimes a town is supported by a major military contractor, but they aren't terribly dependable. Some places are supported by retirees, but they aren't nearly as affordable. So if you want to look for a stable small town, look for towns near universities, colleges, or military bases.