> It almost seems like this is a post-industrial great migration, where people from distressed areas would need to move to the few areas that are thriving.

Except, at least in Canada, people increasingly can't afford to live in the cities where the jobs are. The alternative might be a movement of people moving back into the bush - if you are going to live in poverty, you might as well have freedom and spare time rather than working three part time jobs just to pay rent, grocery, and utility bills.