This is most likely because, for the last several decades, there weren't many jobs that needed a college education in those little towns. People were forced to move to more urban areas to find work in field they had studied. That's not the case anymore, but it will take a long time to shift. 2023 college graduates could get a degree at a big university in their state, apply to a dozen places at job fairs at those universities, find a nice remote job in their field, and then move back in with mom and dad after college. Minimal bills, but getting paid well if the office is in a high cost of living area.