The Rust Belt region is best differentiated from the rest of the United States by its historical reliance on heavy manufacturing industries, such as steel, automotive, and machinery production, which experienced significant decline and job losses in the late 20th century. This decline resulted in economic hardships, population decline, and urban decay in the Rust Belt. In contrast, the rest of the United States has a more diversified economy with a focus on sectors like technology, finance, healthcare, and services.
