THE APPALACHIAN REGION: 

A DATA OVERVIEW FROM THE 

2013-2017 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 

Chartbook 

Kelvin Pollard 

Linda A. Jacobsen 

Population Reference Bureau 

Prepared for the Appalachian Regional Commission 

Under Contract #CO-19410-18 

May 2019 

The authors wish to thank Keith Witt and Ryan Brumfield of ARC 

for their support and guidance. 
1 

THE APPALACHIAN REGION: A DATA OVERVIEW FROM THE 2013-2017 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PAGE 

FOREWORD 6 

CHAPTER 1: POPULATION BASICS 

Table 1.1: Population, Land Area, and Population Density in the Appalachian Region, July 1, 2017 8 

Figure 1.1: Population Distribution in the Appalachian Region, July 1, 2017 9 

Figure 1.2: Population Change in the Appalachian Region, July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017 10 

Figure 1.3: Population per Square Mile of Land Area in the Appalachian Region, July 1, 2017 11 

Basic Population Trends 12 

CHAPTER 2: AGE 

Table 2.1: Population in the Appalachian Region by Age Group, July 1, 2017 13 

Figure 2.1: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region Under Age 18, July 1, 2017 14 

Figure 2.2: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region Ages 18 to 24, July 1, 2017 15 

Figure 2.3: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region Ages 25 to 64, July 1, 2017 16 

Figure 2.4: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region Ages 65 and Over, July 1, 2017 17 

Figure 2.5: Median Age of Persons in the Appalachian Region, July 1, 2017 18 

Table 2.2: Percentage Point Change in the Share of the Population in the Appalachian Region, by Age Group, July 1, 2010 

to July 1, 2017 19 

Trends in Age 20 

CHAPTER 3: RACE AND HISPANIC ORIGIN 

Table 3.1: Population in the Appalachian Region by Race and Hispanic Origin, July 1, 2017 21 

Figure 3.1: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region That Is Minority, July 1, 2017 22 

Figure 3.2: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region That Is Black Alone, not Hispanic, July 1, 2017 23 

Figure 3.3: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region That Is Hispanic or Latino, July 1, 2017 24 

Table 3.2: Percentage Point Change in the Share of the Population in the Appalachian Region, by Race and Hispanic 

Origin, July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017 25 

Figure 3.4: Percentage Point Change in the Share of the Population in the Appalachian Region That Is Black Alone, not 

Hispanic, July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017 26 

Figure 3.5: Percentage Point Change in the Share of the Population in the Appalachian Region That Is Hispanic or 

Latino, July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017 27 

Trends in Race and Hispanic Origin 28 

CHAPTER 4: HOUSING OCCUPANCY, TENURE, AND TYPE 

Table 4.1: Occupancy and Tenure of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 29 

Figure 4.1: Percent of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are Occupied, 2013-2017 30 

Figure 4.2: Percent of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are Vacant, 2013-2017 31 

Figure 4.3: Percent Owner-Occupied Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 32 

Figure 4.4: Percent Renter-Occupied Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 33 

Table 4.2: Percentage Point Change in Occupancy and Tenure of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, 2008-2012 

to 2013-2017 34 

Figure 4.5: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are Occupied, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 35 

Figure 4.6: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are Vacant, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 36 

Figure 4.7: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Owner-Occupied Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, 2008-2012 

to 2013-2017 37 

Figure 4.8: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Renter-Occupied Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, 2008-2012 

to 2013-2017 38 

Table 4.3: Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, by Type of Housing, 2013-2017 39 

 
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Figure 4.9: Percent of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are Single-Unit Dwellings (Attached or 

Detached), 2013-2017 40 

Table 4.4: Population in Households and Group Quarters in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 41 

Figure 4.10: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region Living in Family Households, 2013-2017 42 

Table 4.5: Population in Occupied Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, by Type of Housing, 2013-2017 43 

Figure 4.11: Among Persons in the Appalachian Region in Occupied Housing Units, Percent Living in Single-Unit 

Dwellings (Attached or Detached), 2013-2017 44 

Table 4.6: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, by Type of Housing, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 45 

Figure 4.12: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are Single-Unit 

Dwellings (Attached or Detached), 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 46 

Table 4.7: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region Living in Households and 

Group Quarters, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 47 

Figure 4.13: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region Living in Family Households, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 48 

Table 4.8: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Population in Occupied Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, 

by Type of Housing, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 49 

Figure 4.14: Among Persons in the Appalachian Region in Occupied Housing Units, Percentage Point Change in the 

Share Living in Single-Unit Dwellings (Attached or Detached), 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 50 

Trends in Housing Occupancy, Tenure, and Type 51 

CHAPTER 5: EDUCATION, DEVICE OWNERSHIP, AND INTERNET ACCESS 

Table 5.1: Educational Attainment of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 52 

Table 5.2: Educational Attainment of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 53 

Table 5.3: Educational Attainment of Persons Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 54 

Figure 5.1: Percent of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a High School Diploma or More, 2013-2017 55 

Figure 5.2: Percent of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a High School Diploma but With No 

Postsecondary Degree, 2013-2017 56 

Figure 5.3: Percent of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With an Associate’s Degree or More, 2013-2017 57 

Figure 5.4: Percent of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a Bachelor’s Degree or More, 2013-2017 58 

Figure 5.5: Percent of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region With a High School Diploma or More, 2013-2017 59 

Figure 5.6: Percent of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region With a High School Diploma but With No 

Postsecondary Degree, 2013-2017 60 

Figure 5.7: Percent of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region With an Associate’s Degree or More, 2013-2017 61 

Figure 5.8: Percent of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region With a Bachelor’s Degree or More, 2013-2017 62 

Figure 5.9: Percent of Persons Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a Bachelor’s Degree or More, 2013-2017 63 

Table 5.4: Percentage Point Change in Educational Attainment of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 64 

Table 5.5: Percentage Point Change in Educational Attainment of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region, 2008-

2012 to 2013-2017 65 

Table 5.6: Percentage Point Change in Educational Attainment of Persons Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 66 

Figure 5.10: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a 

High School Diploma or More, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 67 

Figure 5.11: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With an 

Associate’s Degree or More, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 68 

Figure 5.12: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a 

Bachelor's Degree or More, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 69 

Table 5.7: Bachelor’s Degree Field (First Major) for Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a Bachelor’s 

Degree or More, 2013-2017 70 

Figure 5.13: Among Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a Bachelor’s Degree or More, Percent 

Whose Bachelor’s Degree Field (First Major) Was Science and Engineering, 2013-2017 71 

Table 5.8: Households in the Appalachian Region With a Computer Device, By Type of Device, 2013-2017 72 

Figure 5.14: Percent of Households in the Appalachian Region With a Computer Device, 2013-2017 73 

Table 5.9: Households in the Appalachian Region With an Internet Subscription, By Type of Subscription, 2013-2017 74 
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Figure 5.15: Percent of Households in the Appalachian Region With a Broadband Internet Subscription, 2013-2017 75 

Trends in Education 76 

CHAPTER 6: LABOR FORCE, EMPLOYMENT, AND UNEMPLOYMENT 

Table 6.1: Labor Force, Employment, and Unemployment Status of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 77 

Figure 6.1: Percent of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region Who Are In the Labor Force, 2013-2017 78 

Figure 6.2: Employment Rate for Civilian Labor Force Participants Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 79 

Figure 6.3: Unemployment Rate for Civilian Labor Force Participants Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 80 

Table 6.2: Percentage Point Change in Labor Force, Employment, and Unemployment Status of Persons Ages 25 to 64 

in the Appalachian Region, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 81 

Figure 6.4: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region Who Are In the 

Labor Force, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 82 

Figure 6.5: Percentage Point Change in the Unemployment Rate for Civilian Labor Force Participants Ages 25 to 64 in 

the Appalachian Region, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 83 

Trends in Labor Force, Employment and Unemployment 84 

CHAPTER 7: TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUTING PATTERNS 

Table 7.1: Means of Transportation for Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 85 

Table 7.2: Means of Transportation for Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Below the Poverty 

Level, 2013-2017 86

Table 7.3: Availability of Vehicles for Households in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 87

Table 7.4: Number of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Live in Households With No Vehicle 

Available, by Means of Transportation, 2013-2017 88

Table 7.5: Percent of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Live in Households With No Vehicle 

Available, by Means of Transportation, 2013-2017 89

Table 7.6: Relationship Between Number of Workers and Availability of Vehicles for Households in the Appalachian 

Region With One or More Workers, 2013-2017 90

Table 7.7: Travel Time to Work for Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region, by Amount of Time, 2013-

2017 91

Table 7.8: Place of Work (State and County Level) for Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 2013-

2017 92

Figure 7.1: Percent of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Drove Alone to Work, 2013-2017 93

Figure 7.2: Percent of Workers Ages 16 and Over Below the Poverty Level in the Appalachian Region Who Drove 

Alone to Work, 2013-2017 94

Figure 7.3: Percent of Households in the Appalachian Region With No Vehicle Available, 2013-2017 95

Figure 7.4: Percent of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Live in Households With No 

Vehicle Available, 2013-2017 96

Figure 7.5: Percent of Households With One or More Workers in the Appalachian Region Where the Number of 

Workers Exceeds the Number of Vehicles Available, 2013-2017 97

Figure 7.6: Mean Travel Time to Work for Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 98

Figure 7.7: Percent of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Work Outside Their County of 

Residence, 2013-2017 99

Table 7.9: Percentage Point Change in Means of Transportation for Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian 

Region, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 100

Table 7.10: Percentage Point Change in Means of Transportation for Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian 

Region Below the Poverty Level, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 101

Table 7.11: Percentage Point Change in Availability of Vehicles for Households in the Appalachian Region, 2008-

2012 to 2013-2017 102

Table 7.12: Percentage Point Change in Share of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region in Who Live in 

Households With No Vehicle Available, by Means of Transportation, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 103

Table 7.13: Change in Relationship Between Number of Workers and Availability of Vehicles for Households in the 

Appalachian Region With One or More Workers, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 104

Table 7.14: Change in Travel Time to Work for Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region, by Amount of 

Time, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 105

 
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Table 7.15: Percentage Point Change in Share of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region, by Place of 

Work (State and County Level), 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 106

Figure 7.8: Percentage Point Change in Share of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Drove 

Alone to Work, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 107

Figure 7.9: Percentage Point Change in Share of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Live in 

Households With No Vehicle Available, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 108

Figure 7.10: Percentage Point Change in Share of Households With One or More Workers in the Appalachian Region 

Where the Number of Workers Exceeds the Number of Vehicles Available, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 109

Figure 7.11: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who 

Worked Outside Their County of Residence, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 110

Trends in Transportation and Commuting Patterns 111

CHAPTER 8: INCOME AND POVERTY 

Table 8.1: Household, Family, and Per Capita Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 2013-2017 112 

Figure 8.1: Mean Household Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 2013-2017 113 

Figure 8.2: Median Household Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 2013-2017 114 

Figure 8.3: Mean Family Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 2013-2017 115 

Figure 8.4: Median Family Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 2013-2017 116 

Figure 8.5: Per Capita Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 2013-2017 117 

Table 8.2: Change in Household, Family, and Per Capita Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 118 

Figure 8.6: Percent Change in Median Household Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 119 

Table 8.3: Number of Persons in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, by Age Group, 2013-2017 120 

Table 8.4: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, by Age Group, 2013-2017 121 

Figure 8.7: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, 2013-2017 122 

Figure 8.8: Percent of Persons Under Age 18 in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, 2013-2017 123 

Figure 8.9: Percent of Persons Ages 18 to 64 in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, 2013-2017 124 

Figure 8.10: Percent of Persons Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, 2013-2017 125 

Table 8.5: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, by Age Group, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 126 

Figure 8.11: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 127 

Table 8.6: Income-to-Poverty Ratio for Persons in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 128 

Table 8.7: Number of Persons in the Appalachian Region Below 50% of Poverty Level, by Age Group, 2013-2017 129 

Table 8.8: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region Below 50% of Poverty Level, by Age Group, 2013-2017 130 

Figure 8.12: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region Below 50% of Poverty Level, 2013-2017 131 

Figure 8.13: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region Below 200% of Poverty Level, 2013-2017 132 

Table 8.9: Percentage Point Change in Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region, by Income-to-Poverty Ratio, 2008-

2012 to 2013-2017 133 

Table 8.10: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region Below 50% of Poverty Level, 

by Age Group, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 134 

Figure 8.14: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region Below 50% of Poverty Level, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 135 

Trends in Income and Poverty 136 

CHAPTER 9: HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE

Table 9.1: Number of Persons in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, by Age Group, 2013-2017 137 

Table 9.2: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, by Age Group, 2013-2017 138 

Figure 9.1: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 2013-2017 139 

Figure 9.2: Percent of Persons Under Age 19 in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 2013-2017 140 

Figure 9.3: Percent of Persons Ages 19 to 25 in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 2013-2017 141 

Figure 9.4: Percent of Persons Ages 26 to 34 in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 2013-2017 142 

Figure 9.5: Percent of Persons Ages 35 to 64 in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 2013-2017 143 

 
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Table 9.3: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health 

Insurance, by Age Group, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 144 

Figure 9.6: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 145 

Trends in Health Insurance Coverage 146 

CHAPTER 10: DISABILITY STATUS

Table 10.1: Number of Persons in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, by Age Group, 2013-2017 147 

Table 10.2: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, by Age Group, 2013-2017 148 

Figure 10.1: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, 2013-2017 149 

Figure 10.2: Percent of Persons Under Age 18 in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, 2013-2017 150 

Figure 10.3: Percent of Persons Ages 18 to 64 in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, 2013-2017 151 

Figure 10.4: Percent of Persons Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, 2013-2017 152 

Table 10.3: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, by Age 

Group, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 153 

Figure 10.5: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, 2008-2012 

to 2013-2017 154 

Trends in Disability Status 155 

CHAPTER 11: MIGRATION 

Table 11.1: Mobility Status of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 156 

Figure 11.1: Percent of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Had Moved in the Past Year, 2013-2017 157 

Figure 11.2: Percent of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Had Migrated From Outside Their 

County of Residence in the Past Year, 2013-2017 158 

Figure 11.3: Percent of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Had Migrated From Outside Their 

State of Residence in the Past Year, 2013-2017 159 

Table 11.2: Percentage Point Change in Mobility Status of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 160 

Figure 11.4: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Had 

Migrated From Outside Their County of Residence in the Past Year, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 161 

Trends in Migration 162 

CHAPTER 12: VETERAN STATUS

Table 12.1: Veteran Status of Adult Civilians in the Appalachian Region, by Age Group, 2013-2017 163 

Table 12.2: Veteran Status of Adult Civilians in the Appalachian Region, by Gender, 2013-2017 164 

Figure 12.1: Percent of Adult Civilians in the Appalachian Region Who Are Veterans, 2013-2017 165 

Figure 12.2: Percent of Civilians Ages 18 to 34 in the Appalachian Region Who Are Veterans, 2013-2017 166 

Figure 12.3: Percent of Civilians Ages 35 to 64 in the Appalachian Region Who Are Veterans, 2013-2017 167 

Figure 12.4: Percent of Civilians Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Are Veterans, 2013-2017 168 

Table 12.3: Percentage Point Change in Veteran Status of Adult Civilians in the Appalachian Region, by Age Group 

and Gender, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 169 

Figure 12.5: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Adult Civilians in the Appalachian Region Who Are Veterans, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 170 

Trends in Veteran Status 171 

APPENDIX A: REFERENCE MAPS

Figure A.1: Appalachian Subregions 172 

Figure A.2: Rural-Urban County Types in the Appalachian Region 173 

 
6 

FOREWORD 

Most of the data contained in this chartbook come from the 2013-2017 American Community Survey. While the types 

of demographic and housing data included in Chapters 1 through 4 were also collected in the 2010 decennial census, 

the types of social and economic data included in Chapters 5 through 12 were not. This is because unlike previous 

censuses—which consisted of a “short form” of basic demographic and housing questions and a “long form” (used for 

a sample of households) that also asked detailed questions about social, economic, and housing characteristics—the 

2010 census only had a short form. 

The decennial long form has been replaced by the American Community Survey (ACS), a nationwide study collected 

continuously every year in every county in the United States. The ACS is designed to provide communities with 

reliable and timely demographic, social, economic, and housing data each year. However, the annual sample size of 

the ACS is much smaller than the sample size of the decennial census long form; therefore, data from five years 

must be combined to provide reliable estimates for geographic areas with fewer than 20,000 people. Since many 

counties in the Appalachian Region have fewer than 20,000 residents, we must use the 2013-2017 ACS data to have 

comparable statistics for all 420 counties in the Region. 

The ACS five-year estimates for 2013-2017 represent concepts that are fundamentally different from those 

associated with data from the decennial census. While the main function of the census is to provide counts of people 

for congressional apportionment and legislative redistricting, the primary purpose of the ACS is to measure the 

changing characteristics of the U.S. population. Moreover, while the decennial census provides a “snapshot” of the 

U.S. population once every 10 years, the ACS has been described as a “moving video image” that is continually 

updated. Finally, while the census provides “point in time” estimates designed to approximate an area’s 

characteristics on a specific date, the ACS provides “period” estimates that represent data collected over a period of 

time. The five-year estimates in this chartbook, therefore, are data collected over the five-year (or 60-month) period 

from January 2013 through December 2017. These ACS estimates are not averages of monthly or annual values, 

but rather an aggregation of data collected over the five-year period. 

For areas with consistent population characteristics throughout the calendar year, ACS period estimates might not 

differ much from those that would result from a point-in-time survey like the decennial census. However, ACS 

period estimates might be noticeably different from point-in-time estimates for areas with seasonal populations or 

those that experience a natural disaster such as a hurricane. For example, a resort community in the upper 

Midwest might be dominated by locals in the winter months and by temporary workers and tourists in the summer 

months, with a corresponding decrease in employment rates during the winter and increase in these rates during 

the summer. In such a community, the ACS period estimate of the percent of persons in the labor force, which is 

based on data across the entire calendar year, would likely be higher than a decennial census point-in-time 

estimate from April 1. 

And with two non-overlapping five-year periods (2013-2017 and 2008-2012), we can study trends in the data. 

However, the Census Bureau recommends caution in some instances, due to the changes in question wording and 

the coding of responses. And in some years, the ACS has added or removed certain questions. For example, the 

ACS added a “field of degree” question (which focuses on the major degree field for adults with at least a bachelor’s 

degree) in 2009 and questions on computer and Internet access in 2013. As a result, 2008-2012 data for these items 

are not available to measure trends. More information about comparing the 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 ACS data is 

available on the Web page, "Comparing 2008-2012 ACS 5-year and 2013-2017 ACS 5-year", through the Census 

Bureau’s website. 

While ACS five-year data are needed to provide reliable estimates for areas with small populations, they can make 

it difficult to track trends in these areas. The 2008-2012 ACS data illustrate this problem, as they are for a time 

period that covers two distinct periods of economic activity: virtually the entire “Great Recession” of December 2007 

through June 2009; and the 42 months of economic recovery that followed the downturn. Since the 2008-2012 ACS 

pools data from both periods, it smooths out the extreme variations in economic measures that would be evident in 

annual data from this five-year period. 

The data in Chapters 1 through 3 come not from the ACS, but instead from the postcensal population estimates from 

the Census Bureau’s Population Division. Every year, the Census Bureau produces July 1 estimates for years 

following the most recent decennial census, using current data on births, deaths, and migration. These estimates, 

which the Census Bureau revises and updates every year, are available for every U.S. county by age, sex, race, and 
7 

Hispanic origin. And not only do the vintage 2017 estimates reflect more timely data than the five-year ACS 

estimates, these are deemed the official population estimates for the geographic areas shown in this chartbook. In 

fact, the data from the Population Estimates Program serve as the control totals for the ACS estimates. 

 

This year’s chartbook includes data for several new subject areas—including a separate chapter on transportation 

and commuting patterns. In addition to commuting patterns (such as travel time and place of work, which were 

introduced in the 2012-2016 chartbook), the new Chapter 7 features data on the means of transportation for 

Appalachian workers, the availability of vehicles for households (and for workers in households), and the relationship 

between the workers and the availability of vehicles in Appalachian households. As these data were also available for 

2008-2012, we measure trends in these transportation and commuting patterns. In addition, Chapter 5 (which 

spotlights education) now also includes tables and maps on the presence of computers and the presence and type of 

Internet subscriptions in the household. Chapter 5 also includes new maps that measure the share of adults who 

have attained at least an associate’s degree. 

And beginning with this year’s chartbook, we can measure trends in health insurance (Chapter 9) and disability status 

(Chapter 10), as there are now enough years of ACS data to allow comparisons between two non-overlapping fiveyear periods (2008-2012 and 2013-2017). However, comparisons for health insurance coverage will be limited due to 

changes in the age ranges reported in ACS data. Beginning with the 2017 ACS, the age categories in the summary 

tables used for this report changed—from “Under age 18,” “Ages 18 to 24,” and “Ages 25 to 34” to “Under age 19,” 

“Ages 19 to 25,” and “Ages 26 to 34,” respectively. Because the ACS tables for the earlier five-year periods (from 

2008-2012 through 2012-2016) used the discontinued age categories, we are only able to measure health insurance 

trends for the age groups for which comparable age breakdowns are available (in this case, “Under age 35,” “Ages 

35 to 64,” and “Ages 65 and over,” as shown in Table 9.3). 

 

The chartbook also includes two reference maps—one of the five Appalachian subregions, and one of the five ruralurban county types. Both the subregions and county types are referenced throughout the report. These maps are in 

Appendix A. 
8 

CHAPTER 1: POPULATION BASICS 

Table 1.1: Population, Land Area, and Population Density in the Appalachian Region, July 1, 2017 

Population, Land Area, and Density Population, 

July 1, 2017 

 Change Since July 1, 2010 Land Area 

(Square Miles) 

 Population per 

Square Mile of 

Land Area, 

July 1, 2017 Number Percent 

United States 325,719,178 + 16,380,757 + 5.3 3,531,905 92.2 

Appalachian Region 25,611,363 + 347,874 + 1.4 204,452 125.3 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 8,202,375 - 181,781 - 2.2 56,980 144.0 

North Central Appalachia 2,404,112 - 21,504 - 0.9 29,337 81.9 

Central Appalachia 1,867,557 - 52,149 - 2.7 29,773 62.7 

South Central Appalachia 4,877,941 + 155,554 + 3.3 34,997 139.4

Southern Appalachia 8,259,378 + 447,754 + 5.7 53,365 154.8 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 6,107,360 + 253,228 + 4.3 18,815 324.6 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 10,847,040 + 204,095 + 1.9 54,302 199.8 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 2,199,354 - 16,484 - 0.7 25,382 86.7 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 3,955,910 - 38,819 - 1.0 58,591 67.5 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 2,501,699 - 54,146 - 2.1 47,363 52.8 

Alabama 4,874,747 + 89,168 + 1.9 50,645 96.3 

Appalachian Alabama 3,124,174 + 56,452 + 1.8 25,763 121.3 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 1,750,573 + 32,716 + 1.9 24,882 70.4 

Georgia 10,429,379 + 716,683 + 7.4 57,513 181.3 

Appalachian Georgia 3,238,637 + 297,495 + 10.1 11,378 284.6 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 7,190,742 + 419,188 + 6.2 46,135 155.9 

Kentucky 4,454,189 + 106,241 + 2.4 39,486 112.8 

Appalachian Kentucky 1,165,923 - 19,758 - 1.7 18,231 64.0 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 3,288,266 + 125,999 + 4.0 21,256 154.7

Maryland 6,052,177 + 264,078 + 4.6 9,707 623.5 

Appalachian Maryland 251,426 - 1,405 - 0.6 1,529 164.4 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 5,800,751 + 265,483 + 4.8 8,178 709.3 

Mississippi 2,984,100 + 13,663 + 0.5 46,923 63.6 

Appalachian Mississippi 626,263 - 2,658 - 0.4 12,400 50.5 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 2,357,837 + 16,321 + 0.7 34,523 68.3 

New York 19,849,399 + 444,214 + 2.3 47,126 421.2 

Appalachian New York 1,032,309 - 33,740 - 3.2 11,681 88.4 

Non-Appalachian New York 18,817,090 + 477,954 + 2.6 35,445 530.9 

North Carolina 10,273,419 + 699,172 + 7.3 48,618 211.3 

Appalachian North Carolina 1,757,158 + 57,440 + 3.4 11,887 147.8 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 8,516,261 + 641,732 + 8.1 36,731 231.9 

Ohio 11,658,609 + 119,327 + 1.0 40,861 285.3 

Appalachian Ohio 1,999,505 - 42,530 - 2.1 15,978 125.1 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 9,659,104 + 161,857 + 1.7 24,882 388.2 

Pennsylvania 12,805,537 + 94,474 + 0.7 44,743 286.2 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 5,687,435 - 105,147 - 1.8 36,444 156.1

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 7,118,102 + 199,621 + 2.9 8,298 857.8 

South Carolina 5,024,369 + 388,535 + 8.4 30,061 167.1 

Appalachian South Carolina 1,270,304 + 96,465 + 8.2 3,824 332.2

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 3,754,065 + 292,070 + 8.4 26,237 143.1 

Tennessee 6,715,984 + 360,102 + 5.7 41,235 162.9 

Appalachian Tennessee 2,894,190 + 105,751 + 3.8 20,119 143.9 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 3,821,794 + 254,351 + 7.1 21,116 181.0 

Virginia 8,470,020 + 444,814 + 5.5 39,490 214.5 

Appalachian Virginia 748,182 - 22,033 - 2.9 11,179 66.9 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 7,721,838 + 466,847 + 6.4 28,311 272.8

West Virginia (entire state) 1,815,857 - 38,458 - 2.1 24,038 75.5 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2017 Population Estimates.
9 

Figure 1.1: Population Distribution in the Appalachian Region, July 1, 2017 

Of the 325.7 million persons in the United States as of July 1, 2017, 25.6 million lived in the Appalachian Region—

348,000 more than in July 1, 2010. Yet the population of the Region’s 420 counties varied greatly. On one hand, twothirds of the counties had populations of fewer than 50,000 people, and 128 counties had fewer than 20,000 

residents. On the other hand, pockets of the Appalachian population lived in large and mid-sized metropolitan areas, 

including Pittsburgh, Birmingham, and the Atlanta suburbs. Allegheny County, Pennsylvania (where Pittsburgh is 

located) had more than 1.2 million residents in 2017. 

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Map Title: Population Distribution in the Appalachian Region, July 1, 2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2017 Population Estimates.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

")

1,000 people

") 10,000 people

") 50,000 people

") 1,000,000 people

") 100,000 people

County Population, 2017

U.S. POPULATION: 325.7 MILLION

APPALACHIAN POPULATION: 25.6 MILLION
10 

Figure 1.2: Population Change in the Appalachian Region, July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017 

The Appalachian Region’s population grew by nearly 1.5 percent between 2010 and 2017—slightly more than 

between 2010 and 2016—but still only about one-fourth the national average of 5.3 percent. Demographic change in 

this decade has been even slower in much of Appalachia—in fact, the Appalachian sections of eight states (including 

all of West Virginia) have actually lost population since mid-2010. Indeed, those eight states had 212 of the 271 

Appalachian counties that lost residents since mid-2010. On the other hand, 45 counties in Appalachia grew at or 

above the national rate during this period. Of these counties, 39 were in the five Southern states (Alabama, Georgia, 

the Carolinas, and Tennessee) whose Appalachian sections gained population. Indeed, Southern Appalachia was the 

only subregion where the rate of population growth exceeded the national average. Population growth was particularly 

high in the Appalachian parts of Georgia and South Carolina, with increases of 10.1 percent and 8.2 percent, 

respectively. Many counties with college towns—such as Centre County, Pennsylvania (State College); Monongalia 

County, West Virginia (Morgantown); and Knox County, Tennessee (Knoxville)—also had rapid growth since 2010.

Map Title: Population Change in the Appalachian Region, July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2017 Population Estimates.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

+1.4 percent to +5.2 percent

+5.3 percent or more

0 percent to +1.3 percent

Decrease

Percent Change in 

Population, 2010 to 2017

U.S. AVERAGE: +5.3 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: +1.4 PERCENT
11 

Figure 1.3: Population per Square Mile of Land Area in the Appalachian Region, July 1, 2017 

While Appalachia’s population density was noticeably greater than the United States as a whole in 2017, just twofifths of the Region’s counties had population concentrations at or above the national average. Most of the highdensity counties were in metropolitan areas, both large (Pittsburgh, Birmingham, suburban Atlanta) and small 

(Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee). 

 

Map Title: Population per Square Mile of Land Area in the Appalachian Region, July 1, 2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2017 Population Estimates.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

92.2 persons to 149.9 persons

150 or more persons

50 persons to 92.1 persons

Fewer than 50 persons

Persons per Square Mile, 2017

U.S. AVG.: 92.2 PERSONS/SQ. MILE

APPALACHIAN AVG.: 125.3 PERSONS/SQ. MILE
12 

BASIC POPULATION TRENDS 

• Appalachia had a population of 25.6 million in 2017—roughly 348,000 more residents than it had in 

mid-2010 (see Table 1.1). Although this was a larger increase than between 2010 and 2016, growth 

in the Region as a whole has still been slow at just under 1.5 percent; by comparison, the United 

States as a whole grew more than 5 percent between 2010 and 2017.

• Most of Appalachia, in fact, has lost population since 2010. West Virginia and the Appalachian 

portions of seven other states had fewer residents in 2017 than they did six years earlier. And in four 

of those states—New York, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia—the population loss exceeded 2 

percent. (And the loss was almost that severe in Appalachian Kentucky and Pennsylvania.) 

Appalachian counties outside metropolitan areas also lost people between 2010 and 2017—indeed, 

191 of the 268 counties classified in one of the three nonmetropolitan county types suffered 

population declines. And as a group, the most rural Appalachian counties lost 2 percent of their 2010 

population. In many counties, population losses since 2010 have continued longstanding 

demographic trends going back several decades. 

• In contrast to the other three subregions, South Central and Southern Appalachia added residents 

between 2010 and 2017. Population growth in Southern Appalachia, in fact, was 5.7 percent—slightly 

above the national rate. The five states whose Appalachian sections have grown since 2010 were all 

in the South—Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Georgia’s and 

South Carolina’s Appalachian sections have grown especially rapidly since 2010, with increases 

exceeding 8 percent in both cases. 

• Several possible factors account for the rapid growth in some parts of Appalachia. For example, 

roughly half of the 44 counties whose post-2010 growth exceeded the national average have been 

classified as “retirement destination” counties by the Economic Research Service (ERS) of the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture. Many high-growth areas also benefit from being part of a major research 

university, such as Pennsylvania State University (Centre County), the University of Alabama 

(Tuscaloosa County), or West Virginia University (Monongalia County). Yet the major single factor 

may well be a diversified economy. Of the 44 rapid-growth Appalachian counties, 29 are part of 

metropolitan areas, and 18 (including 17 of the 29 in metros) have been classified as “nonspecialized” 

by ERS—meaning that they weren’t dependent on a single economic sector. 

 
13 

CHAPTER 2: AGE 

Table 2.1: Population in the Appalachian Region by Age Group, July 1, 2017 

Population by Age Group 

 Total 

Population, 

July 1, 2017 

Percent of Population Median 

Age 

(Years) 

 Under 

Age 18 

 Ages 

18-24 

Ages 

25-64 Ages 65 

and over 

United States 325,719,178 22.6 9.4 52.4 15.6 38.0 

Appalachian Region 25,611,363 21.3 9.2 51.5 17.9 41.0 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 8,202,375 19.7 9.5 51.3 19.5 42.7 

North Central Appalachia 2,404,112 20.9 9.1 51.5 18.4 41.5 

Central Appalachia 1,867,557 21.5 8.3 51.9 18.3 42.0 

South Central Appalachia 4,877,941 20.2 9.3 51.0 19.5 42.4 

Southern Appalachia 8,259,378 23.6 9.2 52.0 15.3 38.5 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 6,107,360 22.6 8.5 53.1 15.8 39.6 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 10,847,040 20.8 9.9 51.3 17.9 40.7 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 2,199,354 21.3 9.4 50.7 18.6 41.6 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 3,955,910 20.6 8.5 50.7 20.2 43.4 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 2,501,699 21.1 9.4 50.4 19.1 41.9 

Alabama 4,874,747 22.5 9.4 51.7 16.5 39.0 

Appalachian Alabama 3,124,174 22.3 9.1 52.1 16.5 39.4 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 1,750,573 22.8 9.8 50.9 16.5 38.5 

Georgia 10,429,379 24.1 9.6 52.8 13.5 36.7 

Appalachian Georgia 3,238,637 25.2 8.8 52.5 13.5 37.6 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 7,190,742 23.6 10.0 52.9 13.5 36.4 

Kentucky 4,454,189 22.7 9.4 51.9 16.0 38.8 

Appalachian Kentucky 1,165,923 22.0 8.9 51.7 17.4 40.9 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 3,288,266 22.9 9.6 52.0 15.5 38.2 

Maryland 6,052,177 22.3 8.9 53.9 14.9 38.7 

Appalachian Maryland 251,426 20.4 9.2 52.1 18.3 41.4 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 5,800,751 22.3 8.9 53.9 14.8 38.6 

Mississippi 2,984,100 23.9 9.8 50.8 15.5 37.4 

Appalachian Mississippi 626,263 23.3 10.5 49.8 16.5 38.0 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 2,357,837 24.1 9.6 51.1 15.2 37.3 

New York 19,849,399 20.9 9.4 53.7 15.9 38.7 

Appalachian New York 1,032,309 19.5 12.9 48.9 18.7 40.9 

Non-Appalachian New York 18,817,090 21.0 9.2 54.0 15.8 38.6 

North Carolina 10,273,419 22.4 9.5 52.3 15.9 38.7 

Appalachian North Carolina 1,757,158 19.9 8.8 50.9 20.3 43.3 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 8,516,261 22.9 9.6 52.5 15.0 37.9 

Ohio 11,658,609 22.3 9.2 51.8 16.7 39.4 

Appalachian Ohio 1,999,505 21.6 8.7 51.1 18.6 41.9 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 9,659,104 22.5 9.3 51.9 16.3 38.9 

Pennsylvania 12,805,537 20.8 9.2 52.2 17.8 40.7 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 5,687,435 19.4 9.2 51.8 19.6 43.0 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 7,118,102 22.0 9.1 52.5 16.4 39.1 

South Carolina 5,024,369 22.0 9.3 51.5 17.2 39.4 

Appalachian South Carolina 1,270,304 22.6 9.6 51.4 16.5 38.9 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 3,754,065 21.8 9.2 51.5 17.5 39.6 

Tennessee 6,715,984 22.4 9.1 52.4 16.0 38.7 

Appalachian Tennessee 2,894,190 20.8 8.9 51.4 18.8 41.8 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 3,821,794 23.7 9.3 53.1 13.9 36.8 

Virginia 8,470,020 22.1 9.5 53.4 15.0 38.2 

Appalachian Virginia 748,182 18.3 11.0 50.3 20.4 43.4 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 7,721,838 22.4 9.4 53.7 14.5 37.9 

West Virginia (entire state) 1,815,857 20.4 8.7 51.5 19.4 42.5 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2017 Population Estimates. 

 
14 

Figure 2.1: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region Under Age 18, July 1, 2017 

As of mid-2017, the share of children and youth under age 18 in the Appalachian population was slightly below the 

national average of 22.6 percent. And the share was actually less than 20 percent in more than one-third of the 

Region’s 420 counties. Most of these counties were outside metropolitan areas, with concentrations in Pennsylvania, 

West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Yet in another 101 Appalachian counties, the share of 

children under age 18 matched or exceeded the national average. More than half of these counties were in Southern 

Appalachia, with concentrations in Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, and South Carolina. Among the states, the 

Appalachian portions of Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina were the only three in the Region where the under18 percentage was equal to or greater than that of the nation as a whole. 

Map Title: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region Under Age 18, July 1, 2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2017 Population Estimates.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

20 percent to 22.5 percent

22.6 percent or greater

Less than 20 percent

Percent Under Age 18, 2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 22.6 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 21.3 PERCENT
15 

Figure 2.2: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region Ages 18 to 24, July 1, 2017

Although the share of young adults (ages 18 to 24) in Appalachia roughly equaled the national average in 2017, there 

were great variations within the Region. For example, persons in this age group made up at least 15 percent of the 

population in 20 counties. Nearly all of these counties are home to colleges and universities such as Virginia Tech 

(Montgomery County, Virginia); Cornell University (Tompkins County, New York); Ohio University (Athens County, 

Ohio); and Mississippi State University (Oktibbeha County, Mississippi). In contrast, 18-to-24-year-olds made up less 

than 7.5 percent of the population in 173 Appalachian counties. Of the counties in this latter group, 125 were outside 

metropolitan areas and 52 were in the most rural counties—both of which suggest a possible lack of opportunities in 

these communities for youth making the transition to adulthood.

Map Title: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region Ages 18 to 24, July 1, 2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2017 Population Estimates.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent Ages 18 to 24, 2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 9.4 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 9.2 PERCENT

7.5 percent to 9.3 percent

9.4 percent or greater

Less than 7.5 percent
16 

Figure 2.3: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region Ages 25 to 64, July 1, 2017

In both the United States and Appalachia, adults in the prime working ages (ages 25 to 64) made up a slight majority 

of all residents in 2017. In 106 of the 420 Appalachian counties, the percentage of persons in this age group matched 

or exceeded the national average. But there were 92 counties in the Region (74 of which were outside metropolitan 

areas) where 25-to-64-year-olds made up less than half of the population. Many of these counties—such as Rowan 

County, Kentucky, home to Morehead State University—house colleges and universities (and thus had a high share 

of their populations in the 18-to-24 age range).

Map Title: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region Ages 25 to 64, July 1, 2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2017 Population Estimates.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

50 percent to 52.3 percent

52.4 percent or greater

Less than 50 percent

Percent Ages 25 to 64, 2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 52.4 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 51.5 PERCENT
17 

Figure 2.4: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region Ages 65 and Over, July 1, 2017 

The share of residents ages 65 and over in the Appalachian Region exceeded the national average by more than two 

percentage points in 2017. Moreover, the percentage of persons in this age group matched or exceeded the U.S. 

share in 381 of the 420 Appalachian counties—and the overall Region share (17.9 percent) in 302 of them. In fact, 

older persons made up at least 20 percent of the population in 184 Appalachian counties, almost three-fourths of 

which were outside metropolitan areas. In contrast, most of the 39 Appalachian counties with older population shares 

below the national average were either in metro areas or home to colleges and universities. As more of the large baby 

boom cohorts move into this age group, the share of residents ages 65 and over will continue to increase over the 

coming years in both Appalachia and the nation.

Map Title: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region Ages 65 and Over, July 1, 2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2017 Population Estimates.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

17.9 percent to 19.9 percent

20 percent or greater

15.6 percent to 17.8 percent

Percent Ages 65 and Over, 2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 15.6 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 17.9 PERCENT

Less than 15.6 percent
18 

Figure 2.5: Median Age of Persons in the Appalachian Region, July 1, 2017 

At 41 years, the median age of the Appalachian population was three years older than that of the United States as of 

mid-2017. Indeed, the median age of the population (the point at which half the population is older and half is 

younger) matched or exceeded the regional median in nearly three-fourths of Appalachia’s counties. And in 117 

counties—82 of which were outside metro areas—the median age was at least 45 years. Of the 33 counties with 

populations whose median age was younger than the national median, 20 were in Southern Appalachia—the only 

subregion where the overall age structure roughly resembled that of the nation. (Appalachian Georgia alone had 10 of 

these counties.) As the U.S. and Appalachian populations grow older, median age will almost certainly continue to rise 

in most of the Region’s counties—with the possible exception of counties where a college or university is a major 

presence (such as Montgomery County, Virginia, home to Virginia Tech and Radford University). 

Map Title: Median Age of Persons in the Appalachian Region, July 1, 2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2017 Population Estimates.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

41 years to 44.9 years

45 years and over

38 years to 40.9 years

Under 38 years

Median Age, 2017 

U.S. MEDIAN: 38 YEARS

APPALACHIAN MEDIAN: 41 YEARS 
19 

Table 2.2: Percentage Point Change in the Share of the Population in the Appalachian Region, by Age Group, 

July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017 

Population by Age Group 

Percentage Point Change in Share of Population Change in 

Median Age 

(Years) 

 Under 

Age 18 

 Ages 

18-24 

Ages 

25-64 Ages 65 

and over 

United States - 1.4 - 0.5 - 0.6 + 2.5 + 0.8 

Appalachian Region - 1.1 - 0.5 - 1.3 + 2.7 + 1.1 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia - 1.2 - 0.6 - 1.0 + 2.7 + 1.0 

North Central Appalachia - 0.9 - 0.5 - 1.8 + 3.1 + 1.2 

Central Appalachia - 0.7 - 0.4 - 2.1 + 3.2 + 1.6 

South Central Appalachia - 1.2 - 0.4 - 1.5 + 3.1 + 1.5 

Southern Appalachia - 1.3 - 0.3 - 1.0 + 2.7 + 1.4 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) - 1.2 - 0.3 - 1.0 + 2.5 + 1.0 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) - 1.1 - 0.5 - 1.2 + 2.7 + 1.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros - 1.2 - 0.5 - 1.3 + 2.9 + 1.4 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros - 1.1 - 0.3 - 1.8 + 3.2 + 1.6 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) - 1.0 - 0.4 - 1.8 + 3.2 + 1.5 

Alabama - 1.1 - 0.6 - 0.8 + 2.7 + 1.1 

Appalachian Alabama - 1.1 - 0.7 - 0.9 + 2.7 + 1.2 

Non-Appalachian Alabama - 1.3 - 0.7 - 0.8 + 2.7 + 1.3 

Georgia - 1.5 - 0.4 - 0.8 + 2.8 + 1.3 

Appalachian Georgia - 1.9 + 0.2 - 1.2 + 2.9 + 1.6 

Non-Appalachian Georgia - 1.4 - 0.7 - 0.7 + 2.7 + 1.3 

Kentucky - 0.8 - 0.2 - 1.7 + 2.7 + 0.7 

Appalachian Kentucky - 0.7 - 0.3 - 2.0 + 3.0 + 1.4 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky - 1.0 - 0.1 - 1.5 + 2.5 + 0.8 

Maryland - 1.1 - 0.8 - 0.8 + 2.6 + 0.7 

Appalachian Maryland - 0.9 - 0.5 - 1.2 + 2.5 + 1.0 

Non-Appalachian Maryland - 1.2 - 0.8 - 0.8 + 2.7 + 0.8 

Mississippi - 1.5 - 0.5 - 0.7 + 2.6 + 1.4 

Appalachian Mississippi - 1.3 - 0.3 - 0.7 + 2.4 + 1.0 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi - 1.5 - 0.6 - 0.6 + 2.7 + 1.5 

New York - 1.4 - 0.8 - 0.3 + 2.4 + 0.7 

Appalachian New York - 1.5 + 0.1 - 1.7 + 3.1 + 0.8 

Non-Appalachian New York - 1.3 - 0.9 - 0.2 + 2.4 + 0.8 

North Carolina - 1.4 - 0.5 - 0.9 + 2.9 + 1.3 

Appalachian North Carolina - 1.6 - 0.3 - 1.6 + 3.4 + 1.9 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina - 1.4 - 0.5 - 0.9 + 2.9 + 1.4 

Ohio - 1.3 - 0.4 - 1.0 + 2.6 + 0.6 

Appalachian Ohio - 1.3 - 0.3 - 1.3 + 3.0 + 1.3 

Non-Appalachian Ohio - 1.2 - 0.4 - 0.9 + 2.5 + 0.6 

Pennsylvania - 1.1 - 0.7 - 0.5 + 2.4 + 0.5 

Appalachian Pennsylvania - 1.1 - 0.8 - 0.7 + 2.6 + 1.0 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania - 1.1 - 0.8 - 0.3 + 2.3 + 0.5 

South Carolina - 1.3 - 1.0 - 1.2 + 3.5 + 1.5 

Appalachian South Carolina - 1.0 - 0.6 - 0.9 + 2.6 + 0.9 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina - 1.4 - 1.1 - 1.3 + 3.8 + 1.8 

Tennessee - 1.1 - 0.5 - 1.0 + 2.5 + 0.6 

Appalachian Tennessee - 1.0 - 0.3 - 1.6 + 2.8 + 1.2 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee - 1.1 - 0.5 - 0.7 + 2.3 + 0.8 

Virginia - 1.0 - 0.5 - 1.2 + 2.7 + 0.7 

Appalachian Virginia - 1.2 - 0.7 - 1.7 + 3.6 + 2.1 

Non-Appalachian Virginia - 1.1 - 0.4 - 1.2 + 2.7 + 0.9 

West Virginia (entire state) - 0.5 - 0.4 - 2.4 + 3.3 + 1.2 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2017 Population Estimates. 
20 

TRENDS IN AGE 

• Like the United States as a whole, Appalachia’s population became older between 2010 and 2017 

(see Table 2.2). And it’s been aging at about the same pace as the national population over this 

period: The median age of the Region’s population (the point at which half the population is older and 

half is younger) rose by a year to 41 years over the seven-year period. 

• Some parts of the Appalachian Region are aging faster than others. For example, the median age 

rose 2.1 years in Appalachian Virginia, 1.9 years in Appalachian North Carolina, and 1.6 years in 

Appalachian Georgia. Yet while the median age in 2017 stood at 43 years in North Carolina’s and 

Virginia’s Appalachian sections, it was 37.6 years in Georgia—still below the U.S. median of 38 

years. Meanwhile, the median age in Appalachian counties outside metropolitan areas rose slightly 

faster than in the Region’s metropolitan counties. Yet among all Appalachian subregions and county 

types, as well as in the Appalachian portions of nearly every state in the Region, the median age 

increased faster than the national average—noticeably faster in some cases. 

• In both the United States and Appalachia, the aging of the population has come largely at the 

expense of younger age groups. For example, the share of Appalachia’s population under age 18 and 

the share ages 25 to 64 are both a full percentage point lower in mid-2017 than each of them was in 

mid-2010. The decline in the share of residents ages 25 to 64 has occurred as older members of the 

baby boom cohorts moved into the “65 and over” age category. Between 2010 and 2017, the share of 

residents in the older age group increased by more than two percentage points both in the Region 

and nationally. 

• While much of Appalachia is “aging in place” (particularly with the aging of the baby boom cohorts), 

the migration of some older residents to retirement destinations is a factor behind the aging of some 

parts of the Region. For example, several Appalachian counties where the median age is at least 45 

years—such as Union County, Georgia; Transylvania County, North Carolina; and Oconee County, 

South Carolina—have been designated as “retirement” counties by the Economic Research Service 

of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

• Both Appalachia and the United States have declining child and young adult populations due to lower 

fertility and smaller age cohorts. Yet while the working-age (ages 25 to 64) population has increased 

nationally since 2010, Appalachia has lost people in this age group: There were 13.2 million 

Appalachian residents ages 25 to 64 in 2017, down 1 percent from seven years earlier. 
21 

CHAPTER 3: RACE AND HISPANIC ORIGIN 

Table 3.1: Population in the Appalachian Region by Race and Hispanic Origin, July 1, 2017 

Population by Race and Hispanic Origin 

 Total 

Population, 

July 1, 2017 

Percent of Population 

 White 

Alone, Not 

Hispanic 

Minority 

 Total 

 Black 

Alone, Not 

Hispanic 

Hispanic or 

Latino 

Other, Not 

Hispanic 

United States 325,719,178 60.7 39.3 12.5 18.1 8.7 

Appalachian Region 25,611,363 81.4 18.6 9.7 5.1 3.8 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 8,202,375 87.8 12.2 5.4 3.3 3.5 

North Central Appalachia 2,404,112 92.4 7.6 3.1 1.6 2.9 

Central Appalachia 1,867,557 94.5 5.5 1.9 1.7 1.9 

South Central Appalachia 4,877,941 84.1 15.9 7.1 5.4 3.4 

Southern Appalachia 8,259,378 67.2 32.8 19.3 8.6 4.9 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 6,107,360 71.6 28.4 16.0 6.6 5.8 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 10,847,040 81.0 19.0 9.5 5.7 3.7

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 2,199,354 88.1 11.9 5.3 3.9 2.7 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 3,955,910 89.4 10.6 4.5 3.7 2.5 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 2,501,699 88.1 11.9 7.7 2.2 2.0 

Alabama 4,874,747 65.6 34.4 26.5 4.3 3.6 

Appalachian Alabama 3,124,174 69.5 30.5 22.4 4.8 3.3 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 1,750,573 58.7 41.3 34.0 3.4 4.0 

Georgia 10,429,379 52.8 47.2 31.3 9.6 6.2 

Appalachian Georgia 3,238,637 63.6 36.4 15.1 14.0 7.3 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 7,190,742 48.0 52.0 38.6 7.7 5.7 

Kentucky 4,454,189 84.6 15.4 8.1 3.7 3.6 

Appalachian Kentucky 1,165,923 94.5 5.5 1.9 1.7 1.9 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 3,288,266 81.1 18.9 10.4 4.4 4.2 

Maryland 6,052,177 50.9 49.1 29.7 10.1 9.3 

Appalachian Maryland 251,426 83.3 16.7 9.1 3.7 3.9 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 5,800,751 49.4 50.6 30.6 10.4 9.5 

Mississippi 2,984,100 56.7 43.3 37.4 3.2 2.7 

Appalachian Mississippi 626,263 63.4 36.6 31.8 2.7 2.1 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 2,357,837 54.9 45.1 38.9 3.3 2.9 

New York 19,849,399 55.3 44.7 14.6 19.2 11.0 

Appalachian New York 1,032,309 88.2 11.8 2.8 3.7 5.2 

Non-Appalachian New York 18,817,090 53.5 46.5 15.2 20.1 11.3 

North Carolina 10,273,419 63.1 36.9 21.4 9.5 6.0 

Appalachian North Carolina 1,757,158 79.8 20.2 8.8 7.7 3.7 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 8,516,261 59.7 40.3 24.0 9.8 6.5

Ohio 11,658,609 79.1 20.9 12.5 3.8 4.6 

Appalachian Ohio 1,999,505 90.9 9.1 4.3 2.1 2.6 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 9,659,104 76.6 23.4 14.2 4.1 5.0 

Pennsylvania 12,805,537 76.5 23.5 10.8 7.3 5.3 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 5,687,435 87.6 12.4 5.6 3.3 3.5 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 7,118,102 67.6 32.4 15.0 10.5 6.9 

South Carolina 5,024,369 63.8 36.2 26.8 5.7 3.7 

Appalachian South Carolina 1,270,304 72.7 27.3 16.7 6.8 3.9 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 3,754,065 60.7 39.3 30.2 5.3 3.7

Tennessee 6,715,984 73.9 26.1 16.8 5.5 3.9 

Appalachian Tennessee 2,894,190 87.3 12.7 5.5 4.1 3.1 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 3,821,794 63.8 36.2 25.3 6.5 4.4 

Virginia 8,470,020 61.9 38.1 19.1 9.4 9.6 

Appalachian Virginia 748,182 89.1 10.9 5.5 2.5 3.0 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 7,721,838 59.2 40.8 20.4 10.1 10.3 

West Virginia (entire state) 1,815,857 92.2 7.8 3.5 1.6 2.7 

Note: “Other” includes these racial groups: (a) American Indian and Alaska Native alone; (b) Asian alone; (c) Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific 

Islander alone; and (d) Two or more races. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2017 Population Estimates. 

 
22 

Figure 3.1: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region That Is Minority, July 1, 2017

The Appalachian Region is significantly less racially and ethnically diverse than the United States as a whole, and 

most parts of the Region have remained far below the national average in their minority populations. In more than 

three-fifths of Appalachian counties, minorities (defined as anyone who identifies with a racial or ethnic group other 

than “white alone, not Hispanic”) made up less than 10 percent of the population in mid-2017. There were just 21 

counties—all but one in Southern Appalachia and more than half in Mississippi alone—where minorities’ share of the 

population matched or exceeded the national average of 39 percent.

Map Title: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region That Is Minority, July 1, 2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2017 Population Estimates.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent Minority, 2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 39.3 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 18.6 PERCENT

25 percent to 39.2 percent

39.3 percent or greater

10 percent to 24.9 percent

Less than 10 percent
23 

Figure 3.2: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region That Is Black Alone, not Hispanic, July 1, 2017 

While non-Hispanic African Americans have remained the largest single minority group in Appalachia as of 2017, their 

share of the Region’s total population was still lower than in the United States as a whole. Within the Region, the 

largest proportions were in Southern Appalachia—the only subregion where blacks’ share of the population exceeded 

the national average. Southern Appalachia also had 52 of the Region’s 59 counties where the black share of the 

population matched or surpassed that of the nation—as well as 28 of the 30 where at least one in four residents were 

African American. At the other end of the spectrum, persons who were “black alone, not Hispanic” accounted for less 

than 5 percent of the residents in nearly three-fourths of Appalachian counties.

Map Title: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region That Is Black Alone, not Hispanic, July 1, 2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2017 Population Estimates.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

12.5 percent to 24.9 percent

25 percent or greater

5 percent to 12.4 percent

Less than 5 percent

Percent Non-Hispanic 

Black, 2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 12.5 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 9.7 PERCENT 
24 

Figure 3.3: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region That Is Hispanic or Latino, July 1, 2017 

Although Hispanics are now the United States’ largest minority group, they made up only one in 20 residents in the 

Appalachian Region in 2017. The county patterns reflect this fact, as Hispanics were at least 5 percent of the 

population in just 78 of Appalachia’s 420 counties, 65 of which were in Southern and South Central Appalachia. 

Moreover, just three Appalachian counties (Gwinnett, Hall, and Whitfield—all in Georgia) had Latino population shares 

that matched or exceeded the national average. 

 

Map Title: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region That Is Hispanic or Latino, July 1, 2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2017 Population Estimates.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent Hispanic or 

Latino, 2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 18.1 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 5.1 PERCENT 

5 percent to 18 percent

18.1 percent or greater

Less than 5 percent
25 

Table 3.2: Percentage Point Change in the Share of the Population in the Appalachian Region, by Race and 

Hispanic Origin, July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017 

Population by Race and Hispanic Origin 

Percentage Point Change in Share of Population 

 White Alone, 

Not Hispanic 

Minority 

 Total Black Alone, 

Not Hispanic 

Hispanic or 

Latino 

Other, Not 

Hispanic 

United States - 3.1 + 3.1 + 0.2 + 1.7 + 1.2 

Appalachian Region - 2.2 + 2.2 + 0.5 + 0.9 + 0.8 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia - 1.8 + 1.8 + 0.2 + 0.9 + 0.7 

North Central Appalachia - 1.0 + 1.0 + 0.1 + 0.4 + 0.5 

Central Appalachia - 1.0 + 1.0 + 0.1 + 0.4 + 0.5 

South Central Appalachia - 1.6 + 1.6 + 0.2 + 0.8 + 0.6 

Southern Appalachia - 2.8 + 2.8 + 0.8 + 1.0 + 1.0 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) - 3.5 + 3.5 + 1.2 + 0.9 + 1.4 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) - 2.2 + 2.2 + 0.4 + 1.0 + 0.7 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros - 1.3 + 1.3 + 0.2 + 0.7 + 0.5 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros - 1.2 + 1.2 + 0.1 + 0.7 + 0.5 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) - 1.2 + 1.2 + 0.3 + 0.5 + 0.4 

Alabama - 1.5 + 1.5 + 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.7 

Appalachian Alabama - 1.6 + 1.6 + 0.7 + 0.4 + 0.5 

Non-Appalachian Alabama - 1.2 + 1.2 + 0.1 + 0.4 + 0.8 

Georgia - 3.1 + 3.1 + 1.1 + 0.8 + 1.2 

Appalachian Georgia - 4.6 + 4.6 + 1.9 + 1.3 + 1.5 

Non-Appalachian Georgia - 2.6 + 2.6 + 1.0 + 0.6 + 1.0 

Kentucky - 1.8 + 1.8 + 0.4 + 0.6 + 0.8 

Appalachian Kentucky - 0.9 + 0.9 + 0.1 + 0.3 + 0.5 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky - 1.9 + 1.9 + 0.4 + 0.7 + 0.9 

Maryland - 3.8 + 3.8 + 0.6 + 1.9 + 1.4 

Appalachian Maryland - 3.1 + 3.1 + 1.1 + 1.1 + 0.9 

Non-Appalachian Maryland - 3.9 + 3.9 + 0.5 + 1.9 + 1.3 

Mississippi - 1.3 + 1.3 + 0.5 + 0.4 + 0.4 

Appalachian Mississippi - 1.4 + 1.4 + 0.5 + 0.4 + 0.5 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi - 1.3 + 1.3 + 0.5 + 0.4 + 0.4 

New York - 3.1 + 3.1 + 0.0 + 1.5 + 1.7 

Appalachian New York - 1.9 + 1.9 + 0.2 + 0.6 + 1.0 

Non-Appalachian New York - 3.1 + 3.1 - 0.1 + 1.6 + 1.7 

North Carolina - 2.2 + 2.2 + 0.2 + 1.1 + 1.0 

Appalachian North Carolina - 1.5 + 1.5 + 0.2 + 0.8 + 0.5 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina - 2.2 + 2.2 + 0.0 + 1.0 + 1.1 

Ohio - 2.1 + 2.1 + 0.4 + 0.7 + 1.0 

Appalachian Ohio - 1.0 + 1.0 + 0.0 + 0.5 + 0.4 

Non-Appalachian Ohio - 2.3 + 2.3 + 0.4 + 0.7 + 1.1 

Pennsylvania - 3.0 + 3.0 + 0.3 + 1.6 + 1.0 

Appalachian Pennsylvania - 2.0 + 2.0 + 0.2 + 0.9 + 0.9 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania - 3.5 + 3.5 + 0.2 + 2.0 + 1.2 

South Carolina - 0.3 + 0.3 - 0.9 + 0.6 + 0.7 

Appalachian South Carolina - 1.8 + 1.8 + 0.2 + 1.0 + 0.8 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina + 0.1 - 0.1 - 1.3 + 0.4 + 0.7 

Tennessee - 1.8 + 1.8 + 0.2 + 0.9 + 0.8 

Appalachian Tennessee - 1.5 + 1.5 + 0.1 + 0.8 + 0.6 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee - 1.6 + 1.6 - 0.1 + 0.9 + 0.8 

Virginia - 3.0 + 3.0 + 0.0 + 1.4 + 1.5 

Appalachian Virginia - 1.4 + 1.4 + 0.2 + 0.6 + 0.7 

Non-Appalachian Virginia - 3.0 + 3.0 - 0.2 + 1.5 + 1.6 

West Virginia (entire state) - 1.0 + 1.0 + 0.1 + 0.4 + 0.5 

Note: “Other” includes these racial groups: (a) American Indian and Alaska Native alone; (b) Asian alone; (c) Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific 

Islander alone; and (d) Two or more races. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2017 Population Estimates. 
26 

Figure 3.4: Percentage Point Change in the Share of the Population in the Appalachian Region That Is Black 

Alone, not Hispanic, July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017 

Although African Americans’ share of the U.S. population barely changed between 2010 and 2017, their share of the 

Appalachian population increased half a percentage point, from 9.2 percent to 9.7 percent. And there were 55 

counties—mostly with sizeable, but some with small, African American concentrations—where blacks’ share of the 

population increased by at least that much. (In 23 of these counties, the share rose at least a full percentage point.) 

Yet in more than one-fourth of Appalachia’s 420 counties, the African American share of the population has either 

stayed the same or decreased from its level in 2010. 

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Share of the Population in the Appalachian Region That Is Black Alone, 

 not Hispanic, July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2017 Population Estimates.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Share Non-Hispanic

Black, 2010 to 2017

U.S. AVG.: +0.2 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: +0.5 PCT. POINTS

+0.2 to +0.4 percentage points

+0.5 percentage points or more

+0.1 percentage points or less

 (including decrease)
27 

Figure 3.5: Percentage Point Change in the Share of the Population in the Appalachian Region That Is 

Hispanic or Latino, July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017 

The Hispanic/Latino share of the Appalachian population rose by nine-tenths of a percentage point from 2010 to 

2017—although this increase was only about half the national average over the seven-year period. Still, there were 15 

counties (all of which were in Georgia, Alabama, or Pennsylvania) where the Hispanic share of the population grew at 

or above the national rate. Opportunities in industries such as food processing (in Franklin County, Alabama and 

Luzerne County, Pennsylvania) and construction (in the counties surrounding Atlanta)—as well as in creating small 

businesses—have been cited as possible factors fueling this growth. 

 

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Share of the Population in the Appalachian Region That Is Hispanic or 

 Latino, July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2017 Population Estimates.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Share Hispanic or

Latino, 2010 to 2017

U.S. AVG.: +1.7 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: +0.9 PCT. POINTS

+0.9 to +1.6 percentage points

+1.7 percentage points or more

+0.1 to +0.8 percentage points

No change or decrease
28 

TRENDS IN RACE AND HISPANIC ORIGIN 

• The Appalachian Region has become more racially and ethnically diverse since 2010. Between July 1 

of that year and July 1, 2017, the share of the population that is minority (defined as anyone who 

identifies with a racial or ethnic group other than “white alone, not Hispanic”) rose more than two 

percentage points to 18.6 percent (see Tables 3.1 and 3.2). The pace of this increased diversity, 

however, is not as great as that of the nation, where the increase was more than three percentage 

points over the period. 

• Within the Region, the greatest increase in racial diversity is occurring in Southern Appalachia and in 

counties that are part of large metropolitan areas (1 million population or more). Since 2010, 

minorities’ share of the population in those two areas rose more than 2.5 percentage points—3.5 

points in large metros. And Appalachian Georgia has grown even faster: The minority share of the 

population increased nearly five percentage points between 2010 and 2017. Not surprisingly, these 

three areas have minority concentrations that come close to the national minority share of 39 percent 

(33 percent for Southern Appalachia, 28 percent for counties in large metros, and 36 percent for 

Appalachian Georgia).

• Although African Americans comprise the largest minority group in Appalachia, Hispanics have fueled 

much (if not most) of the minority increase. The Hispanic/Latino share of the Appalachian population 

rose 0.9 percentage points between mid-2010 and mid-2017, compared with a 0.5 point increase in 

the Region’s African American share. The increase in the Latino population may be associated with 

employment opportunities in such industries as warehouse and food processing and construction, as 

well as in the creation of small businesses. As with the overall minority population, Southern 

Appalachia, large metropolitan areas, and Appalachian Georgia had the greatest increases in both 

the black and Latino shares of the total population. (Interestingly, blacks fueled a slightly larger share 

of the minority increase than Latinos did in large metros and Appalachian Georgia.)

 

 
29 

CHAPTER 4: HOUSING OCCUPANCY, TENURE, AND TYPE 

Table 4.1: Occupancy and Tenure of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 

Housing Occupancy and Tenure 

 Total Number 

of Housing 

Units 

 Number of 

Occupied 

Housing Units 

Percent of Total 

Housing Units 

Percent of Occupied 

Housing Units 

 Occupied Vacant OwnerOccupied 

RenterOccupied 

United States 135,393,564 118,825,921 87.8 12.2 63.8 36.2 

Appalachian Region 11,733,197 9,968,829 85.0 15.0 70.4 29.6 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 3,960,348 3,355,355 84.7 15.3 70.8 29.2 

North Central Appalachia 1,127,351 952,196 84.5 15.5 72.1 27.9 

Central Appalachia 891,132 742,914 83.4 16.6 72.0 28.0 

South Central Appalachia 2,308,178 1,936,283 83.9 16.1 69.3 30.7 

Southern Appalachia 3,446,188 2,982,081 86.5 13.5 69.9 30.1 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 2,593,814 2,314,330 89.2 10.8 70.5 29.5 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 4,872,011 4,239,720 87.0 13.0 68.8 31.2 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 1,035,996 856,434 82.7 17.3 71.3 28.7 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 1,969,329 1,570,998 79.8 20.2 73.0 27.0 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 1,262,047 987,347 78.2 21.8 72.4 27.6 

Alabama 2,231,126 1,856,695 83.2 16.8 68.6 31.4 

Appalachian Alabama 1,412,697 1,195,020 84.6 15.4 70.1 29.9 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 818,429 661,675 80.8 19.2 65.8 34.2 

Georgia 4,203,288 3,663,104 87.1 12.9 63.0 37.0 

Appalachian Georgia 1,215,383 1,077,035 88.6 11.4 70.3 29.7 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 2,987,905 2,586,069 86.6 13.4 59.9 40.1

Kentucky 1,965,202 1,724,514 87.8 12.2 67.0 33.0 

Appalachian Kentucky 545,106 459,071 84.2 15.8 70.7 29.3 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 1,420,096 1,265,443 89.1 10.9 65.7 34.3 

Maryland 2,427,014 2,181,093 89.9 10.1 66.8 33.2 

Appalachian Maryland 113,502 95,623 84.2 15.8 67.4 32.6 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 2,313,512 2,085,470 90.1 9.9 66.8 33.2

Mississippi 1,308,259 1,103,514 84.3 15.7 68.1 31.9 

Appalachian Mississippi 283,255 236,502 83.5 16.5 70.0 30.0 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 1,025,004 867,012 84.6 15.4 67.6 32.4 

New York 8,255,911 7,302,710 88.5 11.5 54.0 46.0 

Appalachian New York 514,953 416,654 80.9 19.1 69.2 30.8 

Non-Appalachian New York 7,740,958 6,886,056 89.0 11.0 53.1 46.9 

North Carolina 4,521,697 3,874,346 85.7 14.3 65.0 35.0 

Appalachian North Carolina 876,534 703,053 80.2 19.8 69.3 30.7 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 3,645,163 3,171,293 87.0 13.0 64.0 36.0 

Ohio 5,174,838 4,633,145 89.5 10.5 66.1 33.9 

Appalachian Ohio 906,634 793,340 87.5 12.5 71.3 28.7 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 4,268,204 3,839,805 90.0 10.0 65.0 35.0 

Pennsylvania 5,653,599 5,007,442 88.6 11.4 69.0 31.0 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 2,755,515 2,339,671 84.9 15.1 71.1 28.9 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 2,898,084 2,667,771 92.1 7.9 67.2 32.8 

South Carolina 2,229,324 1,871,307 83.9 16.1 68.6 31.4 

Appalachian South Carolina 534,853 473,524 88.5 11.5 68.3 31.7 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 1,694,471 1,397,783 82.5 17.5 68.7 31.3 

Tennessee 2,903,199 2,547,194 87.7 12.3 66.3 33.7 

Appalachian Tennessee 1,317,408 1,137,525 86.3 13.7 69.4 30.6 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 1,585,791 1,409,669 88.9 11.1 63.7 36.3 

Virginia 3,466,921 3,105,636 89.6 10.4 66.2 33.8 

Appalachian Virginia 368,080 304,140 82.6 17.4 71.5 28.5 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 3,098,841 2,801,496 90.4 9.6 65.6 34.4

West Virginia (entire state) 889,277 737,671 83.0 17.0 72.7 27.3 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 

 
30 

Figure 4.1: Percent of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are Occupied, 2013-2017 

Although the home occupancy rate during the 2013-2017 period was slightly lower in Appalachia than in the United 

States as a whole, there were 89 counties in the Region that had occupancy rates matching or exceeding the national 

average. And while they were scattered throughout the Region, 64 of these counties were in metropolitan areas, such 

as Pittsburgh, the Atlanta and Birmingham suburbs, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Conversely, less than fourfifths of housing units were occupied in 125 Appalachian counties—107 of which were located outside metropolitan 

areas.

Map Title: Percent of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are Occupied, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent of Housing Units

That Are Occupied, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 87.8 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 85 PERCENT

80 percent to 87.7 percent

87.8 percent or greater

Less than 80 percent
31 

Figure 4.2: Percent of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are Vacant, 2013-2017 

One in seven housing units in Appalachia were vacant during the 2013-2017 period, compared to one in eight for the 

nation as a whole. Vacancy rates varied within the Region, however. While 127 of the 420 Appalachian counties (all 

but 19 of which were outside metropolitan areas) had vacancy rates at or above 20 percent, another 84 counties 

(mostly in metro areas) had rates below the national average. It is important to note that in 155 of the 336 

Appalachian counties with vacancy rates of 12.2 percent or more, at least one-third of the vacant units were 

designated for seasonal or occasional use—suggesting significant recreational, resort, or retirement activity in the 

community. Examples of such areas include the Great Smoky Mountains along the North Carolina-Tennessee border, 

the Greenbrier resort in West Virginia (Greenbrier County), and the Pocono Mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Map Title: Percent of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are Vacant, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent of Housing Units

That Are Vacant, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 12.2 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 15 PERCENT

12.2 percent to 19.9 percent

20 percent or greater

Less than 12.2 percent
32 

Figure 4.3: Percent Owner-Occupied Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 

Homeownership was more common in the Appalachian Region than in the rest of the country in the 2013-2017 

period. In all but 19 counties, the share of owner-occupied housing units matched or exceeded the national average. 

Indeed, the homeownership rate was at least 75 percent in 157 of Appalachia’s 420 counties, scattered throughout 

the Region. It is important to note that in some areas, the high homeownership rates might be related to low levels of 

economic and residential mobility, as well as the older age structure of the Appalachian population. 

Map Title: Percent Owner-Occupied Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent Owner-Occupied

Housing Units, 2013-2017 

U.S. AVERAGE: 63.8 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 70.4 PERCENT

63.8 percent to 74.9 percent

75 percent or greater

Less than 63.8 percent
33 

Figure 4.4: Percent Renter-Occupied Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 

The share of renter-occupied housing units during the 2013-2017 period was well below the national average 

throughout Appalachia; in fact, it was less than 25 percent in 155 of the Region’s 420 counties. Among the 19 

Appalachian counties where the share of renter-occupied units matched or exceeded the national average, almost all 

are home to colleges or universities, where students make up a sizeable share of the population. Examples of these 

counties include Tompkins County, New York (Cornell University and Ithaca College); Watauga County, North 

Carolina (Appalachian State University); and Putnam County, Tennessee (Tennessee Technological University). 

 

Map Title: Percent Renter-Occupied Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent Renter-Occupied

Housing Units, 2013-2017 

U.S. AVERAGE: 36.2 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 29.6 PERCENT

25 percent to 36.1 percent

36.2 percent or greater

Less than 25 percent
34 

Table 4.2: Percentage Point Change in Occupancy and Tenure of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Housing Occupancy and Tenure 

Percentage Point Change, Share of 

Total Housing Units 

Percentage Point Change, Share of 

Occupied Housing Units 

 Occupied Vacant Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied 

United States + 0.3 - 0.3 - 1.7 + 1.7 

Appalachian Region - 0.6 + 0.6 - 1.3 + 1.3 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia - 1.3 + 1.3 - 0.8 + 0.8 

North Central Appalachia - 0.5 + 0.5 - 1.0 + 1.0 

Central Appalachia - 0.9 + 0.9 - 1.2 + 1.2 

South Central Appalachia - 0.7 + 0.7 - 1.3 + 1.3 

Southern Appalachia + 0.2 - 0.2 - 1.8 + 1.8 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) + 0.6 - 0.6 - 1.5 + 1.5 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) - 0.7 + 0.7 - 1.4 + 1.4 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros - 0.9 + 0.9 - 1.0 + 1.0 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros - 1.3 + 1.3 - 1.1 + 1.1 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) - 1.5 + 1.5 - 0.7 + 0.7 

Alabama - 1.4 + 1.4 - 1.6 + 1.6 

Appalachian Alabama - 1.0 + 1.0 - 1.3 + 1.3 

Non-Appalachian Alabama - 2.0 + 2.0 - 2.1 + 2.1 

Georgia + 1.2 - 1.2 - 3.0 + 3.0 

Appalachian Georgia + 1.7 - 1.7 - 2.7 + 2.7 

Non-Appalachian Georgia + 1.1 - 1.1 - 3.2 + 3.2 

Kentucky + 0.1 - 0.1 - 1.7 + 1.7 

Appalachian Kentucky - 0.1 + 0.1 - 1.2 + 1.2 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky + 0.0 + 0.0 - 1.8 + 1.8 

Maryland + 0.0 + 0.0 - 1.3 + 1.3 

Appalachian Maryland - 1.4 + 1.4 - 1.3 + 1.3 

Non-Appalachian Maryland + 0.0 + 0.0 - 1.3 + 1.3 

Mississippi - 1.1 + 1.1 - 1.8 + 1.8 

Appalachian Mississippi - 1.9 + 1.9 - 1.3 + 1.3 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi - 0.8 + 0.8 - 1.9 + 1.9 

New York - 0.7 + 0.7 - 0.5 + 0.5 

Appalachian New York - 2.5 + 2.5 - 0.4 + 0.4 

Non-Appalachian New York - 0.6 + 0.6 - 0.5 + 0.5 

North Carolina + 0.3 - 0.3 - 2.1 + 2.1 

Appalachian North Carolina - 0.6 + 0.6 - 1.6 + 1.6 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina + 0.5 - 0.5 - 2.2 + 2.2 

Ohio + 0.6 - 0.6 - 1.9 + 1.9 

Appalachian Ohio - 0.4 + 0.4 - 1.5 + 1.5 

Non-Appalachian Ohio + 0.9 - 0.9 - 2.0 + 2.0 

Pennsylvania - 0.5 + 0.5 - 1.1 + 1.1 

Appalachian Pennsylvania - 1.1 + 1.1 - 0.7 + 0.7 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania - 0.1 + 0.1 - 1.5 + 1.5 

South Carolina + 1.1 - 1.1 - 0.9 + 0.9 

Appalachian South Carolina + 1.4 - 1.4 - 1.4 + 1.4 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina + 1.0 - 1.0 - 0.7 + 0.7 

Tennessee - 0.1 + 0.1 - 2.1 + 2.1 

Appalachian Tennessee - 0.9 + 0.9 - 1.5 + 1.5 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee + 0.6 - 0.6 - 2.5 + 2.5 

Virginia + 0.3 - 0.3 - 1.6 + 1.6 

Appalachian Virginia - 1.8 + 1.8 - 0.1 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Virginia + 0.5 - 0.5 - 1.8 + 1.8 

West Virginia (entire state) - 1.2 + 1.2 - 1.0 + 1.0 

Note: Since occupied units and vacant units sum to the total number of housing units, the sum of the percentage point changes for the two 

categories will equal zero. The same principle holds for the sum of the percentage point changes for owner-occupied units and renter-occupied 

units, since these two categories sum to the total number of occupied housing units. 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 
35 

Figure 4.5: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are 

Occupied, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Appalachia’s home occupancy rate in 2013-2017 was more than half a percentage point lower than it was in 2008-

2012; by contrast, home occupancy nationally had recovered to pre-recession levels (rising by 0.3 percentage points). 

Yet in the Region’s case, factors other than the effects of the Great Recession may also be at play. For example, 

severe weather events like the “Super Outbreak” of tornadoes that swept through parts of Mississippi, Alabama, 

Georgia, and Tennessee in April 2011, caused extreme structural damage and displaced families and (in some cases) 

entire communities. In 129 Appalachian counties, however, the occupancy rate rose at or above the national average 

between the two periods, and the rate increased at least two percentage points in 55 of these counties. Nearly half of 

the 55 counties in the latter group were in Georgia or Kentucky; indeed, the occupancy rate in Georgia’s Appalachian 

section (as well as in South Carolina’s) increased during the period. 

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are Occupied, 

 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Share of Housing

Units That Are Occupied, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

U.S. AVG.: +0.3 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: -0.6 PCT. POINTS

+2 percentage points or more

-1.9 to +0.2 percentage points

+0.3 to +1.9 percentage points

-2 percentage points or more
36 

Figure 4.6: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are 

Vacant, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Between 2008-2012 and 2013-2017, the percentage of vacant housing units rose 0.6 percentage points in 

Appalachia, while declining 0.3 points in the nation as a whole. Housing vacancy increased in 271 of the Region’s 420 

counties, and was at least two percentage points higher in 147 of these counties. While this at least partly suggests 

the failure of occupancy rates in Appalachia to return to pre-recessionary levels, another possible factor could be a 

slight increase in the share of vacant units that were designated for seasonal or occasional use (which could indicate 

significant recreational or retirement activity, such as in much of Appalachian North Carolina). In 110 of the 271 

Appalachian counties where overall vacancy rates increased from their 2008-2012 levels, the percentage of vacant 

units designated for seasonal use also rose. 

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are Vacant, 

 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Share of Housing

Units That Are Vacant, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

U.S. AVG.: -0.3 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: +0.6 PCT. POINTS

+2 percentage points or more

-1.9 to -0.4 percentage points

-0.3 to +1.9 percentage points

-2 percentage points or more
37 

Figure 4.7: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Owner-Occupied Housing Units in the Appalachian 

Region, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

The share of owner-occupied housing units fell 1.3 percentage points in the Appalachian Region between 2008-2012 

and 2013-2017. The decline was even greater for the nation, as well as in 163 Appalachian counties where 

homeownership rates fell more than 1.7 percentage points (the national average). Still, there were 137 counties in the 

Region—96 of which were outside metropolitan areas—where homeownership either stayed the same or increased 

between these two periods. While these 137 counties were scattered throughout Appalachia, 56 of them were in three 

states—Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky. (West Virginia alone had 21 of these counties.) 

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Owner-Occupied Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, 

 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Share of OwnerOccupied Housing Units,

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

U.S. AVG.: -1.7 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: -1.3 PCT. POINTS

-1.7 to -0.1 percentage points

No change or increase

-1.8 percentage points or more
38 

Figure 4.8: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Renter-Occupied Housing Units in the Appalachian 

Region, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Although the share of renter-occupied housing units didn’t increase as much in Appalachia as it did nationwide 

between 2008-2012 and 2013-2017, there were variations within the Region. In 172 Appalachian counties, for 

example, the increases in rental rates matched or exceeded the national average. More than half of the counties in 

this group were in South Central and Southern Appalachia. Georgia alone had 25 such counties; indeed, the share of 

renter-occupied units increased nearly three percentage points in that state’s Appalachian section. Conversely, the 

percentage of units occupied by renters either stayed the same or decreased in 137 counties. 

 

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Renter-Occupied Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, 

 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Share of RenterOccupied Housing Units,

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

U.S. AVG.: +1.7 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: +1.3 PCT. POINTS

+0.1 to +1.6 percentage points

+1.7 percentage points or more

No change or decrease
39 

Table 4.3: Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, by Type of Housing, 2013-2017 

Housing Units (Type of Housing) 

Total Number 

of Housing 

Units 

(Occupied 

and Vacant) 

Percent of All Housing Units 

Single-Unit 

Dwellings 

(Attached or 

Detached) 

Multiple-Unit Fixed Dwellings 

Mobile 

Homes 

Boats, RVs, 

Vans, Etc. Total Two to 

Four Units 

Five or 

More Units 

United States 135,393,564 67.5 26.1 8.0 18.0 6.3 0.1 

Appalachian Region 11,733,197 73.2 14.9 6.0 8.9 11.8 0.1 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 3,960,348 75.7 17.7 8.5 9.1 6.6 0.0 

North Central Appalachia 1,127,351 73.0 12.4 4.8 7.7 14.5 0.1 

Central Appalachia 891,132 66.2 9.2 4.3 4.9 24.6 0.1 

South Central Appalachia 2,308,178 71.2 14.7 5.2 9.5 14.0 0.1 

Southern Appalachia 3,446,188 73.5 14.2 4.3 9.9 12.2 0.1 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 2,593,814 76.9 17.2 5.2 12.0 5.8 0.0 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 4,872,011 72.4 17.3 6.8 10.5 10.2 0.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 1,035,996 72.6 12.8 6.7 6.1 14.4 0.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 1,969,329 72.6 10.3 5.3 5.1 16.9 0.1 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 1,262,047 69.7 9.8 4.7 5.1 20.4 0.1 

Alabama 2,231,126 70.1 16.4 5.0 11.4 13.4 0.1 

Appalachian Alabama 1,412,697 71.5 15.8 4.6 11.2 12.7 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 818,429 67.8 17.5 5.7 11.8 14.6 0.1 

Georgia 4,203,288 70.2 20.6 5.2 15.4 9.1 0.1 

Appalachian Georgia 1,215,383 78.4 12.3 3.5 8.8 9.3 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 2,987,905 66.9 23.9 5.8 18.1 9.1 0.1 

Kentucky 1,965,202 69.7 18.3 7.2 11.1 12.0 0.1 

Appalachian Kentucky 545,106 65.1 10.4 5.1 5.2 24.5 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 1,420,096 71.4 21.3 8.0 13.3 7.2 0.1 

Maryland 2,427,014 72.9 25.6 3.8 21.8 1.5 0.0 

Appalachian Maryland 113,502 78.6 17.2 6.2 11.0 4.3 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 2,313,512 72.7 26.0 3.6 22.3 1.3 0.0 

Mississippi 1,308,259 70.3 14.5 5.4 9.1 15.1 0.1 

Appalachian Mississippi 283,255 69.4 11.7 5.8 5.9 18.8 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 1,025,004 70.6 15.2 5.2 10.0 14.1 0.1 

New York 8,255,911 47.0 50.6 17.6 33.0 2.4 0.0 

Appalachian New York 514,953 67.3 22.3 13.6 8.6 10.4 0.0 

Non-Appalachian New York 7,740,958 45.7 52.5 17.9 34.6 1.8 0.0 

North Carolina 4,521,697 69.3 17.5 4.8 12.7 13.2 0.1 

Appalachian North Carolina 876,534 70.0 13.2 4.5 8.8 16.7 0.1 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 3,645,163 69.1 18.5 4.9 13.6 12.3 0.0 

Ohio 5,174,838 73.1 23.0 8.8 14.3 3.8 0.0 

Appalachian Ohio 906,634 75.5 13.9 6.0 7.9 10.5 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 4,268,204 72.6 25.0 9.4 15.6 2.4 0.0 

Pennsylvania 5,653,599 75.7 20.3 8.6 11.7 4.0 0.0 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 2,755,515 76.7 17.3 7.9 9.4 5.9 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 2,898,084 74.7 23.0 9.1 13.9 2.2 0.0 

South Carolina 2,229,324 65.7 17.6 5.0 12.7 16.6 0.1 

Appalachian South Carolina 534,853 69.7 15.9 4.8 11.0 14.4 0.1 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 1,694,471 64.5 18.2 5.0 13.2 17.3 0.1 

Tennessee 2,903,199 71.7 18.9 6.2 12.7 9.3 0.1 

Appalachian Tennessee 1,317,408 71.6 15.2 5.6 9.6 13.1 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 1,585,791 71.8 21.9 6.6 15.3 6.2 0.1 

Virginia 3,466,921 72.8 22.0 4.5 17.5 5.2 0.0 

Appalachian Virginia 368,080 70.8 11.5 4.1 7.4 17.6 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 3,098,841 73.1 23.2 4.5 18.7 3.7 0.0 

West Virginia (entire state) 889,277 72.8 12.1 4.9 7.2 15.1 0.1 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 
40 

Figure 4.9: Percent of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are Single-Unit Dwellings (Attached or 

Detached), 2013-2017 

In 2013-2017, 73 percent of housing units in the Appalachian Region were single-unit dwellings (either attached or 

detached)—a larger share than the national average of 68 percent. And the share was even greater in much of 

Appalachia: In 185 of the 420 counties (most of which were in Northern or North Central Appalachia), the share of 

single-unit homes was at or above the average for the Region. Moreover, in 38 Appalachian counties, single-unit 

dwellings accounted for at least 80 percent of the housing stock. In contrast, there were 96 counties in the Region 

(nearly half in Central Appalachia) where the share of single-unit homes was lower than the U.S. average. In these 

low prevalence counties, mobile homes tended to comprise most of the remaining housing stock: They accounted for 

at least 25 percent of housing units in 65 of the counties where the share of single-unit homes was less than the 

national share. 

Map Title: Percent of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are Single-Unit Dwellings (Attached or 

 Detached), 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Pct. of Housing Units That Are

Single-Unit Dwellings, 2013-2017 

U.S. AVG.: 67.5 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVG.: 73.2 PERCENT

80 percent or greater

67.5 percent to 73.1 percent

73.2 percent to 79.9 percent

Less than 67.5 percent
41 

Table 4.4: Population in Households and Group Quarters in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 

Population in Households and Group 

Quarters All Persons 

Percent of All Persons 

In Households 

In Group 

Total Quarters In Family 

Households 

In Non-Family 

Households 

United States 321,004,407 97.5 81.2 16.3 2.5 

Appalachian Region 25,492,251 97.0 80.8 16.3 3.0 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 8,270,315 95.9 77.7 18.3 4.1 

North Central Appalachia 2,415,931 97.0 80.3 16.7 3.0 

Central Appalachia 1,884,432 96.9 82.1 14.8 3.1 

South Central Appalachia 4,817,405 97.2 79.9 17.4 2.8 

Southern Appalachia 8,104,168 98.0 84.2 13.8 2.0 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 6,031,129 98.2 82.7 15.4 1.8 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 10,779,024 96.7 79.6 17.1 3.3 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 2,197,693 96.5 80.5 16.0 3.5

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 3,964,812 96.8 81.1 15.7 3.2

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 2,519,593 96.2 80.7 15.5 3.8 

Alabama 4,850,771 97.5 82.1 15.4 2.5 

Appalachian Alabama 3,106,467 97.5 82.5 15.1 2.5 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 1,744,304 97.6 81.5 16.0 2.4 

Georgia 10,201,635 97.5 82.6 14.9 2.5 

Appalachian Georgia 3,134,069 98.8 87.4 11.4 1.2 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 7,067,566 96.9 80.4 16.5 3.1 

Kentucky 4,424,376 97.0 80.5 16.5 3.0 

Appalachian Kentucky 1,172,230 96.7 81.8 14.9 3.3 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 3,252,146 97.2 80.1 17.1 2.8 

Maryland 5,996,079 97.7 82.2 15.5 2.3 

Appalachian Maryland 251,653 93.2 77.2 16.0 6.8 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 5,744,426 97.9 82.4 15.5 2.1 

Mississippi 2,986,220 96.8 82.4 14.5 3.2 

Appalachian Mississippi 627,470 97.2 82.3 14.9 2.8 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 2,358,750 96.8 82.4 14.3 3.2 

New York 19,798,228 97.1 79.8 17.3 2.9 

Appalachian New York 1,044,224 94.3 74.4 19.9 5.7 

Non-Appalachian New York 18,754,004 97.2 80.1 17.1 2.8 

North Carolina 10,052,564 97.3 80.7 16.6 2.7 

Appalachian North Carolina 1,732,121 97.3 79.6 17.7 2.7 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 8,320,443 97.3 81.0 16.4 2.7 

Ohio 11,609,756 97.3 79.5 17.8 2.7 

Appalachian Ohio 2,010,095 96.9 80.9 16.1 3.1 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 9,599,661 97.4 79.2 18.2 2.6 

Pennsylvania 12,790,505 96.7 79.3 17.4 3.3 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 5,730,386 96.1 77.7 18.4 3.9 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 7,060,119 97.1 80.5 16.6 2.9 

South Carolina 4,893,444 97.2 81.0 16.2 2.8 

Appalachian South Carolina 1,236,162 97.6 81.8 15.8 2.4 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 3,657,282 97.1 80.7 16.4 2.9 

Tennessee 6,597,381 97.7 81.5 16.2 2.3 

Appalachian Tennessee 2,854,162 97.6 81.2 16.4 2.4 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 3,743,219 97.7 81.7 16.0 2.3 

Virginia 8,365,952 97.1 81.0 16.1 2.9 

Appalachian Virginia 756,369 95.5 77.1 18.5 4.5 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 7,609,583 97.3 81.4 15.9 2.7 

West Virginia (entire state) 1,836,843 97.4 80.2 17.2 2.6 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 
42 

Figure 4.10: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region Living in Family Households, 2013-2017 

Almost 81 percent of Appalachia’s residents lived in family households during 2013-2017, which was just under the 

national average. Yet in 88 counties in the Region, at least 85 percent lived in family households. Half of these 

counties were in Southern Appalachia, although there were pockets in the Central and South Central subregions. In 

contrast, there were 40 Appalachian counties where less than three-fourths of the residents were in family 

households. Almost half of the counties in the latter group have at least 10 percent of their residents living in group 

quarters, whether dormitories (in counties housing a college or university), nursing care facilities, or prisons. Forest 

County, Pennsylvania, which houses a state correctional facility, is particularly noteworthy in this regard: Persons in 

group quarters account for three-fifths of the county’s residents. (Rockbridge County, Virginia, home to Virginia 

Military Institute and Washington and Lee University, provides a more typical example, with 12 percent of that 

county’s residents living in group quarters.) 

Map Title: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region Living in Family Households, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent of Persons in Family 

Households, 2013-2017 

U.S. AVG.: 81.2 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVG.: 80.8 PERCENT

85 percent or greater

75 percent to 81.1 percent

81.2 percent to 84.9 percent

Less than 75 percent
43 

Table 4.5: Population in Occupied Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, by Type of Housing, 2013-2017 

Population in Housing Units (Type of Housing) 

Total 

Population in 

Occupied 

Housing Units 

Percent of Population in Occupied Housing Units 

In Single-Unit 

Dwellings 

(Attached or 

Detached) 

In Multiple-Unit Fixed Dwellings 

In Mobile 

Homes 

In Boats, 

RVs, Vans, 

Total Etc. 

Two to 

Four Units 

Five or 

More Units 

United States 312,916,765 73.6 20.7 7.2 13.5 5.6 0.1 

Appalachian Region 24,731,541 77.5 11.1 4.6 6.4 11.3 0.1 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 7,934,549 81.7 12.7 6.6 6.2 5.6 0.0 

North Central Appalachia 2,343,607 77.0 9.1 3.6 5.6 13.8 0.0 

Central Appalachia 1,826,593 68.8 7.1 3.6 3.5 24.0 0.1 

South Central Appalachia 4,684,462 74.4 11.3 4.1 7.2 14.2 0.1 

Southern Appalachia 7,942,330 77.4 10.8 3.5 7.2 11.8 0.1 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 5,919,639 82.4 12.0 3.8 8.3 5.5 0.0 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 10,428,611 77.1 12.8 5.3 7.5 10.0 0.0 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 2,120,252 76.6 9.6 5.3 4.3 13.8 0.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 3,839,527 75.3 7.8 4.2 3.5 16.9 0.1 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 2,423,512 72.0 7.7 3.9 3.8 20.2 0.1 

Alabama 4,731,852 74.8 11.9 4.1 7.8 13.2 0.1 

Appalachian Alabama 3,030,276 75.7 11.7 3.8 7.9 12.6 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 1,701,576 73.3 12.3 4.6 7.7 14.3 0.0 

Georgia 9,943,137 75.4 15.9 4.4 11.5 8.7 0.1 

Appalachian Georgia 3,095,860 81.8 9.7 2.9 6.8 8.4 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 6,847,277 72.5 18.6 5.0 13.6 8.8 0.1 

Kentucky 4,293,245 75.1 13.7 5.9 7.8 11.1 0.0 

Appalachian Kentucky 1,133,726 68.0 8.3 4.5 3.8 23.6 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 3,159,519 77.7 15.7 6.4 9.2 6.6 0.0 

Maryland 5,855,584 80.0 18.9 2.7 16.2 1.1 0.0 

Appalachian Maryland 234,456 83.8 12.8 4.6 8.2 3.3 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 5,621,128 79.8 19.1 2.6 16.5 1.0 0.0 

Mississippi 2,892,138 73.6 11.4 4.5 6.9 14.9 0.1 

Appalachian Mississippi 609,996 71.7 9.0 4.6 4.4 19.2 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 2,282,142 74.1 12.1 4.5 7.6 13.8 0.1 

New York 19,220,855 51.7 46.4 18.0 28.3 1.8 0.0 

Appalachian New York 985,103 72.3 18.3 11.9 6.4 9.4 0.0 

Non-Appalachian New York 18,235,752 50.6 47.9 18.4 29.5 1.4 0.0

North Carolina 9,784,981 73.1 13.5 3.9 9.6 13.3 0.0 

Appalachian North Carolina 1,685,482 72.4 10.2 3.3 6.9 17.3 0.1

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 8,099,499 73.3 14.2 4.0 10.1 12.5 0.0 

Ohio 11,296,980 80.5 16.2 6.4 9.7 3.3 0.0 

Appalachian Ohio 1,948,743 80.8 9.7 4.3 5.4 9.4 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 9,348,237 80.5 17.5 6.9 10.6 2.0 0.0 

Pennsylvania 12,363,237 82.6 14.1 6.4 7.7 3.2 0.0 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 5,505,444 82.7 12.3 6.0 6.3 4.9 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 6,857,793 82.5 15.6 6.7 8.9 1.9 0.0 

South Carolina 4,756,406 70.2 12.4 4.0 8.4 17.4 0.0 

Appalachian South Carolina 1,206,198 73.5 11.9 3.6 8.3 14.6 0.0

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 3,550,208 69.1 12.6 4.1 8.4 18.3 0.0 

Tennessee 6,443,385 76.5 14.3 5.0 9.3 9.1 0.1 

Appalachian Tennessee 2,784,947 75.2 11.4 4.6 6.8 13.3 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 3,658,438 77.5 16.5 5.3 11.2 5.9 0.1 

Virginia 8,123,404 78.6 17.0 3.6 13.5 4.4 0.0 

Appalachian Virginia 722,689 73.9 9.3 3.2 6.2 16.7 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 7,400,715 79.0 17.8 3.6 14.2 3.2 0.0 

West Virginia (entire state) 1,788,621 76.7 8.6 3.5 5.0 14.7 0.0 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 
44 

Figure 4.11: Among Persons in the Appalachian Region in Occupied Housing Units, Percent Living in SingleUnit Dwellings (Attached or Detached), 2013-2017 

Of the Appalachian population who live in occupied housing units, 78 percent lived in single-unit dwellings during the 

2013-2017 period, four percentage points above the national average. And the share was even greater in much of the 

Region: In 107 counties, at least four in five residents lived in single-unit homes. More than half of these were in 

Northern Appalachia; 40 were in Pennsylvania alone. Yet in 179 of Appalachia’s 420 counties, the share living in 

single-unit dwellings was below the U.S. average of just under 74 percent; in 45 counties (more than half of which 

were in Central Appalachia), the percentage was below 65 percent. And in 40 of the counties that had the lowest 

prevalence of persons in single-unit homes, at least one in four residents lived in mobile homes. 

Map Title: Among Persons in the Appalachian Region in Occupied Housing Units, Percent Living in Single-Unit 

 Dwellings (Attached or Detached), 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent of Persons Living in

Single-Unit Dwellings, 2013-2017 

U.S. AVG.: 73.6 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVG.: 77.5 PERCENT

80 percent or greater

65 percent to 73.5 percent

73.6 percent to 79.9 percent

Less than 65 percent
45 

Table 4.6: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, by Type of 

Housing, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Housing Units (Type of Housing) 

Percentage Point Change in Share of All Housing Units 

Single-Unit 

Dwellings 

(Attached or 

Detached) 

Multiple-Unit Fixed Dwellings 

Mobile 

Homes 

Boats, RVs, 

Vans, Etc. Total Two to Four 

Units 

Five or More 

Units 

United States + 0.0 + 0.2 - 0.2 + 0.3 - 0.2 + 0.0 

Appalachian Region + 0.3 + 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.1 - 0.4 + 0.1 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia + 0.5 - 0.2 - 0.4 + 0.0 - 0.2 + 0.0 

North Central Appalachia + 0.1 - 0.1 - 0.2 + 0.2 + 0.0 + 0.1 

Central Appalachia - 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.1 + 0.0 

South Central Appalachia + 0.2 + 0.5 + 0.1 + 0.4 - 0.8 + 0.0 

Southern Appalachia + 0.4 + 0.2 - 0.1 + 0.3 - 0.7 + 0.0 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) + 0.6 - 0.3 - 0.2 - 0.1 - 0.4 + 0.0 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) + 0.2 + 0.2 - 0.2 + 0.3 - 0.4 + 0.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros + 0.1 + 0.0 - 0.2 + 0.3 - 0.3 + 0.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros + 0.3 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.1 - 0.4 + 0.0 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) + 0.1 + 0.3 + 0.0 + 0.2 - 0.4 + 0.0 

Alabama + 0.0 + 0.6 + 0.0 + 0.7 - 0.7 + 0.0 

Appalachian Alabama + 0.2 + 0.6 + 0.0 + 0.6 - 0.7 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Alabama - 0.2 + 0.8 - 0.1 + 0.8 - 0.6 + 0.0 

Georgia + 0.3 + 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.3 - 0.4 + 0.0 

Appalachian Georgia + 0.9 - 0.3 - 0.1 - 0.1 - 0.6 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Georgia + 0.0 + 0.2 - 0.2 + 0.5 - 0.3 + 0.1 

Kentucky + 0.2 + 0.3 + 0.2 + 0.2 - 0.5 + 0.0 

Appalachian Kentucky + 0.3 + 0.3 + 0.3 - 0.1 - 0.5 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky + 0.1 + 0.3 + 0.1 + 0.2 - 0.4 + 0.1 

Maryland + 0.1 + 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.3 - 0.2 + 0.0 

Appalachian Maryland + 1.1 - 0.8 - 1.0 + 0.1 - 0.2 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Maryland + 0.1 + 0.2 - 0.1 + 0.2 - 0.3 + 0.0 

Mississippi - 0.7 + 0.9 + 0.2 + 0.7 - 0.2 + 0.0 

Appalachian Mississippi - 1.7 + 0.9 + 0.2 + 0.7 + 0.8 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi - 0.4 + 0.9 + 0.1 + 0.8 - 0.4 + 0.0

New York + 0.0 + 0.1 - 0.5 + 0.6 + 0.0 + 0.0 

Appalachian New York + 0.5 - 0.1 - 0.2 + 0.0 - 0.4 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian New York + 0.0 + 0.1 - 0.5 + 0.6 - 0.1 + 0.0 

North Carolina + 0.3 + 0.4 - 0.2 + 0.6 - 0.7 + 0.1 

Appalachian North Carolina - 0.1 + 0.5 + 0.1 + 0.4 - 0.4 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina + 0.3 + 0.4 - 0.2 + 0.6 - 0.8 + 0.0 

Ohio + 0.0 + 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.3 - 0.1 + 0.0 

Appalachian Ohio + 0.0 - 0.2 - 0.3 + 0.1 + 0.2 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Ohio + 0.0 + 0.2 - 0.1 + 0.3 - 0.2 + 0.0 

Pennsylvania + 0.5 - 0.3 - 0.4 + 0.1 - 0.2 + 0.0 

Appalachian Pennsylvania + 0.6 - 0.4 - 0.4 + 0.0 - 0.3 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania + 0.3 - 0.3 - 0.5 + 0.2 + 0.0 + 0.0 

South Carolina + 0.8 - 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.1 - 0.7 + 0.0 

Appalachian South Carolina + 0.7 + 0.3 + 0.1 + 0.0 - 0.9 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina + 0.9 - 0.2 - 0.3 + 0.1 - 0.7 + 0.0 

Tennessee - 0.1 + 0.7 + 0.2 + 0.5 - 0.6 + 0.0 

Appalachian Tennessee + 0.3 + 0.4 + 0.0 + 0.4 - 0.8 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee - 0.5 + 0.8 + 0.2 + 0.6 - 0.4 + 0.1 

Virginia - 0.1 + 0.5 + 0.1 + 0.3 - 0.3 + 0.0 

Appalachian Virginia - 0.1 + 0.5 + 0.3 + 0.2 - 0.4 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Virginia + 0.0 + 0.4 + 0.1 + 0.3 - 0.3 + 0.0 

West Virginia (entire state) - 0.2 + 0.1 - 0.2 + 0.3 + 0.2 + 0.1 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 

 
46 

Figure 4.12: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are 

Single-Unit Dwellings (Attached or Detached), 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

The share of single-unit dwellings among the housing stock increased slightly in Appalachia between the 2008-2012 

and 2013-2017 periods, while remaining the same nationwide. And this rise occurred in most of the Region’s 420 

counties. In fact, there were 81 counties (scattered throughout Appalachia) where the share of housing units that were 

single-unit dwellings rose at least two percentage points. Yet in 74 other Appalachian counties, the share of singleunit homes was at least two percentage points lower in 2013-2017 than in the earlier period. Of the counties in the 

latter group, 25 were in Central Appalachia (the only subregion where the share decreased), while 12 others were in 

Appalachian Mississippi (where the share declined by almost two percentage points—the biggest drop among the 

states). The increased share of single-unit homes in Appalachia seems to have come at the expense of mobile 

homes, the share of which fell by nearly half a percentage point between 2008-2012 and 2013-2017. 

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are Single-Unit 

 Dwellings (Attached or Detached), 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Share of Housing Units

That Are Single-Unit Dwellings, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

U.S. AVG.: NO CHANGE

APPALACHIAN AVG.: +0.3 PCT. POINTS

+2 percentage points or more

-1.9 to -0.1 percentage points

0 to +1.9 percentage points

-2 percentage points or more
47 

Table 4.7: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region Living in Households 

and Group Quarters, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Population in Households and Group 

Quarters 

Percentage Point Change in Share of All Persons 

In Households In Group 

Total Quarters In Family 

Households 

In Non-Family 

Households 

United States + 0.1 - 0.4 + 0.5 - 0.1 

Appalachian Region + 0.0 - 0.6 + 0.7 + 0.0 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia - 0.1 - 0.9 + 0.9 + 0.1 

North Central Appalachia + 0.0 - 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.0 

Central Appalachia - 0.3 - 1.0 + 0.8 + 0.3 

South Central Appalachia + 0.0 - 0.6 + 0.6 + 0.0 

Southern Appalachia + 0.1 - 0.5 + 0.6 - 0.1 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) + 0.0 - 0.6 + 0.5 + 0.0 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) + 0.0 - 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.0 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros + 0.0 - 0.6 + 0.6 + 0.0 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros - 0.1 - 0.7 + 0.7 + 0.1 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) - 0.3 - 1.1 + 0.8 + 0.3 

Alabama - 0.1 - 0.6 + 0.5 + 0.1 

Appalachian Alabama - 0.1 - 0.6 + 0.6 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Alabama + 0.1 - 0.5 + 0.4 - 0.1 

Georgia + 0.2 - 0.3 + 0.4 - 0.2 

Appalachian Georgia + 0.2 - 0.1 + 0.3 - 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Georgia + 0.1 - 0.5 + 0.6 - 0.1 

Kentucky - 0.1 - 1.1 + 1.0 + 0.1 

Appalachian Kentucky - 0.1 - 1.1 + 1.0 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky + 0.0 - 1.0 + 1.0 + 0.0 

Maryland + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.0 - 0.1 

Appalachian Maryland - 0.5 - 0.6 + 0.1 + 0.5 

Non-Appalachian Maryland + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.0 - 0.1 

Mississippi - 0.1 - 0.9 + 0.9 + 0.1 

Appalachian Mississippi - 0.2 - 1.2 + 1.0 + 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi + 0.1 - 0.8 + 0.8 - 0.1 

New York + 0.1 - 0.3 + 0.5 - 0.1 

Appalachian New York - 0.1 - 0.9 + 0.8 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian New York + 0.1 - 0.3 + 0.4 - 0.1 

North Carolina + 0.0 - 0.6 + 0.6 + 0.0 

Appalachian North Carolina + 0.1 - 0.6 + 0.7 - 0.1 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina + 0.0 - 0.5 + 0.6 + 0.0 

Ohio + 0.0 - 0.9 + 0.9 + 0.0 

Appalachian Ohio - 0.2 - 0.9 + 0.8 + 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Ohio + 0.0 - 0.9 + 0.9 + 0.0 

Pennsylvania + 0.1 - 0.5 + 0.6 - 0.1 

Appalachian Pennsylvania + 0.0 - 0.9 + 0.9 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania + 0.1 - 0.3 + 0.4 - 0.1 

South Carolina + 0.2 - 0.5 + 0.8 - 0.2 

Appalachian South Carolina + 0.3 - 0.5 + 0.8 - 0.3 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina + 0.2 - 0.6 + 0.8 - 0.2 

Tennessee + 0.1 - 0.4 + 0.5 - 0.1 

Appalachian Tennessee - 0.1 - 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee + 0.2 - 0.3 + 0.5 - 0.2 

Virginia + 0.1 - 0.2 + 0.3 - 0.1 

Appalachian Virginia - 0.1 - 1.3 + 1.3 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Virginia + 0.2 + 0.0 + 0.2 - 0.2 

West Virginia (entire state) + 0.1 - 0.3 + 0.3 - 0.1 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 

 
48 

Figure 4.13: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region Living in Family 

Households, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

In the Appalachian Region, the share of persons living in family households fell more than half a percentage point 

between 2008-2012 and 2013-2017—slightly more than in the nation as a whole. And the decline was even greater in 

parts of Appalachia: In 91 counties, the share in family households dropped at least two percentage points. One-third 

of these counties were in the most isolated rural areas, which had the largest decline among the county types (more 

than a full percentage point). The decline in the share of residents in married-couple households has fueled this drop; 

the percentage of persons in married-couple households in Appalachia fell 1.2 percentage points—twice the decline 

for all family households. Yet the declining prevalence of family households was not universal: there were 59 

Appalachian counties where the share increased by at least a full percentage point. 

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region Living in Family 

 Households, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Share of Persons

Living in Family Households, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

U.S. AVG.: -0.4 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: -0.6 PCT. POINTS

+1 percentage point or more

-1.9 to -0.5 percentage points

-0.4 to +0.9 percentage points

-2 percentage points or more
49 

Table 4.8: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Population in Occupied Housing Units in the Appalachian 

Region, by Type of Housing, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Population in Housing Units (Type of Housing) 

Percentage Point Change in Share of Population in Occupied Housing Units 

In Single-Unit 

Dwellings 

(Attached or 

Detached) 

In Multiple-Unit Fixed Dwellings 

In Mobile 

Homes 

In Boats, 

RVs, Vans, 

Total Etc. 

Two to Four 

Units 

Five or More 

Units 

United States - 0.3 + 0.5 + 0.0 + 0.6 - 0.3 + 0.0 

Appalachian Region + 0.3 + 0.3 - 0.1 + 0.2 - 0.6 + 0.1 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia + 0.4 - 0.1 - 0.2 + 0.2 - 0.4 + 0.0 

North Central Appalachia - 0.3 + 0.3 - 0.1 + 0.5 - 0.1 + 0.0 

Central Appalachia + 0.0 + 0.3 + 0.3 + 0.0 - 0.3 + 0.1 

South Central Appalachia + 0.3 + 0.7 + 0.1 + 0.6 - 1.0 + 0.1 

Southern Appalachia + 0.6 + 0.3 + 0.0 + 0.1 - 0.9 + 0.1 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) + 0.5 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.1 - 0.6 + 0.0 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) + 0.1 + 0.3 + 0.0 + 0.4 - 0.5 + 0.0 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros + 0.3 + 0.2 - 0.1 + 0.3 - 0.5 + 0.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros + 0.4 + 0.2 + 0.0 + 0.1 - 0.5 + 0.0 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) + 0.4 + 0.3 + 0.1 + 0.3 - 0.8 + 0.1 

Alabama + 0.2 + 0.7 + 0.1 + 0.6 - 0.9 + 0.0 

Appalachian Alabama + 0.4 + 0.7 + 0.2 + 0.5 - 1.0 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Alabama + 0.0 + 0.6 - 0.1 + 0.7 - 0.6 - 0.1 

Georgia + 0.3 + 0.5 + 0.0 + 0.4 - 0.8 + 0.1 

Appalachian Georgia + 1.2 - 0.2 + 0.0 - 0.2 - 1.1 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Georgia - 0.2 + 0.7 + 0.0 + 0.7 - 0.7 + 0.1 

Kentucky + 0.2 + 0.5 + 0.3 + 0.2 - 0.8 + 0.0 

Appalachian Kentucky + 0.6 + 0.6 + 0.5 + 0.1 - 1.2 - 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky + 0.1 + 0.5 + 0.3 + 0.1 - 0.5 + 0.0 

Maryland - 0.4 + 0.7 - 0.1 + 0.8 - 0.3 + 0.0 

Appalachian Maryland + 0.9 - 0.2 - 0.5 + 0.2 - 0.8 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Maryland - 0.5 + 0.7 - 0.1 + 0.8 - 0.2 + 0.0 

Mississippi - 0.5 + 1.0 + 0.2 + 0.8 - 0.5 + 0.0 

Appalachian Mississippi - 1.7 + 0.5 - 0.1 + 0.6 + 1.1 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi - 0.2 + 1.2 + 0.3 + 0.9 - 0.9 + 0.0

New York - 0.7 + 0.8 - 0.2 + 0.9 - 0.1 + 0.0 

Appalachian New York + 0.1 + 0.4 + 0.1 + 0.3 - 0.5 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian New York - 0.7 + 0.8 - 0.2 + 0.9 - 0.1 - 0.1 

North Carolina + 0.1 + 0.7 + 0.0 + 0.7 - 0.9 + 0.0 

Appalachian North Carolina + 0.4 + 0.6 + 0.2 + 0.5 - 1.0 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina + 0.1 + 0.7 + 0.0 + 0.6 - 0.8 + 0.0 

Ohio - 0.4 + 0.6 + 0.0 + 0.5 - 0.1 + 0.0 

Appalachian Ohio - 0.1 + 0.2 - 0.1 + 0.3 - 0.2 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Ohio - 0.5 + 0.6 + 0.0 + 0.6 - 0.1 + 0.0 

Pennsylvania + 0.0 + 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.3 - 0.3 + 0.0 

Appalachian Pennsylvania + 0.4 - 0.1 - 0.3 + 0.1 - 0.4 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania - 0.3 + 0.3 - 0.1 + 0.4 + 0.0 + 0.0 

South Carolina + 0.7 + 0.4 + 0.0 + 0.4 - 1.0 - 0.1 

Appalachian South Carolina + 1.0 + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.1 - 0.9 - 0.1 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina + 0.6 + 0.6 + 0.0 + 0.5 - 1.1 - 0.1 

Tennessee - 0.5 + 1.0 + 0.2 + 0.8 - 0.6 + 0.1 

Appalachian Tennessee + 0.2 + 0.6 + 0.1 + 0.5 - 0.9 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee - 1.0 + 1.2 + 0.2 + 1.0 - 0.3 + 0.1 

Virginia - 0.4 + 0.8 + 0.2 + 0.7 - 0.4 + 0.0 

Appalachian Virginia + 0.3 + 0.4 + 0.2 + 0.3 - 0.7 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Virginia - 0.5 + 0.8 + 0.2 + 0.7 - 0.3 + 0.0 

West Virginia (entire state) - 0.3 + 0.2 - 0.3 + 0.4 + 0.2 + 0.0 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 

 
50 

Figure 4.14: Among Persons in the Appalachian Region in Occupied Housing Units, Percentage Point Change 

in the Share Living in Single-Unit Dwellings (Attached or Detached), 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Contrary to the national trend, the share of Appalachian residents living in single-unit homes was slightly higher in 

2013-2017 than in 2008-2012. And in 95 of the Region’s 420 counties, the share actually increased two percentage 

points or more. Roughly one-fourth of these counties were in either Georgia or Alabama; the share in Appalachian 

Georgia rose more than a full percentage point. However, the share living in single-unit dwellings declined at least two 

percentage points in another 84 counties—one-third of which were in Kentucky or West Virginia. As with the share of 

housing units, Appalachia’s increased share of persons in single-unit residences has largely come at the expense of 

mobile units; the percentage of the Appalachian population living in mobile homes fell 0.6 points between 2008-2012 

and 2013-2017. 

Map Title: Among Persons in the Appalachian Region in Occupied Housing Units, Percentage Point Change in the 

 Share Living in Single-Unit Dwellings (Attached or Detached), 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Share of Persons

Living in Single-Unit Dwellings, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

U.S. AVG.: -0.3 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: +0.3 PCT. POINTS

+2 percentage points or more

-1.9 to -0.4 percentage points

-0.3 to +1.9 percentage points

-2 percentage points or more
51 

TRENDS IN HOUSING OCCUPANCY, TENURE, AND TYPE 

• At 85 percent in 2013-2017, Appalachia’s home occupancy rate is 0.6 percentage points lower than it 

was in 2008-2012 (see Tables 4.1 and 4.2). This decrease was present among all subregions except 

Southern Appalachia, all county types except the ones in large metropolitan areas, and the 

Appalachian portions of every state except Georgia and South Carolina. And although the drop 

suggests that occupancy rates in the Region (in contrast to the nation as a whole) have not yet 

returned to pre-recession levels, other factors might be at play—for example, the displacement 

caused by severe weather events like the April 2011 Super Outbreak of tornadoes that devastated 

parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.

• One factor behind the decline in Appalachia’s occupancy rates from 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 might 

be a slight increase in the percentage of vacant units that were designated for seasonal or occasional 

use. Between the two periods, the share of such units was higher in two-fifths of the 271 Appalachian 

counties where the overall vacancy rates increased.

• Homeownership rates in Appalachia fell more than a full percentage point between 2008-2012 and 

2013-2017. Among subregions, the declines were greatest in Southern Appalachia, while there was 

an urban/rural pattern among county types (with the drop in homeownership being greatest among 

counties in large metropolitan areas). As with the drop in the occupancy rate, the decrease in 

homeownership partly suggests the continued effects of the 2007-2009 recession and the slow 

economic recovery that has followed.

• Single-unit dwellings accounted for 73 percent of Appalachia’s housing stock in 2013-2017, which 

represents a slight increase from 2008-2012 (see Tables 4.3 and 4.6). Within the Region, the share 

increased for all county types and all subregions except Central Appalachia, which showed a slight 

decrease. The greatest increases were in Northern Appalachia and counties in large metro areas; the 

share increased at least half a percentage point in both cases. The share also increased in the 

Appalachian section of most states, particularly in Maryland, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and South 

Carolina. But the percentage did fall in some states—in Mississippi, for example, the share dropped 

almost two percentage points. Throughout Appalachia, the rising share of single-unit homes seems to 

have come at the expense of mobile homes, the share of which has fallen by nearly half a percentage 

point overall since 2008-2012, with slightly larger drops in the South Central and Southern 

subregions. (In Appalachian Mississippi, the share of mobile homes increased 0.8 percentage points.) 

• At just under 81 percent, the share of Appalachian residents living in family households was 0.6 

percentage points lower in 2013-2017 than in 2008-2012 (see Tables 4.4 and 4.7), and the decline 

was present throughout the Region. The greatest drops—at least a full percentage point in most 

cases—were in Northern and Central Appalachia, the most rural counties, and the Appalachian 

sections of Kentucky, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The decline in the 

percentage of persons in married-couple households has fueled the drop overall; the share of 

persons in married-couple households in Appalachia fell 1.2 percentage points. 

• The share of Appalachian residents living in single-unit homes was 77.5 percent in 2013-2017, 

slightly higher than in 2008-2012 (see Tables 4.5 and 4.8). But this modest increase was not present 

throughout the Region. For example, although the share increased more than half a percentage point 

in Southern Appalachia (and a full percentage point in Appalachian Georgia and South Carolina), it 

stayed the same in Central Appalachia and fell slightly in North Central Appalachia. And while there 

were increases in the Appalachian sections of most states, there were noticeable declines in 

Mississippi (a decrease of nearly two percentage points) and West Virginia. As with the share of 

housing units, Appalachia’s increased share of persons in single-unit residences has largely come at 

the expense of mobile units; the share of the Appalachian population living in mobile homes in 2013-

2017 was 0.6 percentage points lower than it was in 2008-2012. 

 
52 

CHAPTER 5: EDUCATION, DEVICE OWNERSHIP, AND INTERNET 

ACCESS 

Table 5.1: Educational Attainment of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 

Education (Highest Level Attained) 

 Total 

Population 

Ages 25 and 

Over, 

2013-2017 

Percent of Population Ages 25 and Over 

 Less 

than High 

School 

Diploma 

High School Diploma or More 

 Total 

 H.S. Grad, No 

Postsecondary 

Degree 

Associate's Degree or More 

 Total Associate's 

Degree 

Bachelor's 

Degree or 

More 

United States 216,271,644 12.7 87.3 48.1 39.2 8.3 30.9 

Appalachian Region 17,573,934 13.6 86.4 54.1 32.3 8.5 23.7 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 5,808,764 9.7 90.3 55.9 34.4 9.4 25.0 

North Central Appalachia 1,677,483 13.4 86.6 58.7 27.9 7.8 20.1

Central Appalachia 1,313,827 22.0 78.0 57.3 20.7 6.9 13.8 

South Central Appalachia 3,366,963 14.3 85.7 52.9 32.7 8.4 24.4

Southern Appalachia 5,406,897 15.3 84.7 50.8 33.9 8.3 25.6 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 4,127,743 10.0 90.0 49.8 40.2 8.9 31.4 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 7,409,448 12.8 87.2 53.6 33.7 8.5 25.2 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 1,511,720 15.1 84.9 58.7 26.2 8.9 17.3 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 2,788,589 16.5 83.5 58.5 25.0 8.2 16.8 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 1,736,434 19.8 80.2 55.8 24.4 8.0 16.4 

Alabama 3,276,637 14.7 85.3 52.6 32.7 8.2 24.5 

Appalachian Alabama 2,112,935 14.7 85.3 52.1 33.2 8.1 25.1 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 1,163,702 14.7 85.3 53.6 31.7 8.2 23.5 

Georgia 6,693,826 13.7 86.3 48.8 37.4 7.5 29.9 

Appalachian Georgia 2,051,195 15.4 84.6 49.7 35.0 7.8 27.2 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 4,642,631 13.0 87.0 48.5 38.5 7.4 31.1 

Kentucky 2,986,199 14.8 85.2 54.0 31.2 8.0 23.2 

Appalachian Kentucky 804,021 22.2 77.8 56.0 21.8 7.0 14.7 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 2,182,178 12.1 87.9 53.3 34.6 8.3 26.3

Maryland 4,095,427 10.2 89.8 44.3 45.5 6.5 39.0 

Appalachian Maryland 175,783 12.1 87.9 59.3 28.6 8.3 20.3 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 3,919,644 10.1 89.9 43.6 46.3 6.4 39.8

Mississippi 1,956,101 16.6 83.4 53.0 30.4 9.1 21.3 

Appalachian Mississippi 411,542 19.7 80.3 53.3 27.0 8.7 18.3 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 1,544,559 15.8 84.2 52.9 31.3 9.2 22.1 

New York 13,660,809 13.9 86.1 42.2 44.0 8.7 35.3 

Appalachian New York 699,830 10.0 90.0 51.5 38.5 12.3 26.2 

Non-Appalachian New York 12,960,979 14.1 85.9 41.7 44.3 8.5 35.8 

North Carolina 6,784,048 13.1 86.9 47.8 39.1 9.3 29.9 

Appalachian North Carolina 1,223,819 14.3 85.7 49.8 35.8 9.6 26.2 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 5,560,229 12.8 87.2 47.3 39.8 9.2 30.7 

Ohio 7,888,150 10.2 89.8 54.0 35.8 8.5 27.2 

Appalachian Ohio 1,390,810 13.0 87.0 60.7 26.3 8.7 17.5 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 6,497,340 9.6 90.4 52.6 37.8 8.5 29.3 

Pennsylvania 8,885,953 10.1 89.9 51.6 38.2 8.2 30.1 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 4,059,661 9.0 91.0 55.2 35.8 9.2 26.6 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 4,826,292 11.0 89.0 48.6 40.3 7.3 33.0 

South Carolina 3,325,601 13.5 86.5 50.2 36.3 9.3 27.0 

Appalachian South Carolina 831,225 14.6 85.4 48.9 36.5 9.8 26.7

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 2,494,376 13.1 86.9 50.7 36.2 9.1 27.1 

Tennessee 4,478,450 13.5 86.5 53.5 33.0 7.0 26.1 

Appalachian Tennessee 1,990,780 14.9 85.1 55.6 29.5 7.2 22.3 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 2,487,670 12.3 87.7 51.8 35.8 6.8 29.1 

Virginia 5,680,765 11.0 89.0 43.9 45.1 7.5 37.6 

Appalachian Virginia 528,668 17.1 82.9 53.8 29.1 8.9 20.2 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 5,152,097 10.4 89.6 42.9 46.7 7.4 39.3

West Virginia (entire state) 1,293,665 14.1 85.9 59.1 26.8 6.9 19.9 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 
53 

Table 5.2: Educational Attainment of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 

Education (Highest Level Attained) 

 Total 

Population 

Ages 25 to 64, 

2013-2017 

Percent of Population Ages 25 to 64 

 Less 

than High 

School 

Diploma 

High School Diploma or More 

 Total 

 H.S. Grad, No 

Postsecondary 

Degree 

Associate's Degree or More 

 Total Associate's 

Degree 

Bachelor's 

Degree or 

More 

United States 168,539,255 11.4 88.6 47.2 41.4 9.0 32.3 

Appalachian Region 13,205,375 11.5 88.5 53.4 35.0 9.7 25.3 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 4,272,559 7.9 92.1 53.8 38.3 11.0 27.3 

North Central Appalachia 1,254,779 10.8 89.2 58.6 30.6 9.0 21.6

Central Appalachia 987,091 17.5 82.5 59.7 22.8 8.1 14.6 

South Central Appalachia 2,467,983 12.0 88.0 53.1 34.8 9.4 25.4

Southern Appalachia 4,222,963 13.8 86.2 50.2 36.0 9.1 26.9 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 3,219,897 8.6 91.4 47.8 43.7 9.9 33.8 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 5,562,319 10.9 89.1 52.8 36.3 9.6 26.7 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 1,121,134 13.0 87.0 58.6 28.3 10.2 18.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 2,022,420 13.9 86.1 59.1 27.0 9.6 17.4 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 1,279,605 16.6 83.4 57.1 26.3 9.3 17.0 

Alabama 2,514,605 12.9 87.1 52.3 34.8 9.1 25.7 

Appalachian Alabama 1,624,528 13.0 87.0 51.5 35.5 9.1 26.4 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 890,077 12.7 87.3 53.8 33.4 9.2 24.2 

Georgia 5,393,396 12.3 87.7 48.3 39.4 8.1 31.3 

Appalachian Georgia 1,649,806 14.2 85.8 49.0 36.8 8.4 28.3 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 3,743,590 11.5 88.5 48.0 40.5 7.9 32.6 

Kentucky 2,313,493 12.1 87.9 54.1 33.8 9.1 24.7 

Appalachian Kentucky 610,530 18.0 82.0 58.1 23.9 8.3 15.7 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 1,702,963 10.1 89.9 52.7 37.3 9.4 27.9

Maryland 3,246,242 8.9 91.1 43.5 47.6 7.0 40.6 

Appalachian Maryland 131,644 10.2 89.8 58.7 31.1 9.6 21.5 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 3,114,598 8.9 91.1 42.8 48.3 6.8 41.4 

Mississippi 1,519,074 14.5 85.5 53.4 32.1 10.3 21.9 

Appalachian Mississippi 312,797 17.2 82.8 53.8 29.0 10.1 18.9 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 1,206,277 13.8 86.2 53.3 32.9 10.3 22.6 

New York 10,652,458 12.0 88.0 40.9 47.1 9.5 37.6 

Appalachian New York 514,933 8.6 91.4 50.3 41.1 13.8 27.3 

Non-Appalachian New York 10,137,525 12.1 87.9 40.5 47.4 9.3 38.1 

North Carolina 5,269,111 11.5 88.5 46.9 41.6 10.1 31.5 

Appalachian North Carolina 888,319 12.8 87.2 49.6 37.6 10.9 26.7 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 4,380,792 11.3 88.7 46.4 42.3 9.9 32.5 

Ohio 6,043,508 8.6 91.4 52.5 38.9 9.7 29.2 

Appalachian Ohio 1,035,156 11.2 88.8 59.8 29.0 10.3 18.7 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 5,008,352 8.0 92.0 51.0 40.9 9.6 31.4 

Pennsylvania 6,704,931 8.2 91.8 49.7 42.1 9.3 32.8 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 2,987,951 7.0 93.0 52.8 40.2 10.8 29.4

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 3,716,980 9.2 90.8 47.3 43.6 8.1 35.5 

South Carolina 2,530,345 11.8 88.2 50.3 37.8 10.1 27.7 

Appalachian South Carolina 635,832 12.8 87.2 48.6 38.6 10.7 27.9 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 1,894,513 11.5 88.5 50.9 37.6 9.9 27.7 

Tennessee 3,465,094 11.3 88.7 53.4 35.3 7.8 27.6 

Appalachian Tennessee 1,473,636 12.2 87.8 56.3 31.5 8.2 23.4 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 1,991,458 10.6 89.4 51.2 38.2 7.5 30.7 

Virginia 4,492,898 9.2 90.8 43.2 47.6 8.1 39.5 

Appalachian Virginia 382,904 12.8 87.2 55.1 32.1 10.1 22.0 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 4,109,994 8.8 91.2 42.1 49.0 7.9 41.2 

West Virginia (entire state) 957,339 11.2 88.8 59.4 29.5 8.0 21.5 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 

 
54 

Table 5.3: Educational Attainment of Persons Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 

Education (Highest Level Attained) 

 Total 

Population 

Ages 65 and 

Over, 

2013-2017 

Percent of Population Ages 65 and Over 

 Less 

than High 

School 

Diploma 

High School Diploma or More 

 Total 

 H.S. Grad, No 

Postsecondary 

Degree 

Associate's Degree or More 

 Total Associate's 

Degree 

Bachelor's 

Degree or 

More 

United States 47,732,389 17.2 82.8 51.2 31.6 5.7 25.9 

Appalachian Region 4,368,559 19.8 80.2 56.2 24.0 5.0 19.0 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 1,536,205 14.8 85.2 61.7 23.4 5.1 18.4 

North Central Appalachia 422,704 21.1 78.9 59.1 19.8 4.2 15.6 

Central Appalachia 326,736 35.5 64.5 49.9 14.6 3.2 11.4 

South Central Appalachia 898,980 20.6 79.4 52.4 27.0 5.5 21.6 

Southern Appalachia 1,183,934 20.9 79.1 52.6 26.5 5.3 21.2 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 907,846 15.0 85.0 56.9 28.1 5.3 22.7 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 1,847,129 18.3 81.7 55.9 25.8 5.1 20.7 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 390,586 20.9 79.1 59.1 20.0 4.9 15.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 766,169 23.4 76.6 56.9 19.7 4.6 15.0 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 456,829 28.6 71.4 52.3 19.0 4.3 14.7 

Alabama 762,032 20.6 79.4 53.7 25.7 4.9 20.8 

Appalachian Alabama 488,407 20.2 79.8 54.3 25.5 4.9 20.6 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 273,625 21.1 78.9 52.7 26.1 5.0 21.1 

Georgia 1,300,430 19.6 80.4 51.0 29.5 5.1 24.4 

Appalachian Georgia 401,389 20.1 79.9 52.4 27.5 5.1 22.4 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 899,041 19.4 80.6 50.3 30.3 5.0 25.3 

Kentucky 672,706 23.9 76.1 53.9 22.2 4.1 18.1 

Appalachian Kentucky 193,491 35.5 64.5 49.5 15.0 3.1 11.8 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 479,215 19.2 80.8 55.6 25.2 4.5 20.7 

Maryland 849,185 15.0 85.0 47.4 37.6 4.8 32.7 

Appalachian Maryland 44,139 17.5 82.5 61.3 21.3 4.6 16.6 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 805,046 14.9 85.1 46.7 38.5 4.8 33.6 

Mississippi 437,027 24.1 75.9 51.4 24.5 5.0 19.5 

Appalachian Mississippi 98,745 27.7 72.3 51.7 20.7 4.2 16.4 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 338,282 23.1 76.9 51.4 25.6 5.2 20.4 

New York 3,008,351 20.7 79.3 46.5 32.8 5.8 27.0 

Appalachian New York 184,897 13.9 86.1 55.0 31.2 8.1 23.0 

Non-Appalachian New York 2,823,454 21.1 78.9 46.0 32.9 5.6 27.3

North Carolina 1,514,937 18.6 81.4 50.8 30.6 6.5 24.2 

Appalachian North Carolina 335,500 18.5 81.5 50.5 31.0 6.1 24.9

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 1,179,437 18.6 81.4 50.9 30.5 6.6 24.0 

Ohio 1,844,642 15.6 84.4 58.9 25.5 4.8 20.7 

Appalachian Ohio 355,654 18.3 81.7 63.5 18.2 4.2 14.0 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 1,488,988 15.0 85.0 57.8 27.2 4.9 22.3 

Pennsylvania 2,181,022 16.0 84.0 57.6 26.4 4.7 21.8 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 1,071,710 14.6 85.4 62.1 23.4 4.8 18.6

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 1,109,312 17.4 82.6 53.2 29.4 4.6 24.8 

South Carolina 795,256 18.6 81.4 50.0 31.4 6.7 24.7 

Appalachian South Carolina 195,393 20.6 79.4 49.6 29.8 7.0 22.8

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 599,863 18.0 82.0 50.1 31.9 6.6 25.3 

Tennessee 1,013,356 21.0 79.0 53.9 25.1 4.3 20.8 

Appalachian Tennessee 517,144 22.6 77.4 53.7 23.8 4.6 19.2 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 496,212 19.4 80.6 54.1 26.5 4.0 22.5 

Virginia 1,187,867 17.9 82.1 46.6 35.6 5.5 30.1 

Appalachian Virginia 145,764 28.4 71.6 50.4 21.2 5.8 15.4 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 1,042,103 16.4 83.6 46.0 37.6 5.4 32.2

West Virginia (entire state) 336,326 22.3 77.7 58.3 19.4 3.9 15.4 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

 
55 

Figure 5.1: Percent of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a High School Diploma or 

More, 2013-2017 

Although the share of Appalachian adults with at least a high school diploma was slightly below the national average 

over the 2013-2017 period, it matched or exceeded the national share in 121 counties in the Region—101 of which 

were either in Northern Appalachia or in metropolitan areas. The rates were especially high in the Appalachian 

sections of Pennsylvania and New York, where the share of adults who had completed high school was 91 percent 

and 90 percent, respectively. Yet in 40 counties, less than three-fourths of adults had completed high school; all but 

two of those counties were in Central, South Central, and Southern Appalachia, and 36 were outside metropolitan 

areas. More than half of these 40 counties were in Kentucky alone; just 78 percent of adults in the state’s Appalachian 

counties had a high school diploma or more in 2013-2017.

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a High School Diploma or More, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Pct. Ages 25+ With a High School

Diploma or More, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 87.3 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 86.4 PERCENT

80 percent to 87.2 percent

87.3 percent or greater

75 percent to 79.9 percent

Less than 75 percent
56 

Figure 5.2: Percent of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a High School Diploma but 

With No Postsecondary Degree, 2013-2017 

During the 2013-2017 period, 54 percent of adults ages 25 and over in the Appalachian Region had a high school 

diploma, but no postsecondary degree (including an associate’s degree). And the share was at least 60 percent in 

150 of the Region’s 420 counties—122 of which were in four states: Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West 

Virginia. Many of these adults had attended college but did not graduate, while others acquired vocational training. 

Conversely, 32 percent of adults in Appalachia did earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, while 14 percent never 

finished high school. 

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a High School Diploma but With 

 No Postsecondary Degree, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Pct. Ages 25+ With a High School

Diploma Only, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 48.1 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 54.1 PERCENT

54.1 percent to 59.9 percent

60 percent or greater

48.1 percent to 54 percent

Less than 48.1 percent
57 

Figure 5.3: Percent of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With an Associate’s Degree or 

More, 2013-2017 

In the Appalachian Region, the share of adults ages 25 and over with an associate’s degree or more was seven 

percentage points below the national average in 2013-2017. And it was even lower in most of Appalachia: The share 

was less than 30 percent in 319 of the Region’s 420 counties, and less than 20 percent in 107 of them. More than half 

the counties in the latter group were in Central Appalachia, and 34 of them were in Kentucky alone. In contrast, the 

share matched or exceeded the national average in 24 counties—which were in metropolitan areas and/or home to a 

major college or university. The relatively lower share of Appalachian residents with at least a bachelor’s degree is 

fueling the overall regional gap on this measure: The share of adults in the Region whose highest postsecondary 

degree was an associate’s degree was 8.5 percent—just above the national average. And it was even higher in some 

parts of the Region—12 percent in Appalachian New York, for example.

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With an Associate’s Degree or More, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

30 percent to 39.1 percent

39.2 percent or greater

20 percent to 29.9 percent

Less than 20 percent

Pct. Ages 25+ With an Associate's

Degree or More, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 39.2 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 32.3 PERCENT
58 

Figure 5.4: Percent of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a Bachelor’s Degree or 

More, 2013-2017 

The share of adults ages 25 and over with a bachelor’s degree or more was seven percentage points lower in 

Appalachia during the 2013-2017 period than in the nation as a whole. Indeed, the rate was lower than the national 

average in 398 of the Region’s 420 counties. In fact, less than one in five residents ages 25 and over were graduates 

of a four-year college or university in 306 Appalachian counties. And in 30 counties—all but three of which were either 

outside metropolitan areas or in Central Appalachia—the share was less than one in 10. The 22 counties where the 

percentage of college graduates matched or surpassed the national average were largely in metro areas (e.g., 

Pittsburgh, Birmingham, suburban Atlanta) or home to a college or university (such as Oktibbeha County, Mississippi, 

where Mississippi State University is located). 

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a Bachelor’s Degree or More, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Pct. Ages 25+ With a Bachelor's

Degree or More, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 30.9 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 23.7 PERCENT

20 percent to 30.8 percent

30.9 percent or greater

10 percent to 19.9 percent

Less than 10 percent
59 

Figure 5.5: Percent of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region With a High School Diploma or More, 

2013-2017 

In 2013-2017, the percentage of working-age adults (ages 25 to 64) in the Appalachian Region with at least a high 

school diploma was almost at the national average of 88.6 percent, and the share matched or exceeded the national 

rate in 146 counties. More than half of these counties were in metropolitan areas, and 102 of them were in Northern or 

North Central Appalachia. Nearly half of these 146 counties were in New York or Pennsylvania; the share of workingage adults with a high school diploma or more exceeded 90 percent in both states. (The share was barely under 90 

percent in Appalachian Maryland, where all three of the state’s counties in the Region matched or exceeded the 

national average.) At the other end of the spectrum, less than three-fourths of working-age adults had finished high 

school in 12 Appalachian counties. Almost all of these counties were outside metropolitan areas.

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region With a High School Diploma or More, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

80 percent to 88.5 percent

88.6 percent or greater

Less than 80 percent

Pct. Ages 25-64 With a High School

Diploma or More, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 88.6 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 88.5 PERCENT
60 

Figure 5.6: Percent of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region With a High School Diploma but With 

No Postsecondary Degree, 2013-2017 

In 2013-2017, more than half of working-age adults (ages 25 to 64) in the Appalachian Region had a high school 

diploma but no postsecondary degree, compared to just under half nationally. And the share was at least 60 percent 

in 184 of Appalachia’s 420 counties. Nearly half of these counties were in North Central and Central Appalachia. In 

contrast, there were 18 Appalachian counties where the share of 25-to-64-year-olds with no more than a high school 

diploma was below the national average; these were in metro areas and/or college or university towns. Many workingage adults with this level of attainment did continue their education after high school, either by attending college 

without graduating or by acquiring vocational training. 

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region With a High School Diploma but With 

 No Postsecondary Degree, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

53.4 percent to 59.9 percent

60 percent or greater

47.2 percent to 53.3 percent

Less than 47.2 percent

Pct. Ages 25-64 With a High School

Diploma Only, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 47.2 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 53.4 PERCENT
61 

Figure 5.7: Percent of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region With an Associate’s Degree or More, 

2013-2017 

In 2013-2017, 35 percent of working-age adults (ages 25 to 64) in Appalachia had attained an associate’s degree or 

more, six percentage points below the national average. And the share was even lower in much of the Region: More 

than two-thirds of Appalachia’s 420 counties had attainment rates below 30 percent, while one-sixth had rates below 

20 percent. (Central Appalachia had more than half of the counties with the lowest shares.) In contrast, 29 counties—

virtually all in metro areas and/or containing a college or university—matched or exceeded the national share. As with 

the total adult population, Appalachia’s lower-than-average share on this measure is due to the lower share with a 

bachelor’s degree or more. For nearly 10 percent of working-age adults in Appalachia, the highest level of education 

was an associate’s degree compared with just 9 percent nationally. And the share was at least 10 percent in seven of 

the 13 Appalachian states, led by Appalachian New York at almost 14 percent. 

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region With an Associate’s Degree or More, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

30 percent to 41.3 percent

41.4 percent or greater

20 percent to 29.9 percent

Less than 20 percent

Pct. Ages 25-64 With an Associate's

Degree or More, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 41.4 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 35 PERCENT
62 

Figure 5.8: Percent of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region With a Bachelor’s Degree or More, 

2013-2017 

One-fourth of Appalachia’s working-age population had a bachelor’s degree or more in 2013-2017—seven 

percentage points lower than the U.S. average of 32 percent. This is a striking indicator of the lower educational level 

of the Appalachian workforce. Indeed, just under 15 percent of working-age adults in Central Appalachia had a 

bachelor’s degree, as did 17 percent of residents in the Region’s most rural counties. There were only 22 Appalachian 

counties—all either in metro areas (e.g., suburban Atlanta) and/or housing a four-year college or university (e.g., 

Watauga County, North Carolina, home to Appalachian State University)—where the share of working-age adults 

ages 25 to 64 with at least a bachelor’s degree matched or exceeded the national average. In contrast, less than one 

in 10 adults had a four-year degree in 29 counties. Of the counties in this latter group, 22 were outside metropolitan 

areas and 14 were not even adjacent to a metro, suggesting a lack of employment opportunities for college-educated 

adults in such areas. 

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region With an Bachelor’s Degree or More, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

20 percent to 32.2 percent

32.3 percent or greater

10 percent to 19.9 percent

Less than 10 percent

Pct. Ages 25-64 With a Bachelor's

Degree or More, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 32.3 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 25.3 PERCENT
63 

Figure 5.9: Percent of Persons Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a Bachelor’s Degree or 

More, 2013-2017 

While slightly more than one in four older Americans (ages 65 and over) had at least a bachelor’s degree in 2013-

2017, less than one in 10 had one in 80 of Appalachia’s 420 counties. (And in most of these counties, less than twothirds of older adults had completed high school.) Three-fourths of these counties were outside metropolitan areas, 

and more than half were in Central Appalachia—Kentucky alone had 28 of these counties. Yet in 36 Appalachian 

counties, the share of older adults with a four-year degree was at or above the national average. These were either 

counties in metropolitan areas (like suburban Atlanta), counties that had a college or university (such as Macon 

County, Alabama, home to Tuskegee University), or counties with significant retirement or seasonal activity (the latter 

suggested by the fact that much of their vacant housing is for seasonal or occasional use—such as Rabun, Towns, 

and Union counties in Georgia, home of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest).

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a Bachelor’s Degree or More, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Pct. Ages 65+ With a Bachelor's

Degree or More, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 25.9 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 19 PERCENT

15 percent to 25.8 percent

25.9 percent or greater

10 percent to 14.9 percent

Less than 10 percent
64 

Table 5.4: Percentage Point Change in Educational Attainment of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the 

Appalachian Region, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Education (Highest Level Attained) 

Percentage Point Change in Share of Population Ages 25 and Over

 Less than 

High School 

Diploma 

High School Diploma or More 

 Total 

 H.S. Grad, No 

Postsecondary 

Degree 

Associate's Degree or More 

 Total Associate's 

Degree 

Bachelor's 

Degree or 

More 

United States - 1.6 + 1.6 - 1.4 + 3.0 + 0.6 + 2.4 

Appalachian Region - 2.3 + 2.3 - 1.0 + 3.3 + 0.9 + 2.4 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia - 1.7 + 1.7 - 2.0 + 3.6 + 0.8 + 2.9 

North Central Appalachia - 2.4 + 2.4 - 0.8 + 3.2 + 1.1 + 2.1 

Central Appalachia - 4.2 + 4.2 + 1.7 + 2.5 + 1.0 + 1.5 

South Central Appalachia - 2.8 + 2.8 - 0.5 + 3.3 + 0.9 + 2.5 

Southern Appalachia - 2.4 + 2.4 - 0.7 + 3.1 + 0.9 + 2.2 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) - 1.8 + 1.8 - 2.0 + 3.8 + 0.7 + 3.1 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) - 2.1 + 2.1 - 1.1 + 3.3 + 0.8 + 2.5 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros - 2.4 + 2.4 - 0.2 + 2.6 + 1.0 + 1.6 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros - 2.5 + 2.5 - 0.4 + 2.8 + 1.0 + 1.8 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) - 3.4 + 3.4 + 0.4 + 3.0 + 1.2 + 1.8 

Alabama - 2.7 + 2.7 - 0.6 + 3.3 + 1.0 + 2.2 

Appalachian Alabama - 2.7 + 2.7 - 0.7 + 3.3 + 1.0 + 2.3 

Non-Appalachian Alabama - 2.8 + 2.8 - 0.3 + 3.1 + 0.9 + 2.2 

Georgia - 1.9 + 1.9 - 1.1 + 2.9 + 0.7 + 2.1 

Appalachian Georgia - 1.8 + 1.8 - 0.9 + 2.8 + 0.7 + 2.1 

Non-Appalachian Georgia - 1.9 + 1.9 - 1.1 + 3.0 + 0.8 + 2.2 

Kentucky - 2.8 + 2.8 - 0.6 + 3.3 + 1.1 + 2.2 

Appalachian Kentucky - 4.1 + 4.1 + 1.2 + 2.9 + 1.0 + 1.9 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky - 2.1 + 2.1 - 1.2 + 3.3 + 1.1 + 2.2 

Maryland - 1.3 + 1.3 - 1.6 + 2.9 + 0.3 + 2.7 

Appalachian Maryland - 2.4 + 2.4 - 0.5 + 3.0 + 0.5 + 2.5 

Non-Appalachian Maryland - 1.3 + 1.3 - 1.7 + 2.9 + 0.2 + 2.6 

Mississippi - 2.4 + 2.4 + 0.0 + 2.4 + 1.1 + 1.3 

Appalachian Mississippi - 2.9 + 2.9 + 0.2 + 2.7 + 1.1 + 1.6 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi - 2.2 + 2.2 - 0.1 + 2.3 + 1.0 + 1.2

New York - 1.2 + 1.2 - 1.6 + 2.9 + 0.4 + 2.5 

Appalachian New York - 1.4 + 1.4 - 1.7 + 3.1 + 0.7 + 2.4 

Non-Appalachian New York - 1.2 + 1.2 - 1.5 + 2.9 + 0.4 + 2.5 

North Carolina - 2.4 + 2.4 - 1.3 + 3.7 + 0.7 + 3.1 

Appalachian North Carolina - 2.5 + 2.5 - 1.4 + 3.8 + 1.0 + 2.8 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina - 2.4 + 2.4 - 1.3 + 3.6 + 0.6 + 3.1 

Ohio - 1.6 + 1.6 - 1.8 + 3.4 + 0.8 + 2.5 

Appalachian Ohio - 1.8 + 1.8 - 1.2 + 3.0 + 1.2 + 1.7 

Non-Appalachian Ohio - 1.5 + 1.5 - 1.8 + 3.4 + 0.8 + 2.6 

Pennsylvania - 1.6 + 1.6 - 2.1 + 3.7 + 0.7 + 3.1 

Appalachian Pennsylvania - 1.7 + 1.7 - 2.3 + 4.0 + 0.8 + 3.2 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania - 1.6 + 1.6 - 1.9 + 3.4 + 0.6 + 2.8 

South Carolina - 2.5 + 2.5 - 0.7 + 3.2 + 0.7 + 2.4 

Appalachian South Carolina - 2.7 + 2.7 - 0.6 + 3.3 + 0.9 + 2.5 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina - 2.4 + 2.4 - 0.7 + 3.1 + 0.7 + 2.4 

Tennessee - 2.6 + 2.6 - 0.7 + 3.3 + 0.8 + 2.6 

Appalachian Tennessee - 3.0 + 3.0 + 0.2 + 2.8 + 0.8 + 1.9 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee - 2.4 + 2.4 - 1.4 + 3.6 + 0.7 + 3.0 

Virginia - 2.1 + 2.1 - 1.5 + 3.6 + 0.6 + 2.9 

Appalachian Virginia - 4.0 + 4.0 + 0.4 + 3.6 + 0.8 + 2.8 

Non-Appalachian Virginia - 1.8 + 1.8 - 1.6 + 3.4 + 0.7 + 2.7 

West Virginia (entire state) - 2.5 + 2.5 - 0.3 + 2.8 + 0.8 + 2.0 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 

 
65 

Table 5.5: Percentage Point Change in Educational Attainment of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian 

Region, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Education (Highest Level Attained) 

Percentage Point Change in Share of Population Ages 25 to 64 

 Less than 

High School 

Diploma 

High School Diploma or More 

 Total 

 H.S. Grad, No 

Postsecondary 

Degree 

Associate's Degree or More 

 Total Associate's 

Degree 

Bachelor's 

Degree or 

More 

United States - 0.9 + 0.9 - 1.7 + 2.6 + 0.5 + 2.1 

Appalachian Region - 1.2 + 1.2 - 1.8 + 2.9 + 0.8 + 2.1 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia - 0.3 + 0.3 - 2.9 + 3.2 + 0.7 + 2.5 

North Central Appalachia - 1.3 + 1.3 - 1.6 + 3.0 + 1.2 + 1.8 

Central Appalachia - 3.1 + 3.1 + 0.6 + 2.5 + 1.1 + 1.3 

South Central Appalachia - 1.6 + 1.6 - 1.2 + 2.7 + 0.7 + 2.0 

Southern Appalachia - 1.4 + 1.4 - 1.4 + 2.8 + 0.8 + 1.9 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) - 0.7 + 0.7 - 2.5 + 3.4 + 0.6 + 2.8 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) - 1.1 + 1.1 - 1.7 + 2.8 + 0.7 + 2.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros - 1.2 + 1.2 - 1.0 + 2.1 + 0.9 + 1.2 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros - 1.2 + 1.2 - 1.3 + 2.4 + 1.0 + 1.4 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) - 2.2 + 2.2 - 0.6 + 2.8 + 1.3 + 1.5 

Alabama - 1.8 + 1.8 - 1.1 + 2.9 + 0.9 + 2.0 

Appalachian Alabama - 1.6 + 1.6 - 1.4 + 3.0 + 1.0 + 2.0 

Non-Appalachian Alabama - 2.2 + 2.2 - 0.5 + 2.6 + 0.8 + 1.8 

Georgia - 1.2 + 1.2 - 1.5 + 2.7 + 0.8 + 2.0 

Appalachian Georgia - 1.1 + 1.1 - 1.3 + 2.4 + 0.7 + 1.6 

Non-Appalachian Georgia - 1.2 + 1.2 - 1.6 + 2.8 + 0.7 + 2.1 

Kentucky - 1.7 + 1.7 - 1.5 + 3.1 + 1.2 + 2.0 

Appalachian Kentucky - 2.9 + 2.9 - 0.1 + 2.9 + 1.2 + 1.8 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky - 1.0 + 1.0 - 1.9 + 3.0 + 1.2 + 1.8 

Maryland - 0.6 + 0.6 - 2.0 + 2.6 + 0.2 + 2.4 

Appalachian Maryland - 1.2 + 1.2 - 1.5 + 2.7 + 0.6 + 2.1 

Non-Appalachian Maryland - 0.6 + 0.6 - 2.0 + 2.6 + 0.1 + 2.4 

Mississippi - 1.6 + 1.6 - 0.3 + 1.9 + 1.1 + 0.9 

Appalachian Mississippi - 1.8 + 1.8 - 0.7 + 2.5 + 1.2 + 1.3 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi - 1.5 + 1.5 - 0.2 + 1.8 + 1.0 + 0.7

New York - 0.8 + 0.8 - 1.7 + 2.4 + 0.2 + 2.3 

Appalachian New York - 0.4 + 0.4 - 1.8 + 2.1 + 0.5 + 1.6 

Non-Appalachian New York - 0.9 + 0.9 - 1.6 + 2.4 + 0.2 + 2.2 

North Carolina - 1.5 + 1.5 - 2.0 + 3.5 + 0.5 + 3.0 

Appalachian North Carolina - 1.2 + 1.2 - 2.0 + 3.1 + 0.9 + 2.2 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina - 1.5 + 1.5 - 1.9 + 3.4 + 0.4 + 3.1 

Ohio - 0.6 + 0.6 - 2.5 + 3.1 + 0.8 + 2.3 

Appalachian Ohio - 0.5 + 0.5 - 2.2 + 2.6 + 1.3 + 1.3 

Non-Appalachian Ohio - 0.7 + 0.7 - 2.5 + 3.1 + 0.7 + 2.5 

Pennsylvania - 0.5 + 0.5 - 2.9 + 3.4 + 0.6 + 2.8 

Appalachian Pennsylvania - 0.4 + 0.4 - 3.2 + 3.6 + 0.7 + 2.9 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania - 0.5 + 0.5 - 2.5 + 3.1 + 0.5 + 2.6 

South Carolina - 1.5 + 1.5 - 1.3 + 2.7 + 0.6 + 2.1 

Appalachian South Carolina - 1.6 + 1.6 - 1.2 + 2.9 + 0.7 + 2.1 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina - 1.5 + 1.5 - 1.2 + 2.7 + 0.5 + 2.2 

Tennessee - 1.6 + 1.6 - 1.4 + 3.0 + 0.8 + 2.3 

Appalachian Tennessee - 1.9 + 1.9 - 0.4 + 2.3 + 0.9 + 1.5 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee - 1.3 + 1.3 - 2.2 + 3.5 + 0.7 + 2.8 

Virginia - 1.4 + 1.4 - 1.8 + 3.2 + 0.6 + 2.7 

Appalachian Virginia - 2.8 + 2.8 - 0.5 + 3.3 + 0.4 + 2.9 

Non-Appalachian Virginia - 1.3 + 1.3 - 1.9 + 3.1 + 0.6 + 2.6 

West Virginia (entire state) - 1.5 + 1.5 - 1.0 + 2.6 + 0.9 + 1.7 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 
66 

Table 5.6: Percentage Point Change in Educational Attainment of Persons Ages 65 and Over in the 

Appalachian Region, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Education (Highest Level Attained) 

Percentage Point Change in Share of Population Ages 65 and Over

 Less than 

High School 

Diploma 

High School Diploma or More 

 Total 

 H.S. Grad, No 

Postsecondary 

Degree 

Associate's Degree or More 

 Total Associate's 

Degree 

Bachelor's 

Degree or 

More 

United States - 4.9 + 4.9 - 0.9 + 5.8 + 1.4 + 4.4 

Appalachian Region - 7.2 + 7.2 + 1.4 + 5.8 + 1.6 + 4.2 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia - 6.3 + 6.3 + 0.1 + 6.1 + 1.7 + 4.5 

North Central Appalachia - 7.4 + 7.4 + 2.1 + 5.2 + 1.5 + 3.7 

Central Appalachia - 10.2 + 10.2 + 6.7 + 3.5 + 1.1 + 2.4 

South Central Appalachia - 7.8 + 7.8 + 1.8 + 6.0 + 1.7 + 4.4 

Southern Appalachia - 7.3 + 7.3 + 1.5 + 5.9 + 1.5 + 4.4 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) - 6.8 + 6.8 - 0.5 + 7.3 + 1.7 + 5.5 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) - 6.6 + 6.6 + 0.7 + 5.9 + 1.4 + 4.4 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros - 7.7 + 7.7 + 2.4 + 5.2 + 1.6 + 3.6 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros - 7.4 + 7.4 + 2.6 + 4.9 + 1.7 + 3.1 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) - 8.9 + 8.9 + 4.5 + 4.3 + 1.3 + 3.0 

Alabama - 7.0 + 7.0 + 1.5 + 5.5 + 1.4 + 4.1 

Appalachian Alabama - 7.6 + 7.6 + 2.1 + 5.5 + 1.5 + 4.0 

Non-Appalachian Alabama - 6.2 + 6.2 + 0.5 + 5.5 + 1.4 + 4.1 

Georgia - 6.3 + 6.3 + 0.6 + 5.8 + 1.3 + 4.5 

Appalachian Georgia - 6.7 + 6.7 + 0.3 + 6.4 + 1.3 + 5.1 

Non-Appalachian Georgia - 6.1 + 6.1 + 0.7 + 5.4 + 1.2 + 4.2 

Kentucky - 8.8 + 8.8 + 3.4 + 5.4 + 1.3 + 4.1 

Appalachian Kentucky - 11.0 + 11.0 + 7.1 + 3.9 + 1.0 + 2.8 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky - 7.7 + 7.7 + 1.7 + 6.0 + 1.4 + 4.7 

Maryland - 5.2 + 5.2 - 0.4 + 5.6 + 0.9 + 4.6 

Appalachian Maryland - 7.5 + 7.5 + 2.6 + 5.0 + 1.0 + 3.9 

Non-Appalachian Maryland - 5.0 + 5.0 - 0.5 + 5.6 + 0.8 + 4.6 

Mississippi - 6.3 + 6.3 + 1.2 + 5.1 + 1.5 + 3.5 

Appalachian Mississippi - 7.7 + 7.7 + 3.7 + 4.1 + 1.2 + 2.8 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi - 5.8 + 5.8 + 0.6 + 5.3 + 1.6 + 3.7

New York - 3.7 + 3.7 - 2.0 + 5.8 + 1.5 + 4.3 

Appalachian New York - 5.4 + 5.4 - 1.8 + 7.3 + 2.1 + 5.1 

Non-Appalachian New York - 3.7 + 3.7 - 1.9 + 5.6 + 1.4 + 4.3 

North Carolina - 6.9 + 6.9 + 0.9 + 6.0 + 1.8 + 4.3 

Appalachian North Carolina - 7.1 + 7.1 + 0.5 + 6.6 + 1.7 + 4.9 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina - 6.9 + 6.9 + 1.1 + 5.8 + 1.8 + 4.1 

Ohio - 5.7 + 5.7 + 0.3 + 5.5 + 1.5 + 3.9 

Appalachian Ohio - 7.1 + 7.1 + 1.9 + 5.2 + 1.7 + 3.5 

Non-Appalachian Ohio - 5.4 + 5.4 - 0.1 + 5.5 + 1.5 + 4.0 

Pennsylvania - 6.0 + 6.0 + 0.0 + 6.1 + 1.4 + 4.8 

Appalachian Pennsylvania - 6.3 + 6.3 + 0.2 + 6.2 + 1.6 + 4.6 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania - 5.8 + 5.8 - 0.2 + 5.9 + 1.2 + 4.7 

South Carolina - 7.4 + 7.4 + 1.5 + 5.8 + 1.7 + 4.1 

Appalachian South Carolina - 7.6 + 7.6 + 1.3 + 6.2 + 1.9 + 4.4 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina - 7.2 + 7.2 + 1.6 + 5.6 + 1.7 + 3.9 

Tennessee - 7.9 + 7.9 + 2.4 + 5.5 + 1.2 + 4.3 

Appalachian Tennessee - 7.9 + 7.9 + 2.8 + 5.2 + 1.4 + 3.8 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee - 7.8 + 7.8 + 2.0 + 5.8 + 1.1 + 4.7 

Virginia - 6.0 + 6.0 - 0.6 + 6.6 + 1.6 + 5.0 

Appalachian Virginia - 9.7 + 9.7 + 3.9 + 5.7 + 2.7 + 3.0 

Non-Appalachian Virginia - 5.3 + 5.3 - 1.3 + 6.6 + 1.4 + 5.2 

West Virginia (entire state) - 7.1 + 7.1 + 2.2 + 5.0 + 1.2 + 3.7 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 

 
67 

Figure 5.10: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region 

With a High School Diploma or More, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Since the 2008-2012 period, the share of Appalachian adults who have completed high school or more has increased 

more than two percentage points. This rise, which is close to a full percentage point above the national average, has 

continued a longstanding trend in the Region. And that increase has been even greater in some places: The share of 

adults with at least a high school diploma rose at least four percentage points in the Appalachian counties of Kentucky 

and Virginia. In 78 Appalachian counties—all but six in Central, South Central, and Southern Appalachia—the share 

of adults with a high school diploma or more rose by at least five percentage points (more than three times the 

national average) between 2008-2012 and 2013-2017. In about half of these 78 counties, however, less than 80 

percent of adult residents have completed high school. 

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a High 

 School Diploma or More, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Share Ages 25+ With a

High School Diploma or More,

2008-2012 to 2013-2017

U.S. AVG.: + 1.6 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: +2.3 PCT. POINTS

+1.6 to +4.9 percentage points

+5 percentage points or more

+0.1 to +1.5 percentage points

No change or decrease
68 

Figure 5.11: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region 

With an Associate’s Degree or More, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

The share of adults ages 25 and over in the Appalachian Region with at least an associate’s degree increased more 

than three percentage points between 2008-2012 and 2013-2017, slightly above the national average. And in 50 

Appalachian counties, the share rose at least five percentage points. Yet the increase was smaller than the national 

average in 187 of the Region’s counties, and either stayed the same or decreased in 35 others. Throughout 

Appalachia, improvements in the share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree were responsible for most of the 

increase: The share of adults whose highest level of education was an associate’s degree or more rose less than a 

full percentage point between the two periods. 

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With an 

 Associate’s Degree or More, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Share Ages 25+ With an

Associate's Degree or More,

2008-2012 to 2013-2017

U.S. AVG.: +3 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: +3.3 PCT. POINTS

+3 to +4.9 percentage points

+5 percentage points or more

+0.1 to +2.9 percentage points

No change or decrease
69 

Figure 5.12: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region 

With a Bachelor’s Degree or More, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Although the percentage of Appalachian adults ages 25 and over with at least a bachelor’s degree is considerably 

lower than the national average, that share has been increasing. Both in Appalachia and nationwide, it was more than 

two percentage points higher in 2013-2017 than it was in 2008-2012, suggesting a continued trend toward greater 

educational attainment among cohorts entering this age group. And in 152 of the Region’s 420 counties (scattered 

throughout the Region), the increased share matched or exceeded the national average. Conversely, the share of 

adults ages 25 and over with at least a four-year degree either remained the same or decreased in 61 counties. While 

counties in the latter group were likewise spread throughout the Region, three-fourths of them were outside 

metropolitan areas. 

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a 

 Bachelor's Degree or More, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Share Ages 25+ With a

Bachelor's Degree or More,

2008-2012 to 2013-2017

U.S. AVG.: + 2.4 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: +2.4 PCT. POINTS

+0.1 to +2.3 percentage points

+2.4 percentage points or more

No change or decrease
70 

Table 5.7: Bachelor’s Degree Field (First Major) for Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a 

Bachelor’s Degree or More, 2013-2017 

Bachelor's Degree Field (First Major) 

 Total 

Population 

Ages 25 and 

Over With a 

Bachelor's 

Degree or More, 

2013-2017 

Percent of Population Ages 25 and Over With a Bachelor's Degree or More 

 Science and 

Engineering 

 Science- and 

EngineeringRelated Fields  Business Education 

Arts, 

Humanities, 

and Other 

United States 66,887,603 34.8 9.3 20.4 12.7 22.7 

Appalachian Region 4,173,468 30.7 10.9 20.2 17.8 20.5 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 1,449,364 31.6 11.2 18.3 18.4 20.5 

North Central Appalachia 336,748 28.6 12.7 18.7 20.5 19.5 

Central Appalachia 181,424 26.1 13.4 15.8 26.1 18.5 

South Central Appalachia 820,737 31.7 10.7 18.9 16.1 22.6 

Southern Appalachia 1,385,195 30.2 9.8 23.8 16.6 19.7 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 1,294,424 31.6 10.0 23.7 14.3 20.3 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 1,864,785 32.0 10.9 19.3 16.8 21.0 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 262,164 27.1 11.6 17.4 24.0 19.8 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 467,275 27.4 12.1 17.3 23.5 19.7 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 284,820 26.1 11.6 16.8 25.7 19.7 

Alabama 803,578 29.3 10.3 23.2 17.4 19.7 

Appalachian Alabama 530,288 30.1 10.1 23.4 16.7 19.6 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 273,290 27.9 10.7 22.8 18.7 19.9 

Georgia 2,003,531 32.1 9.0 24.3 13.4 21.2 

Appalachian Georgia 557,418 30.3 9.3 25.6 15.2 19.6 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 1,446,113 32.8 8.9 23.8 12.7 21.8 

Kentucky 692,568 28.9 11.6 20.1 16.9 22.6 

Appalachian Kentucky 118,473 25.0 13.1 14.8 26.9 20.2 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 574,095 29.7 11.3 21.1 14.8 23.1 

Maryland 1,596,997 41.0 8.7 18.2 9.9 22.3 

Appalachian Maryland 35,684 33.1 9.4 16.5 19.0 22.0 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 1,561,313 41.2 8.6 18.2 9.7 22.3 

Mississippi 417,318 25.4 12.1 21.4 21.8 19.3 

Appalachian Mississippi 75,431 24.8 11.6 20.0 26.2 17.5 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 341,887 25.5 12.3 21.7 20.8 19.7 

New York 4,820,813 34.2 8.7 18.9 11.4 26.8 

Appalachian New York 183,296 36.7 9.3 12.7 18.5 22.8 

Non-Appalachian New York 4,637,517 34.1 8.7 19.1 11.2 27.0 

North Carolina 2,025,716 34.2 9.3 20.2 13.2 23.0 

Appalachian North Carolina 321,142 30.8 10.8 17.4 16.0 25.0 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 1,704,574 34.8 9.1 20.8 12.7 22.7 

Ohio 2,148,627 30.7 11.0 21.6 16.1 20.6 

Appalachian Ohio 243,884 25.7 13.6 18.8 22.6 19.3 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 1,904,743 31.3 10.7 22.0 15.3 20.8 

Pennsylvania 2,673,219 33.2 10.4 19.8 15.2 21.4 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 1,078,237 31.7 11.2 19.1 17.6 20.3 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 1,594,982 34.2 9.8 20.3 13.5 22.2 

South Carolina 898,081 31.4 9.2 22.2 15.9 21.3 

Appalachian South Carolina 222,058 32.0 9.3 21.7 16.4 20.6 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 676,023 31.3 9.1 22.4 15.7 21.5 

Tennessee 1,166,773 29.9 10.3 22.6 15.0 22.2 

Appalachian Tennessee 443,329 31.3 11.2 20.5 16.8 20.3 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 723,444 29.1 9.8 23.9 13.9 23.3 

Virginia 2,133,497 40.5 7.5 19.0 9.7 23.2 

Appalachian Virginia 106,807 35.4 10.0 16.6 16.3 21.6 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 2,026,690 40.8 7.4 19.1 9.4 23.3 

West Virginia (entire state) 257,421 28.6 12.6 19.1 20.8 18.9 

Note: Examples of "Science- and Engineering-Related Fields" include nursing, architecture, and mathematics teacher education. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.
71 

Figure 5.13: Among Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a Bachelor’s Degree or More, 

Percent Whose Bachelor’s Degree Field (First Major) Was Science and Engineering, 2013-2017 

Among the 4.2 million adults in the Appalachian Region with a bachelor’s degree or more, 31 percent held a degree in 

the science and engineering field—slightly lower than the national share of 35 percent. But there was much variation 

within the Region. In 31 Appalachian counties, the share of BA/BS holders with science and engineering degrees 

matched or exceeded the national average. A number of these counties are home to major universities including 

Virginia Tech, Penn State, and Carnegie Mellon University. Yet in another 49 counties in the Region, less than onefifth of adult college graduates had a science and engineering degree. Science and engineering jobs are becoming 

increasingly important in keeping the United States competitive in the global economy. The field of science and 

engineering includes the following detailed fields and majors: computers, mathematics, and statistics; biological, 

agricultural, and environmental sciences; physical and related science; psychology; social sciences; and engineering. 

Map Title: Among Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a Bachelor’s Degree or More, Percent Whose 

 Bachelor’s Degree Field (First Major) Was Science and Engineering, 2013-2017 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Pct. College Grads Ages 25+ 

Whose BA/BS Degree Field Was

Science/Engineering, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 34.8 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 30.7 PERCENT

34.8 percent or greater

30 percent to 34.7 percent

20 percent to 29.9 percent

Less than 20 percent
72 

Table 5.8: Households in the Appalachian Region With a Computer Device, By Type of Device, 2013-2017 

 Device Ownership Total 

Households 

Percent of Households With One of More Computer Devices Percent of 

Households 

Without a 

Computer 

Device 

Total 

Desktop or 

Laptop 

Computer 

Smartphone Tablet Other 

Device 

United States 118,825,921 87.2 78.2 71.1 53.7 4.8 12.8 

Appalachian Region 9,968,829 82.2 72.2 63.8 48.3 3.6 17.8 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 3,355,355 82.7 74.4 61.8 47.5 3.3 17.3 

North Central Appalachia 952,196 80.7 70.6 61.0 46.3 3.4 19.3 

Central Appalachia 742,914 74.9 63.7 54.9 41.9 3.3 25.1 

South Central Appalachia 1,936,283 81.6 71.4 63.2 47.3 3.1 18.4

Southern Appalachia 2,982,081 84.3 73.0 69.5 52.0 4.2 15.7 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 2,314,330 86.9 78.1 70.8 54.2 4.1 13.1 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 4,239,720 83.2 73.2 65.3 49.4 3.9 16.8 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 856,434 80.0 69.2 59.8 44.5 2.7 20.0 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 1,570,998 77.8 67.1 56.7 42.8 2.9 22.2 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 987,347 75.8 64.9 55.7 41.8 2.7 24.2 

Alabama 1,856,695 81.4 68.7 65.9 48.2 3.7 18.6 

Appalachian Alabama 1,195,020 82.6 70.0 67.5 49.7 3.5 17.4 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 661,675 79.3 66.5 63.1 45.6 3.9 20.7 

Georgia 3,663,104 87.0 77.0 72.6 54.5 4.8 13.0 

Appalachian Georgia 1,077,035 88.4 79.4 73.9 56.9 5.5 11.6 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 2,586,069 86.5 76.1 72.1 53.6 4.5 13.5 

Kentucky 1,724,514 82.4 71.5 65.8 49.6 4.1 17.6 

Appalachian Kentucky 459,071 75.6 64.7 56.3 42.7 3.7 24.4 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 1,265,443 84.9 74.0 69.3 52.1 4.3 15.1

Maryland 2,181,093 90.2 83.1 75.2 58.1 6.3 9.8 

Appalachian Maryland 95,623 81.3 72.5 62.4 47.6 3.2 18.7 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 2,085,470 90.6 83.6 75.8 58.5 6.4 9.4 

Mississippi 1,103,514 79.0 64.0 65.8 46.4 3.7 21.0 

Appalachian Mississippi 236,502 76.1 59.5 63.3 43.7 2.2 23.9 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 867,012 79.8 65.2 66.5 47.1 4.2 20.2 

New York 7,302,710 86.8 79.0 70.0 53.1 6.0 13.2 

Appalachian New York 416,654 84.4 77.0 60.1 46.6 3.2 15.6 

Non-Appalachian New York 6,886,056 87.0 79.1 70.6 53.5 6.2 13.0

North Carolina 3,874,346 85.5 75.9 69.5 52.1 4.5 14.5 

Appalachian North Carolina 703,053 81.9 72.4 62.4 46.6 3.2 18.1

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 3,171,293 86.3 76.6 71.0 53.4 4.8 13.7 

Ohio 4,633,145 85.8 76.0 68.1 51.9 3.7 14.2 

Appalachian Ohio 793,340 80.9 70.2 61.2 46.4 2.8 19.1 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 3,839,805 86.8 77.2 69.5 53.1 3.9 13.2 

Pennsylvania 5,007,442 84.8 76.7 65.9 50.6 3.7 15.2 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 2,339,671 83.0 75.0 62.4 48.0 3.4 17.0

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 2,667,771 86.3 78.3 69.1 52.9 4.1 13.7 

South Carolina 1,871,307 84.2 73.1 68.7 51.0 5.8 15.8 

Appalachian South Carolina 473,524 83.5 72.7 67.8 51.1 4.2 16.5

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 1,397,783 84.4 73.2 69.0 51.0 6.3 15.6 

Tennessee 2,547,194 83.2 72.2 67.7 50.6 4.4 16.8 

Appalachian Tennessee 1,137,525 80.9 69.9 63.5 47.5 3.0 19.1 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 1,409,669 85.0 74.0 71.0 53.0 5.6 15.0 

Virginia 3,105,636 88.6 81.0 73.1 56.2 5.0 11.4 

Appalachian Virginia 304,140 77.8 67.9 56.9 43.5 3.2 22.2 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 2,801,496 89.7 82.4 74.9 57.5 5.2 10.3

West Virginia (entire state) 737,671 79.8 69.8 59.3 45.4 3.9 20.2 

Note: Device percentages are not mutually exclusive. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.
73 

Figure 5.14: Percent of Households in the Appalachian Region With a Computer Device, 2013-2017 

In 2013-2017, 82 percent of households in the Appalachian Region had one or more computer devices (desktop or 

laptop, smartphone, tablet, or other device)—five points below the national average. And the share is even lower in 

most of the Region: it was below 80 percent in 264 of Appalachia’s 420 counties and less than 75 percent in 127 of 

these. All but 15 of the counties in the latter group were outside metropolitan areas and nearly half were in the most 

rural areas. Central Appalachia had 54 of these counties. Yet there were 24 Appalachian counties where the share of 

households with a computer was at or above the national average; all but three of these were in metropolitan areas. 

With computer devices now commonly used for such activities as school work, entertainment, online banking, health 

care access, and socializing, these data suggest aspects of a “digital divide”—particularly between urban and rural 

areas in Appalachia. 

Map Title: Percent of Households in the Appalachian Region With a Computer Device, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent of Households With a

Computer Device, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 87.2 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 82.2 PERCENT

80 percent to 87.1 percent

87.2 percent or greater

75 percent to 79.9 percent

Less than 75 percent
74 

Table 5.9: Households in the Appalachian Region With an Internet Subscription, By Type of Subscription, 

2013-2017 

 Type of Internet Subscription Total 

Households 

Percent of Households With an Internet Subscription 

Total Dial-Up 

Only 

Broadband (High-Speed) 

Total 

Cable, 

Fiber Optic, 

or DSL 

Cellular Satellite 

United States 118,825,921 78.7 0.6 78.1 67.0 49.3 5.4 

Appalachian Region 9,968,829 73.1 0.8 72.3 60.8 42.8 5.4 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 3,355,355 75.0 1.0 74.0 64.4 42.1 4.4 

North Central Appalachia 952,196 71.5 0.9 70.6 58.5 40.3 6.3 

Central Appalachia 742,914 65.2 0.9 64.3 53.2 34.5 5.9 

South Central Appalachia 1,936,283 71.9 0.7 71.2 58.8 41.8 5.3 

Southern Appalachia 2,982,081 74.2 0.6 73.7 60.6 47.2 6.1 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 2,314,330 78.9 0.6 78.3 68.9 49.2 4.7 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 4,239,720 74.4 0.7 73.7 62.7 44.0 4.7 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 856,434 69.7 1.1 68.6 54.5 39.3 6.4 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 1,570,998 67.7 1.1 66.6 53.2 37.2 6.6 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 987,347 65.5 0.9 64.6 51.2 34.8 7.0 

Alabama 1,856,695 70.9 0.7 70.2 55.6 44.9 6.0 

Appalachian Alabama 1,195,020 71.9 0.6 71.3 56.8 45.7 5.9 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 661,675 68.9 0.8 68.1 53.5 43.4 6.0 

Georgia 3,663,104 77.2 0.5 76.8 65.7 49.2 5.8 

Appalachian Georgia 1,077,035 80.1 0.5 79.6 69.4 50.7 6.1 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 2,586,069 76.0 0.4 75.6 64.2 48.5 5.6 

Kentucky 1,724,514 73.5 0.7 72.9 60.7 46.4 5.9 

Appalachian Kentucky 459,071 66.1 0.9 65.2 54.4 36.5 6.0 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 1,265,443 76.2 0.6 75.6 63.0 50.0 5.9 

Maryland 2,181,093 83.4 0.5 82.8 74.3 53.2 3.8 

Appalachian Maryland 95,623 72.4 1.0 71.4 59.8 44.5 5.2 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 2,085,470 83.9 0.5 83.4 75.0 53.6 3.7 

Mississippi 1,103,514 64.9 0.7 64.3 46.2 41.1 7.9 

Appalachian Mississippi 236,502 60.4 0.8 59.6 38.0 38.4 8.3 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 867,012 66.2 0.6 65.5 48.4 41.9 7.8

New York 7,302,710 79.4 0.5 78.9 71.8 45.7 3.2 

Appalachian New York 416,654 75.2 1.0 74.2 62.4 39.3 6.4 

Non-Appalachian New York 6,886,056 79.7 0.4 79.2 72.4 46.1 3.0 

North Carolina 3,874,346 76.4 0.6 75.8 65.2 47.6 4.9 

Appalachian North Carolina 703,053 72.6 0.8 71.9 60.2 41.2 5.4 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 3,171,293 77.2 0.5 76.7 66.3 49.0 4.8 

Ohio 4,633,145 77.8 0.7 77.1 66.1 47.8 4.7 

Appalachian Ohio 793,340 71.5 1.0 70.4 57.3 39.5 6.1 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 3,839,805 79.1 0.6 78.5 68.0 49.5 4.5 

Pennsylvania 5,007,442 77.6 0.8 76.8 68.9 46.0 3.4 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 2,339,671 75.9 1.0 74.9 66.2 43.3 3.8 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 2,667,771 79.2 0.7 78.5 71.2 48.4 3.0 

South Carolina 1,871,307 73.0 0.6 72.4 60.8 45.6 5.4 

Appalachian South Carolina 473,524 73.6 0.5 73.1 61.4 47.2 5.6 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 1,397,783 72.8 0.6 72.2 60.6 45.0 5.4 

Tennessee 2,547,194 73.0 0.6 72.4 59.5 46.4 5.5 

Appalachian Tennessee 1,137,525 70.8 0.7 70.2 57.6 41.5 5.1 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 1,409,669 74.8 0.5 74.3 60.9 50.3 5.9

Virginia 3,105,636 80.7 0.7 80.0 68.4 52.8 5.2 

Appalachian Virginia 304,140 68.0 1.1 66.8 52.7 37.6 6.7 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 2,801,496 82.1 0.6 81.5 70.1 54.5 5.0 

West Virginia (entire state) 737,671 71.0 0.7 70.3 60.2 38.7 5.5 

Note: Households can have more than one type of Internet subscription at a time. Broadband categories are not mutually exclusive. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 
75 

Figure 5.15: Percent of Households in the Appalachian Region With a Broadband Internet Subscription, 2013-

2017 

Access to broadband or high-speed Internet service (cable, fiber optic, DSL, cellular, or satellite) enhances people’s 

ability to pay bills, pursue formal and informal learning, telework, and connect with friends and family. During the 

2013-2017 period, almost three in four Appalachian households (72 percent) had a broadband Internet subscription, 

compared to nearly four in five households nationwide (78 percent). Yet there are signs of a rural-urban “digital divide” 

within the Region: In 80 Appalachian counties—69 of which were outside metropolitan areas—less than 60 percent of 

households had a broadband subscription. (Nearly half of these 80 counties were in the Region’s most rural areas.) In 

contrast, all but one of the 27 counties with subscription rates at or above the national average were in metro areas—

and the sole exception (Watauga County, North Carolina) is home to a major university (Appalachian State). With 

high-speed Internet access being credited as enhancing economic growth and development, these are signs that 

many communities in the Region may be at risk of being left behind. 

Map Title: Percent of Households in the Appalachian Region With a Broadband Internet Subscription, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent of Households With

Broadband Internet, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 78.1 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 72.3 PERCENT

70 percent to 78 percent

78.1 percent or greater

60 percent to 69.9 percent

Less than 60 percent
76 

TRENDS IN EDUCATION 

• Since the 2008-2012 period, the share of Appalachian adults ages 25 and over with at least a high 

school diploma has risen more than two percentage points, to 86 percent in 2013-2017 (see Tables 

5.1 and 5.4). The increase is almost a full percentage point greater than the national average, placing 

the Region’s high school completion prevalence almost equal to that of the country. Most of this 

increase is due to the rising share of adults attaining a bachelor’s degree or more.

• Within the Region, the high school completion prevalence among adults ages 25 and over increased 

the most in Central Appalachia (an improvement of more than four percentage points) and in 

Appalachia’s most rural counties (an increase of more than three points). With these improvements, 

the share of adults completing high school as of 2013-2017 has reached 78 percent in Central 

Appalachia and has surpassed 80 percent in the Region’s rural areas. The Appalachian sections of 

Kentucky and Virginia had the largest increases among the states—at least four percentage points.

• Nearly one-third of Appalachian adults ages 25 and over had at least an associate’s degree in 2013-

2017—more than three percentage points higher than in 2008-2012. In large metropolitan areas and 

the Appalachian sections of Pennsylvania and North Carolina, the increase was almost four points. 

The increase was smaller in Central Appalachia (2.5 points). Throughout the Region, improvements 

in the share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree fueled most of this increase; the percentage 

whose highest level of education was an associate’s degree rose about one percentage point.

• The share of adults ages 25 and over in the Region with at least a bachelor’s degree has increased 

more than two percentage points since 2008-2012—in this case, approaching 24 percent. The 

increase has been at least two percentage points in four of the five subregions and has been even 

greater in metropolitan areas and in the Appalachian portions of several states—particularly 

Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. In Central Appalachia, the 

Region’s nonmetropolitan counties, and in Appalachian Ohio, the improvement has been smaller.

• The pattern of improvement among working-age adults ages 25 to 64 has been similar to that for all 

adults, except that the overall improvement was smaller: 1.2 percentage points for high school 

completion, 2.9 points for completion of at least an associate’s degree, and 2.1 points for attainment 

of a college degree (see Table 5.5). Central Appalachia, Appalachian Kentucky and Virginia, and the 

Region’s most rural counties, still had the greatest improvement in the share with at least a high 

school diploma. Northern Appalachia, counties in large metros. and the Appalachian sections of 

Pennsylvania and Virginia, showed the greatest gains in the share of working-age adults with at least 

an associate’s and a bachelor’s degree—with the gains in attaining the latter degree driving most of 

the increase. North Central and Central Appalachia, rural counties, and the Appalachian sections of 

Ohio, Kentucky, and Mississippi experienced the largest gains in the share of adults whose highest 

level of education was an associate’s degree.

• The greatest improvement since 2008-2012 has been among adults ages 65 and over. The share of 

older adults in Appalachia with at least a high school diploma has risen seven percentage points; the 

share with at least a bachelor’s degree has increased four points (see Table 5.6). Possible factors 

fueling this increase include both the influx of younger, more educated cohorts into the older ages, 

and the arrival of well-educated older adults moving into the Region upon retirement. Within 

Appalachia’s subregions, county types, and states, the patterns of improvement that were present 

among working-age adults generally held among older adults as well. (In Central Appalachia, for 

example, the share of older adults with at least a high school diploma rose more than 10 percentage 

points, while the share with a bachelor’s degree or more increased by just over two points.) 

• Even with the improvements cited above, however, it is important to note that regardless of age, the 

prevalence of four-year college completion among adults remains well below the U.S. average in 

many parts of the Region (see Tables 5.1 through 5.3). For example, the percentage of persons ages 

25 and over with a bachelor’s degree or more remained at least 10 percentage points below the 

national share in the Appalachian sections of six states (Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Ohio, 

Virginia, and West Virginia). 

 
77 

CHAPTER 6: LABOR FORCE, EMPLOYMENT, AND UNEMPLOYMENT 

Table 6.1: Labor Force, Employment, and Unemployment Status of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian 

Region, 2013-2017 

Labor Force, Employment, and 

 Unemployment 

 Total Number of 

Civilian Persons 

Ages 25-64 

Total Persons Ages 25-64 in Civilian 

Labor Force Employment 

Rate (Pct. of Civ. 

Labor Force) 

Unemployment 

Rate (Pct. of Civ. 

Labor Force) Number Percent 

United States 167,916,375 130,055,255 77.5 94.6 5.4 

Appalachian Region 13,193,123 9,605,374 72.8 94.6 5.4 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 4,270,090 3,223,856 75.5 94.9 5.1 

North Central Appalachia 1,253,724 867,977 69.2 94.4 5.6 

Central Appalachia 986,502 588,657 59.7 92.7 7.3 

South Central Appalachia 2,465,237 1,796,284 72.9 94.7 5.3 

Southern Appalachia 4,217,570 3,128,600 74.2 94.6 5.4 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 3,217,243 2,506,842 77.9 95.0 5.0 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 5,556,045 4,095,643 73.7 94.7 5.3 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 1,120,350 788,559 70.4 94.3 5.7 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 2,021,188 1,390,565 68.8 94.2 5.8 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 1,278,297 823,765 64.4 93.5 6.5 

Alabama 2,504,924 1,782,544 71.2 94.0 6.0 

Appalachian Alabama 1,622,013 1,161,267 71.6 94.3 5.7 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 882,911 621,277 70.4 93.5 6.5 

Georgia 5,363,729 4,068,602 75.9 94.0 6.0 

Appalachian Georgia 1,648,226 1,271,451 77.1 94.9 5.1 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 3,715,503 2,797,151 75.3 93.6 6.4 

Kentucky 2,305,009 1,649,764 71.6 94.4 5.6 

Appalachian Kentucky 610,210 365,247 59.9 92.5 7.5 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 1,694,799 1,284,517 75.8 94.9 5.1 

Maryland 3,228,415 2,648,805 82.0 95.0 5.0 

Appalachian Maryland 131,401 94,168 71.7 94.2 5.8 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 3,097,014 2,554,637 82.5 95.0 5.0 

Mississippi 1,513,503 1,078,873 71.3 93.0 7.0 

Appalachian Mississippi 311,941 219,803 70.5 93.6 6.4 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 1,201,562 859,070 71.5 92.8 7.2 

New York 10,639,587 8,337,757 78.4 94.4 5.6 

Appalachian New York 514,650 387,700 75.3 94.6 5.4 

Non-Appalachian New York 10,124,937 7,950,057 78.5 94.4 5.6 

North Carolina 5,217,537 3,992,352 76.5 94.2 5.8 

Appalachian North Carolina 887,468 653,258 73.6 94.8 5.2 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 4,330,069 3,339,094 77.1 94.1 5.9 

Ohio 6,036,907 4,671,186 77.4 94.8 5.2 

Appalachian Ohio 1,034,710 738,014 71.3 94.5 5.5 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 5,002,197 3,933,172 78.6 94.8 5.2 

Pennsylvania 6,700,962 5,236,123 78.1 94.7 5.3 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 2,986,416 2,277,814 76.3 95.1 4.9 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 3,714,546 2,958,309 79.6 94.5 5.5 

South Carolina 2,515,417 1,882,373 74.8 94.2 5.8 

Appalachian South Carolina 635,390 476,079 74.9 95.0 5.0 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 1,880,027 1,406,294 74.8 93.9 6.1 

Tennessee 3,450,737 2,567,243 74.4 94.6 5.4 

Appalachian Tennessee 1,472,057 1,053,062 71.5 94.5 5.5 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 1,978,680 1,514,181 76.5 94.7 5.3 

Virginia 4,420,713 3,515,266 79.5 95.6 4.4 

Appalachian Virginia 382,341 260,613 68.2 94.5 5.5 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 4,038,372 3,254,653 80.6 95.7 4.3 

West Virginia (entire state) 956,300 646,898 67.6 94.1 5.9 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 
78 

Figure 6.1: Percent of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region Who Are In the Labor Force, 2013-2017 

In the 2013-2017 period, 73 percent of Appalachia’s civilian population in the prime working ages (ages 25 to 64) were in 

the civilian labor force, slightly below the U.S. average of 77.5 percent. In 33 Appalachian counties (27 of which were in 

metropolitan areas), the share was at or above the national average, yet there were 53 counties where less than 60 

percent of 25-to-64-year-olds were in the civilian labor force. Nearly all the counties in the latter group were outside of 

metropolitan areas, and 38 were in Central Appalachia. Indeed, just under 60 percent of working-age residents in 

Central Appalachia and 64 percent of those in the most isolated rural areas were in the labor force. And there are 

indications of a possible connection between educational attainment and labor force participation. For example, in 24 of 

the 33 counties where labor force participation levels were at or above the national rate, at least 90 percent of workingage adults had attained at least a high school diploma. 

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region Who Are In the Labor Force, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

70 percent to 77.4 percent

77.5 percent or greater

60 percent to 69.9 percent

Less than 60 percent

U.S. AVERAGE: 77.5 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 72.8 PERCENT

Percent Ages 25-64 in Civilian

Labor Force, 2013-2017
79 

Figure 6.2: Employment Rate for Civilian Labor Force Participants Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region, 

2013-2017 

The employment rate in Appalachia among members of the civilian labor force ages 25 to 64 was identical to the 

national rate during the 2013-2017 period. Although there were only slight differences among subregions and 

urban/rural county types, there was some variation at the county level. In 179 of the Region’s 420 counties, the 

employment rate matched or exceeded the national average, with 54 counties having employment rates of 96 percent 

or greater. Yet in 17 counties in the Region (nearly half of which were in Central Appalachia), employment among 25-

to-64-year-olds was less than 90 percent. And all 17 of these counties with low employment were outside metropolitan 

areas. While most of the counties with the lowest employment rates also had similarly low employment in 2008-2012, 

the rate had been at least 92 percent in eight of them—suggesting that these eight counties may not have fully 

recovered economically from the recent recession. 

Map Title: Employment Rate for Civilian Labor Force Participants Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

94.6 percent to 95.9 percent

96 percent or greater

90 percent to 94.5 percent

Less than 90 percent

U.S. AVERAGE: 94.6 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 94.6 PERCENT

Employment Rate, Civilian LF

Participants Ages 25-64, 2013-2017
80 

Figure 6.3: Unemployment Rate for Civilian Labor Force Participants Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian 

Region, 2013-2017 

Unemployment in the Appalachian Region among persons ages 25 to 64 matched the national average of 5.4 percent 

during the 2013-2017 period. Within Appalachia, the jobless rate was at least 10 percent in 17 counties—all of which 

were outside metropolitan areas and nine of which were in Central Appalachia. (Unemployment was 7.3 percent in 

Central Appalachia.) Conversely, the unemployment rate was less than 4 percent in 46 other counties, with 15 of these 

located in Northern Appalachia—the subregion that had the lowest jobless level. There are indications of a connection 

between unemployment and educational attainment: In all but one of the 17 Appalachian counties with double-digit 

unemployment, the share of 25-to-64-year-olds with at least a high school diploma was below the national average; in 11 

of these counties, the share was less than four-fifths. 

Map Title: Unemployment Rate for Civilian Labor Force Participants Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

5.4 percent to 9.9 percent

10 percent or greater

4 percent to 5.3 percent

Less than 4 percent

U.S. AVERAGE: 5.4 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 5.4 PERCENT

Unemployment Rate, Civilian LF

Participants Ages 25-64, 2013-2017
81 

Table 6.2: Percentage Point Change in Labor Force, Employment, and Unemployment Status of Persons 

Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Labor Force, Employment, and 

 Unemployment 

Percentage Point Change 

 Labor Force 

Participation Rate 

 Employment Rate 

(Pct. of Civ. Labor 

Force) 

Unemployment Rate 

(Pct. of Civ. Labor 

Force) 

United States - 0.6 + 2.3 - 2.3 

Appalachian Region - 0.8 + 2.3 - 2.3 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia - 0.6 + 1.7 - 1.7 

North Central Appalachia - 1.0 + 1.6 - 1.6 

Central Appalachia - 0.6 + 1.3 - 1.3 

South Central Appalachia - 1.2 + 2.7 - 2.7 

Southern Appalachia - 0.9 + 3.0 - 3.0 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) - 0.3 + 2.4 - 2.4 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) - 1.0 + 2.2 - 2.2 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros - 1.6 + 2.8 - 2.8 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros - 1.2 + 2.2 - 2.2 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) - 1.0 + 1.7 - 1.7 

Alabama - 1.5 + 2.3 - 2.3 

Appalachian Alabama - 1.5 + 2.4 - 2.4 

Non-Appalachian Alabama - 1.7 + 2.2 - 2.2 

Georgia - 0.8 + 2.8 - 2.8 

Appalachian Georgia - 0.8 + 3.4 - 3.4 

Non-Appalachian Georgia - 0.9 + 2.5 - 2.5 

Kentucky - 0.2 + 2.2 - 2.2 

Appalachian Kentucky - 0.8 + 1.5 - 1.5 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky - 0.2 + 2.4 - 2.4 

Maryland - 0.7 + 1.2 - 1.2 

Appalachian Maryland - 1.8 + 1.2 - 1.2 

Non-Appalachian Maryland - 0.6 + 1.2 - 1.2 

Mississippi - 0.9 + 1.2 - 1.2 

Appalachian Mississippi - 0.8 + 2.5 - 2.5 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi - 0.9 + 0.8 - 0.8 

New York - 0.1 + 1.6 - 1.6 

Appalachian New York - 1.4 + 1.1 - 1.1 

Non-Appalachian New York - 0.1 + 1.7 - 1.7 

North Carolina - 0.8 + 3.0 - 3.0 

Appalachian North Carolina - 1.2 + 3.4 - 3.4 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina - 0.7 + 2.9 - 2.9 

Ohio - 0.7 + 2.9 - 2.9 

Appalachian Ohio - 1.3 + 3.2 - 3.2 

Non-Appalachian Ohio - 0.7 + 2.7 - 2.7 

Pennsylvania - 0.3 + 1.6 - 1.6 

Appalachian Pennsylvania - 0.3 + 1.6 - 1.6 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania - 0.4 + 1.7 - 1.7 

South Carolina - 0.3 + 3.5 - 3.5 

Appalachian South Carolina - 0.2 + 3.9 - 3.9 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina - 0.4 + 3.3 - 3.3 

Tennessee - 0.7 + 2.7 - 2.7 

Appalachian Tennessee - 1.2 + 2.6 - 2.6 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee - 0.4 + 2.8 - 2.8 

Virginia - 0.1 + 1.0 - 1.0 

Appalachian Virginia - 0.8 + 1.2 - 1.2 

Non-Appalachian Virginia - 0.1 + 1.0 - 1.0 

West Virginia (entire state) - 0.7 + 0.4 - 0.4 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 

 
82 

Figure 6.4: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region Who 

Are In the Labor Force, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Between 2008-2012 and 2013-2017, the labor force participation rate among civilians ages 25 to 64 fell 0.8 percentage 

points in the Appalachian Region, compared with 0.6 percentage points for the nation as a whole. The decline was 

present in most of the Region—nearly three-fifths of Appalachia’s 420 counties had decreases in labor force participation 

rates that exceeded the U.S. average. And in 41 counties (31 of them in Central, South Central, and Southern 

Appalachia), the labor force participation rate among working-age adults was at least five percentage points lower than 

in 2008-2012. But participation rates did increase in some parts of Appalachia—there were 43 counties in the Region 

where the share of adults in the labor force rose by at least two percentage points. Almost two-thirds of the counties in 

this latter group were in three states—Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia. 

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region Who Are In the 

 Labor Force, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Share Ages 25-64 in

Civilian Labor Force,

2008-2012 to 2013-2017

U.S. AVG.: -0.6 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: -0.8 PCT. POINTS

-0.6 to +1.9 percentage points

+2 percentage points or more

-4.9 to -0.7 percentage points

-5 percentage points or more
83 

Figure 6.5: Percentage Point Change in the Unemployment Rate for Civilian Labor Force Participants Ages 25 

to 64 in the Appalachian Region, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Unemployment among civilian labor force participants declined by more than two percentage points between 2008-2012 

and 2013-2017, both in Appalachia and nationwide. And in 198 of the Region’s 420 counties, unemployment declined 

even further. (Most of these counties were in South Central and Southern Appalachia.) These numbers support an 

economic rebound from the “Great Recession” of 2007-2009, given that the 2008-2012 period includes all but one month 

of the economic downturn, and the 2013-2017 period covers the later years of the post-recession period. Yet in 61 

Appalachian counties, the unemployment rate was actually higher in 2013-2017 than it was in 2008-2012, with half of 

these counties in either Kentucky or West Virginia. While 13 of these counties already had jobless rates at or above the 

national average of 7.7 percent in 2008-2012, unemployment in the earlier period had been less than 5 percent in 15 

others. This suggests that more recent economic forces—in addition to a slow recovery—may be at play in some areas. 

 

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Unemployment Rate for Civilian Labor Force Participants Ages 25 to 64 in the 

 Appalachian Region, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Unemployment Rate,

Civilian LF Participants Ages 25-64,

2008-2012 to 2013-2017

U.S. AVG.: -2.3 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: -2.3 PCT. POINTS

-2.3 to 0 percentage points

Increase

-2.4 percentage points or more
84 

TRENDS IN LABOR FORCE, EMPLOYMENT, AND UNEMPLOYMENT 

• Among working-age adults (ages 25 to 64), Appalachia’s labor force participation rate in 2013-2017 

was 72.8 percent, 0.8 percentage points lower than its rate in 2008-2012 (see Tables 6.1 and 6.2). 

The decline was even greater in South Central Appalachia and in nonmetropolitan counties bordering 

metro areas, where the rates fell more than a full percentage point.

• Within the civilian labor force, the employment rate in Appalachia was 94.6 percent, which was more 

than two percentage points higher than the employment rate in 2008-2012. Among the subregions, 

the increase was greatest in Southern Appalachia, where employment rose three percentage points. 

Employment in Central Appalachia, however, only rose by 1.3 points, the lowest among the 

subregions. Elsewhere in the Region, the employment rate rose less than two percentage points 

among the most rural Appalachian counties—a noticeably smaller increase than among Appalachian 

counties within or bordering metropolitan areas. Among the states, employment increased the most in 

the Appalachian sections of South Carolina (3.9 percentage points), Georgia (3.4 points), North 

Carolina (3.4 points), and Ohio (3.2 points). West Virginia had the smallest increase at 0.4 

percentage points.

• As Appalachia’s employment rate rose between 2008-2012 and 2013-2017, its unemployment rate 

fell. The Region’s unemployment rate of 5.4 percent in the later period is 2.3 percentage points lower 

than its rate in 2008-2012.

• The labor force and employment data provide a mixed picture. On one hand, the lower labor force 

rates in 2013-2017 for both Appalachia and the United States suggest that labor force levels may not 

yet have rebounded from the economic downturn of 2007-2009. Yet the higher employment rates 

(and thus the lower rates of unemployment) support the idea of an economic recovery in much of the 

Region.

 
85 

CHAPTER 7: TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUTING PATTERNS 

Table 7.1: Means of Transportation for Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 

Means of Transportation 

Total 

Workers 

Ages 16 and 

Over 

Percent of Workers Ages 16 and Over 

Car, Truck, 

or Van 

(Drove 

Alone) 

Car, Truck, 

or Van 

(Carpooled) 

Public 

Transportation 

(Excluding 

Taxicab) 

Walked 

Taxicab, 

Motorcycle, 

Bicycle, or 

Other 

Means 

Worked at 

Home 

United States 148,432,042 76.4 9.2 5.1 2.7 1.8 4.7 

Appalachian Region 10,988,569 82.2 9.3 1.2 2.3 1.2 3.9 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 3,719,529 79.8 8.9 2.5 3.6 1.2 3.9 

North Central Appalachia 992,575 82.7 9.2 0.7 2.7 1.1 3.5 

Central Appalachia 655,177 83.4 10.3 0.3 1.9 1.2 2.8 

South Central Appalachia 2,075,825 83.1 9.1 0.6 1.7 1.2 4.4 

Southern Appalachia 3,545,463 83.7 9.6 0.5 1.1 1.2 4.0 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 2,827,733 80.3 9.2 2.6 2.0 1.1 4.8 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 4,724,441 83.0 8.8 0.9 2.2 1.2 3.8 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 901,734 83.0 9.5 0.4 2.6 1.2 3.4 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 1,593,239 82.4 10.1 0.3 2.6 1.1 3.4 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 941,422 82.3 10.0 0.4 2.6 1.4 3.3 

Alabama 2,030,100 85.9 8.6 0.4 1.1 1.0 3.1 

Appalachian Alabama 1,318,830 86.0 8.7 0.4 1.0 1.0 2.9 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 711,270 85.7 8.2 0.3 1.2 1.1 3.4 

Georgia 4,553,332 79.5 10.0 2.1 1.5 1.7 5.2 

Appalachian Georgia 1,426,751 81.0 10.5 0.6 1.1 1.4 5.4 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 3,126,581 78.7 9.8 2.8 1.7 1.8 5.1 

Kentucky 1,909,202 82.2 9.6 1.1 2.3 1.4 3.4 

Appalachian Kentucky 409,165 82.5 10.7 0.3 2.3 1.4 2.8 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 1,500,037 82.1 9.3 1.3 2.3 1.4 3.6 

Maryland 3,008,292 73.8 9.1 8.8 2.4 1.4 4.5 

Appalachian Maryland 108,083 81.0 9.8 1.1 2.9 1.1 4.1 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 2,900,209 73.5 9.1 9.1 2.4 1.4 4.5 

Mississippi 1,208,408 85.1 9.4 0.3 1.4 1.6 2.1 

Appalachian Mississippi 249,862 85.4 9.6 0.2 1.2 1.0 2.5 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 958,546 85.0 9.3 0.4 1.5 1.8 2.0 

New York 9,269,671 52.9 6.6 28.2 6.3 1.9 4.1 

Appalachian New York 457,804 77.6 9.2 1.9 6.0 1.3 3.9 

Non-Appalachian New York 8,811,867 51.6 6.5 29.6 6.3 2.0 4.1 

North Carolina 4,570,330 81.2 9.5 1.0 1.8 1.3 5.2 

Appalachian North Carolina 745,111 82.0 9.4 0.5 1.7 1.2 5.1 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 3,825,219 81.0 9.5 1.2 1.9 1.3 5.2 

Ohio 5,382,511 83.4 7.7 1.6 2.2 1.1 3.9 

Appalachian Ohio 847,404 84.5 8.0 0.5 2.2 1.3 3.4 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 4,535,107 83.2 7.6 1.8 2.2 1.1 3.9 

Pennsylvania 5,976,599 76.4 8.5 5.6 3.8 1.4 4.4 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 2,621,472 79.2 9.0 3.0 3.5 1.2 4.1 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 3,355,127 74.3 8.0 7.5 3.9 1.6 4.6

South Carolina 2,168,006 82.6 9.3 0.6 2.2 1.5 3.8 

Appalachian South Carolina 550,020 84.4 9.3 0.5 1.4 1.0 3.4 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 1,617,986 82.1 9.3 0.6 2.4 1.6 3.9 

Tennessee 2,951,964 83.6 9.0 0.7 1.4 1.3 4.1 

Appalachian Tennessee 1,214,285 84.1 9.0 0.4 1.4 1.1 3.9 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 1,737,679 83.2 8.9 1.0 1.3 1.4 4.3 

Virginia 4,115,810 77.3 9.3 4.4 2.4 1.7 4.8 

Appalachian Virginia 307,375 83.1 8.8 1.1 2.4 1.2 3.4 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 3,808,435 76.9 9.3 4.7 2.5 1.8 4.9 

West Virginia (entire state) 732,407 82.2 9.7 0.9 2.9 1.1 3.2 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 
86 

Table 7.2: Means of Transportation for Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Below the 

Poverty Level, 2013-2017 

Means of Transportation 

Total 

Workers 

Ages 16 and 

Over Below 

the Poverty 

Level 

Percent of Workers Ages 16 and Over Below the Poverty Level 

Car, Truck, 

or Van 

(Drove 

Alone) 

Car, Truck, 

or Van 

(Carpooled) 

Public 

Transportation 

(Excluding 

Taxicab) 

Walked 

Taxicab, 

Motorcycle, 

Bicycle, or 

Other 

Means 

Worked at 

Home 

United States 10,043,600 64.7 12.9 8.3 6.2 3.5 4.4 

Appalachian Region 795,515 71.6 13.5 2.8 5.8 2.7 3.7 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 232,839 64.4 12.4 5.9 10.4 2.8 4.1 

North Central Appalachia 76,680 69.4 12.8 2.1 9.0 2.5 4.1 

Central Appalachia 62,048 76.0 13.7 0.6 4.4 2.3 3.2 

South Central Appalachia 170,130 74.5 13.2 2.1 3.2 2.5 4.4 

Southern Appalachia 253,818 75.8 14.9 1.1 2.7 2.8 2.9 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 160,102 67.0 15.4 5.6 6.1 2.5 3.4 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 350,915 72.0 12.7 3.0 5.8 2.8 3.7 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 72,732 71.8 12.9 0.9 7.3 2.8 4.3 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 126,823 72.9 14.6 0.9 5.2 2.6 3.9 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 84,943 76.2 12.4 1.0 4.8 2.1 3.6 

Alabama 160,944 79.5 12.5 1.2 2.7 1.9 2.3 

Appalachian Alabama 98,126 78.4 13.5 1.3 2.7 2.0 2.2 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 62,818 81.2 11.0 1.0 2.6 1.7 2.5 

Georgia 355,265 68.7 15.5 4.8 3.4 3.6 3.9 

Appalachian Georgia 92,542 72.0 16.8 0.9 2.8 3.7 3.8 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 262,723 67.6 15.0 6.2 3.6 3.6 4.0 

Kentucky 150,924 71.2 13.2 3.1 6.2 2.8 3.5 

Appalachian Kentucky 41,663 75.4 13.5 0.6 4.9 2.6 3.0 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 109,261 69.6 13.1 4.0 6.7 2.9 3.6 

Maryland 120,006 56.7 13.3 15.4 6.4 2.8 5.3 

Appalachian Maryland 6,505 66.0 15.8 3.2 7.6 2.4 5.0 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 113,501 56.2 13.2 16.1 6.4 2.9 5.3 

Mississippi 112,877 78.7 13.3 1.0 2.4 3.0 1.7 

Appalachian Mississippi 22,722 82.1 12.0 0.0 1.6 1.9 2.3 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 90,155 77.8 13.6 1.2 2.6 3.3 1.6 

New York 580,287 34.0 7.8 37.4 13.1 2.9 4.9 

Appalachian New York 35,237 61.1 11.7 6.2 13.5 2.9 4.5 

Non-Appalachian New York 545,050 32.2 7.5 39.4 13.0 2.9 4.9 

North Carolina 351,828 71.6 16.0 3.0 3.3 2.3 3.9 

Appalachian North Carolina 63,018 74.1 13.3 2.0 3.1 2.5 5.0 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 288,810 71.0 16.6 3.2 3.3 2.3 3.6 

Ohio 366,381 68.8 12.4 5.7 6.7 2.9 3.5 

Appalachian Ohio 63,714 73.8 11.7 1.1 6.3 3.0 4.0 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 302,667 67.7 12.5 6.6 6.8 2.9 3.4 

Pennsylvania 326,498 58.1 12.5 12.4 10.1 2.8 4.1 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 152,764 62.4 12.6 7.1 11.2 2.8 4.0 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 173,734 54.3 12.4 17.0 9.2 2.9 4.2

South Carolina 170,827 73.4 14.9 1.8 3.5 3.4 3.0 

Appalachian South Carolina 40,428 74.5 15.4 1.7 2.8 3.0 2.7 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 130,399 73.1 14.8 1.8 3.7 3.5 3.1 

Tennessee 222,587 74.3 14.3 2.2 2.8 2.5 3.8 

Appalachian Tennessee 98,193 75.7 13.7 1.3 2.8 2.3 4.2 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 124,394 73.1 14.8 3.0 2.9 2.7 3.5 

Virginia 208,044 65.7 13.2 7.0 5.5 4.1 4.5 

Appalachian Virginia 24,466 72.3 12.9 4.1 4.6 2.4 3.7 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 183,578 64.8 13.3 7.4 5.6 4.3 4.7 

West Virginia (entire state) 56,137 69.0 13.1 2.8 9.0 2.2 3.9 

Note: Poverty status is determined by a series of income thresholds that are determined by family size and composition. In 2017, the poverty 

threshold for a family of two adults and two children was $24,858. The poverty universe does not include unrelated individuals under age 15, 

people living in college dormitories, and people living in institutional group quarters. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 
87 

Table 7.3: Availability of Vehicles for Households in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 

 Availability of Vehicles Total 

Households 

Percent of Households 

No Vehicle 

Available 

One Vehicle 

Available 

Two 

Vehicles 

Available 

Three 

Vehicles 

Available 

Four or More 

Vehicles 

Available 

United States 118,825,921 8.8 33.2 37.4 14.2 6.4 

Appalachian Region 9,968,829 7.3 32.2 37.6 15.6 7.2 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 3,355,355 9.5 34.4 37.0 13.5 5.7 

North Central Appalachia 952,196 7.7 32.4 37.4 15.4 7.1 

Central Appalachia 742,914 8.7 32.4 36.2 15.6 7.1 

South Central Appalachia 1,936,283 5.9 31.3 37.3 17.1 8.3 

Southern Appalachia 2,982,081 5.4 30.2 39.0 17.2 8.3 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 2,314,330 7.1 31.8 39.1 15.2 6.8 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 4,239,720 7.3 32.8 37.5 15.3 7.1

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 856,434 7.4 31.8 37.1 16.0 7.7 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 1,570,998 7.1 31.1 36.8 16.9 8.1 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 987,347 8.4 32.4 36.5 15.6 7.1 

Alabama 1,856,695 6.2 32.7 37.0 16.2 7.8 

Appalachian Alabama 1,195,020 5.9 31.7 37.2 16.8 8.4 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 661,675 6.9 34.6 36.7 15.2 6.6 

Georgia 3,663,104 6.7 33.2 38.2 15.1 6.7 

Appalachian Georgia 1,077,035 4.1 27.6 41.5 18.1 8.6 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 2,586,069 7.8 35.6 36.8 13.9 5.9 

Kentucky 1,724,514 7.7 33.0 37.9 14.8 6.6 

Appalachian Kentucky 459,071 8.8 33.1 36.2 15.3 6.7 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 1,265,443 7.3 33.0 38.5 14.6 6.6 

Maryland 2,181,093 9.1 32.4 37.0 14.6 7.0 

Appalachian Maryland 95,623 8.9 31.8 35.2 16.2 8.0 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 2,085,470 9.1 32.5 37.0 14.5 6.9 

Mississippi 1,103,514 6.7 33.2 37.1 15.8 7.2 

Appalachian Mississippi 236,502 6.7 31.0 36.9 17.3 8.0 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 867,012 6.6 33.9 37.1 15.4 7.0 

New York 7,302,710 29.0 32.8 26.2 8.4 3.5 

Appalachian New York 416,654 10.5 35.9 36.7 12.3 4.6 

Non-Appalachian New York 6,886,056 30.1 32.6 25.6 8.2 3.5 

North Carolina 3,874,346 6.1 32.1 38.4 16.1 7.2 

Appalachian North Carolina 703,053 5.8 31.7 37.6 16.8 8.1 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 3,171,293 6.1 32.2 38.6 15.9 7.0

Ohio 4,633,145 8.3 33.3 37.6 14.4 6.4 

Appalachian Ohio 793,340 7.9 30.9 36.6 16.5 8.2 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 3,839,805 8.4 33.8 37.8 14.0 6.1 

Pennsylvania 5,007,442 11.1 34.1 36.4 13.0 5.5 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 2,339,671 9.5 34.5 37.2 13.3 5.5 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 2,667,771 12.4 33.7 35.8 12.7 5.4 

South Carolina 1,871,307 6.5 33.4 38.5 15.1 6.5 

Appalachian South Carolina 473,524 6.5 31.6 38.8 15.8 7.2 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 1,397,783 6.5 34.0 38.4 14.8 6.2

Tennessee 2,547,194 6.1 32.2 38.1 16.1 7.5 

Appalachian Tennessee 1,137,525 5.9 31.2 37.6 16.9 8.4 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 1,409,669 6.2 32.9 38.5 15.5 6.8 

Virginia 3,105,636 6.3 30.4 38.1 16.9 8.3 

Appalachian Virginia 304,140 7.2 29.7 35.3 18.6 9.2 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 2,801,496 6.2 30.4 38.4 16.8 8.2 

West Virginia (entire state) 737,671 8.7 34.7 37.3 13.7 5.6 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 
88 

Table 7.4: Number of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Live in Households With No 

Vehicle Available, by Means of Transportation, 2013-2017 

Availability of Vehicles 

Total 

Workers 

Ages 16 and 

Over 

Car, Truck, 

or Van 

(Drove 

Alone) 

Car, Truck, 

or Van 

(Carpooled) 

Public 

Transportation 

(Excluding 

Taxicab) 

Walked 

Taxicab, 

Motorcycle, 

Bicycle, or 

Other 

Means 

Worked at 

Home 

United States 6,417,792 1,330,506 713,424 2,649,075 934,259 513,285 277,243 

Appalachian Region 287,716 102,072 61,096 35,148 48,591 27,554 13,255 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 140,603 37,746 25,993 26,144 29,892 12,508 8,320 

North Central Appalachia 25,046 9,660 5,118 2,009 4,892 2,214 1,153 

Central Appalachia 13,778 5,910 3,651 119 2,170 1,482 446 

South Central Appalachia 38,283 17,351 7,685 3,649 4,307 3,738 1,553 

Southern Appalachia 70,006 31,405 18,649 3,227 7,330 7,612 1,783 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 76,794 23,529 13,025 19,137 13,439 5,221 2,443 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 116,915 44,039 23,508 13,932 19,404 11,593 4,439 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 25,227 9,145 5,895 760 4,864 2,729 1,834 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 40,530 16,016 10,818 693 6,471 4,006 2,526 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 28,250 9,343 7,850 626 4,413 4,005 2,013 

Alabama 39,760 19,502 9,812 2,126 4,201 3,192 927 

Appalachian Alabama 24,270 11,907 5,966 1,478 2,503 1,888 528 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 15,490 7,595 3,846 648 1,698 1,304 399 

Georgia 138,454 41,171 32,421 31,001 13,506 15,812 4,543 

Appalachian Georgia 28,550 11,378 8,292 1,163 2,964 3,893 860 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 109,904 29,793 24,129 29,838 10,542 11,919 3,683 

Kentucky 50,484 15,670 10,282 8,467 7,743 5,986 2,336 

Appalachian Kentucky 9,123 3,266 2,668 115 1,442 1,291 341 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 41,361 12,404 7,614 8,352 6,301 4,695 1,995 

Maryland 122,979 26,214 14,372 58,689 13,381 7,026 3,297 

Appalachian Maryland 3,416 1,371 487 386 651 353 168 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 119,563 24,843 13,885 58,303 12,730 6,673 3,129 

Mississippi 26,611 12,819 7,191 837 2,518 2,750 496 

Appalachian Mississippi 5,149 2,400 1,411 30 623 532 153 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 21,462 10,419 5,780 807 1,895 2,218 343 

New York 2,015,217 116,559 67,626 1,370,191 291,284 84,642 84,915 

Appalachian New York 20,058 5,293 3,460 2,904 6,040 1,556 805 

Non-Appalachian New York 1,995,159 111,266 64,166 1,367,287 285,244 83,086 84,110 

North Carolina 105,279 41,635 26,072 13,375 10,548 10,296 3,353 

Appalachian North Carolina 15,085 7,038 3,076 1,233 1,390 1,748 600 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 90,194 34,597 22,996 12,142 9,158 8,548 2,753 

Ohio 160,650 48,777 32,816 33,955 22,027 14,658 8,417 

Appalachian Ohio 27,522 8,762 7,757 945 3,487 4,259 2,312 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 133,128 40,015 25,059 33,010 18,540 10,399 6,105 

Pennsylvania 295,189 57,669 40,568 105,520 53,931 21,389 16,112 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 95,721 25,846 15,292 21,872 20,294 6,998 5,419 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 199,468 31,823 25,276 83,648 33,637 14,391 10,693 

South Carolina 49,480 17,582 15,023 3,962 5,878 5,980 1,055 

Appalachian South Carolina 12,037 5,720 2,980 556 1,240 1,299 242 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 37,443 11,862 12,043 3,406 4,638 4,681 813 

Tennessee 58,299 24,092 12,355 7,838 6,691 5,023 2,300 

Appalachian Tennessee 20,409 9,428 4,186 1,772 2,490 1,713 820 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 37,890 14,664 8,169 6,066 4,201 3,310 1,480 

Virginia 110,622 34,392 19,440 28,962 12,553 10,784 4,491 

Appalachian Virginia 6,043 2,802 1,239 644 760 368 230 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 104,579 31,590 18,201 28,318 11,793 10,416 4,261 

West Virginia (entire state) 20,333 6,861 4,282 2,050 4,707 1,656 777 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.
89 

Table 7.5: Percent of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Live in Households With No 

Vehicle Available, by Means of Transportation, 2013-2017 

Availability of Vehicles 

Total 

Workers 

Ages 16 and 

Over 

Car, Truck, 

or Van 

(Drove 

Alone) 

Car, Truck, 

or Van 

(Carpooled) 

Public 

Transportation 

(Excluding 

Taxicab) 

Walked 

Taxicab, 

Motorcycle, 

Bicycle, or 

Other 

Means 

Worked at 

Home 

United States 4.4 1.2 5.3 35.3 27.0 19.3 4.1 

Appalachian Region 2.6 1.1 6.0 27.8 23.7 21.6 3.2 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 3.8 1.3 7.9 28.9 26.6 27.7 6.0 

North Central Appalachia 2.5 1.2 5.6 28.5 20.7 21.0 3.5 

Central Appalachia 2.1 1.1 5.4 6.9 21.2 19.1 2.5 

South Central Appalachia 1.9 1.0 4.1 33.3 16.2 15.6 1.8 

Southern Appalachia 2.0 1.1 5.5 19.8 22.5 18.9 1.3 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 2.7 1.0 5.1 25.9 27.6 16.2 1.8 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 2.5 1.1 5.7 33.9 23.3 21.2 2.6 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 2.8 1.2 7.0 24.9 23.6 26.3 6.3 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 2.6 1.2 6.7 14.9 19.2 22.4 4.8 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 3.0 1.2 8.4 17.4 23.0 31.5 6.8 

Alabama 2.0 1.1 5.7 29.9 22.6 15.8 1.5 

Appalachian Alabama 1.9 1.1 5.2 31.3 22.2 15.0 1.4 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 2.2 1.3 6.6 27.2 23.3 17.3 1.7 

Georgia 3.1 1.1 7.2 33.1 24.8 21.1 2.0 

Appalachian Georgia 2.0 1.0 5.6 13.5 22.0 20.1 1.1 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 3.6 1.2 7.9 35.1 25.7 21.5 2.4 

Kentucky 2.7 1.0 5.7 41.9 23.2 23.1 3.7 

Appalachian Kentucky 2.3 1.0 6.1 8.8 20.5 22.9 3.1 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 2.8 1.0 5.5 44.2 23.9 23.1 3.8 

Maryland 4.1 1.2 5.2 22.4 21.3 17.1 2.5 

Appalachian Maryland 3.2 1.6 4.6 34.3 22.6 31.3 3.8 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 4.2 1.2 5.3 22.3 21.2 16.7 2.5 

Mississippi 2.2 1.3 6.4 21.2 20.0 14.1 2.0 

Appalachian Mississippi 2.1 1.1 5.9 7.0 25.8 20.7 2.5 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 2.3 1.3 6.5 22.9 18.6 13.1 1.8 

New York 21.9 2.4 11.2 52.7 54.0 47.8 23.2 

Appalachian New York 4.5 1.5 8.3 34.6 29.2 26.3 5.0 

Non-Appalachian New York 22.8 2.5 11.4 52.7 55.0 48.6 24.1 

North Carolina 2.3 1.1 6.1 29.3 17.9 17.7 1.5 

Appalachian North Carolina 2.0 1.2 4.4 34.3 13.5 20.5 1.6 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 2.4 1.1 6.5 28.8 18.9 17.2 1.4 

Ohio 3.0 1.1 8.0 40.1 22.1 24.0 4.2 

Appalachian Ohio 3.3 1.2 11.5 25.3 21.4 38.7 8.2 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 3.0 1.1 7.3 40.8 22.3 20.8 3.5 

Pennsylvania 5.0 1.3 8.1 32.1 28.0 26.0 6.4 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 3.7 1.2 6.5 28.0 25.9 23.2 5.3 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 6.0 1.3 9.5 33.4 29.4 27.6 7.2 

South Carolina 2.3 1.0 7.5 34.2 22.3 19.1 1.3 

Appalachian South Carolina 2.2 1.2 5.9 22.5 22.6 23.2 1.4 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 2.4 0.9 8.0 37.3 22.2 18.2 1.3 

Tennessee 2.0 1.0 4.7 37.1 20.6 13.6 1.9 

Appalachian Tennessee 1.7 0.9 3.9 38.2 18.9 12.9 1.7 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 2.2 1.0 5.3 36.7 21.8 14.1 2.0 

Virginia 2.7 1.1 5.2 16.1 17.3 15.6 2.3 

Appalachian Virginia 2.0 1.1 4.6 21.1 15.2 10.1 2.4 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 2.8 1.1 5.2 16.0 17.5 15.9 2.3 

West Virginia (entire state) 2.8 1.1 6.1 33.7 24.9 20.1 3.4 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 
90 

Table 7.6: Relationship Between Number of Workers and Availability of Vehicles for Households in the 

Appalachian Region With One or More Workers, 2013-2017 

Availability of Vehicles 

Total 

Households 

With One or 

More Workers 

Percent of Households With One or More Workers 

Households 

With Zero 

Vehicles 

Households 

Where Workers 

Exceed 

Vehicles 

Households 

Where Workers 

Equal Vehicles 

Households 

Where Vehicles 

Exceed 

Workers 

United States 87,162,391 5.1 6.6 51.9 36.4 

Appalachian Region 6,721,932 3.2 4.7 49.3 42.8 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 2,271,844 4.7 5.8 52.4 37.1 

North Central Appalachia 616,359 3.2 4.5 48.0 44.3 

Central Appalachia 421,792 2.5 4.1 42.9 50.5 

South Central Appalachia 1,282,501 2.2 3.9 47.4 46.4 

Southern Appalachia 2,129,436 2.3 4.3 48.6 44.8 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 1,700,779 3.3 5.1 52.7 38.8 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 2,886,212 3.1 4.8 50.1 42.0 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 556,521 3.3 4.5 46.8 45.4 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 988,852 3.1 4.3 44.8 47.8 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 589,568 3.3 4.3 45.0 47.4

Alabama 1,258,161 2.4 3.8 48.3 45.6 

Appalachian Alabama 817,772 2.2 3.7 47.8 46.3 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 440,389 2.6 4.0 49.3 44.1 

Georgia 2,730,749 3.5 5.6 51.6 39.3 

Appalachian Georgia 822,705 2.2 5.0 49.4 43.4 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 1,908,044 4.1 5.9 52.5 37.5 

Kentucky 1,168,454 3.3 5.0 50.9 40.9 

Appalachian Kentucky 262,316 2.6 4.3 44.0 49.0 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 906,138 3.4 5.2 52.8 38.6 

Maryland 1,701,564 5.0 8.0 53.7 33.3 

Appalachian Maryland 65,425 4.0 6.1 48.1 41.9 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 1,636,139 5.1 8.0 53.9 33.0 

Mississippi 748,692 2.7 4.4 48.2 44.8 

Appalachian Mississippi 155,020 2.5 3.5 45.2 48.7 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 593,672 2.7 4.6 48.9 43.7 

New York 5,346,735 24.2 12.0 42.2 21.6 

Appalachian New York 277,773 5.6 6.8 52.7 34.9 

Non-Appalachian New York 5,068,962 25.2 12.2 41.6 20.9 

North Carolina 2,792,138 2.8 4.7 50.3 42.2 

Appalachian North Carolina 462,544 2.4 4.0 47.8 45.8 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 2,329,594 2.9 4.8 50.8 41.5 

Ohio 3,288,369 3.7 4.6 54.0 37.7 

Appalachian Ohio 523,047 3.7 3.8 47.1 45.5 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 2,765,322 3.7 4.8 55.3 36.3 

Pennsylvania 3,553,115 5.9 6.8 53.4 33.8 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 1,597,107 4.6 6.0 53.3 36.2 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 1,956,008 7.1 7.5 53.5 32.0 

South Carolina 1,308,174 2.9 5.1 50.7 41.3 

Appalachian South Carolina 333,939 2.8 4.7 50.0 42.5 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 974,235 2.9 5.3 51.0 40.8 

Tennessee 1,806,743 2.4 4.5 50.3 42.8 

Appalachian Tennessee 751,977 2.0 3.8 47.3 46.9 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 1,054,766 2.7 5.0 52.4 39.9 

Virginia 2,374,625 3.3 5.9 51.1 39.8 

Appalachian Virginia 189,819 2.5 3.9 42.8 50.8 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 2,184,806 3.4 6.0 51.8 38.9 

West Virginia (entire state) 462,488 3.5 4.9 49.4 42.2 

Note: "Households Where Workers Equal Vehicles" include households with three (3) or more workers with three (3) or more vehicles available. 

Because those are open-ended categories, some of these households could have more workers than available vehicles, while others could have 

more vehicles than workers. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 
91 

Table 7.7: Travel Time to Work for Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region, by Amount of Time, 

2013-2017 

Travel Time to Work (Minutes) Workers Ages 

16 and Over 

Percent of Workers Ages 16 and Over Mean Travel 

Time to Work 

(Minutes) 

Less Than 

15 Minutes 

15 Minutes to 

29 Minutes 

30 Minutes to 

59 Minutes 

60 Minutes or 

More 

United States 141,404,632 26.3 36.2 28.6 8.9 26.4 

Appalachian Region 10,557,739 28.9 37.2 26.4 7.6 25.1 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 3,573,094 32.0 36.0 24.6 7.3 24.4 

North Central Appalachia 957,820 29.0 35.6 26.0 9.4 26.4 

Central Appalachia 636,753 31.1 33.1 27.0 8.7 25.7 

South Central Appalachia 1,984,826 30.1 40.8 23.9 5.2 23.0 

Southern Appalachia 3,405,246 24.3 37.4 29.7 8.6 26.7 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 2,691,598 21.4 33.7 34.1 10.8 29.2 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 4,545,806 29.8 41.5 23.3 5.4 23.2 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 871,506 33.9 33.8 23.8 8.5 24.6 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 1,538,751 32.6 33.8 25.6 8.1 25.0 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 910,078 35.4 34.6 22.7 7.2 23.6 

Alabama 1,967,598 26.4 39.4 28.1 6.1 24.6 

Appalachian Alabama 1,280,858 25.5 39.5 28.7 6.3 24.9 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 686,740 28.2 39.3 26.9 5.6 23.9 

Georgia 4,315,152 22.7 35.9 31.0 10.3 28.0 

Appalachian Georgia 1,349,585 20.3 33.3 33.2 13.2 30.4 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 2,965,567 23.8 37.1 30.0 9.0 27.0 

Kentucky 1,843,797 30.8 39.2 24.4 5.5 23.1 

Appalachian Kentucky 397,786 33.7 33.2 25.1 8.0 24.7 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 1,446,011 30.1 40.9 24.2 4.9 22.7 

Maryland 2,872,476 17.0 31.2 36.4 15.4 32.7 

Appalachian Maryland 103,660 30.9 36.7 21.5 10.8 26.4 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 2,768,816 16.5 31.0 37.0 15.6 32.9 

Mississippi 1,182,591 30.9 37.1 25.3 6.7 24.4 

Appalachian Mississippi 243,527 33.3 36.5 24.4 5.9 23.5 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 939,064 30.2 37.3 25.6 6.9 24.6 

New York 8,890,814 20.0 29.3 33.1 17.6 33.0 

Appalachian New York 439,782 39.6 36.4 18.9 5.1 20.9 

Non-Appalachian New York 8,451,032 19.0 28.9 33.8 18.2 33.6 

North Carolina 4,334,735 27.5 40.1 26.5 5.9 24.3 

Appalachian North Carolina 706,794 30.6 41.8 22.6 5.0 22.7 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 3,627,941 26.9 39.8 27.3 6.1 24.6 

Ohio 5,174,623 28.9 40.4 25.6 5.0 23.4 

Appalachian Ohio 818,390 30.7 36.2 25.0 8.2 25.3 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 4,356,233 28.6 41.2 25.7 4.4 23.0 

Pennsylvania 5,715,074 26.8 35.3 28.9 9.0 26.7 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 2,514,000 30.4 35.6 26.4 7.6 25.2 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 3,201,074 23.9 35.1 30.9 10.0 27.9

South Carolina 2,085,473 26.9 39.5 27.8 5.8 24.3 

Appalachian South Carolina 531,276 27.5 43.1 25.6 3.9 22.8 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 1,554,197 26.7 38.2 28.6 6.5 24.8 

Tennessee 2,830,030 25.9 39.6 28.3 6.2 24.8 

Appalachian Tennessee 1,166,334 28.6 40.3 25.5 5.5 23.7 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 1,663,696 24.0 39.0 30.3 6.7 25.6 

Virginia 3,918,322 22.3 36.3 31.1 10.3 28.2 

Appalachian Virginia 296,963 33.0 35.4 24.8 6.7 23.8 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 3,621,359 21.4 36.3 31.6 10.6 28.6 

West Virginia (entire state) 708,784 30.2 36.4 24.2 9.2 25.7 

Note: Persons ages 16 and over who primarily worked from home are excluded from this analysis. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 

 
92 

Table 7.8: Place of Work (State and County Level) for Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 

2013-2017 

Place of Work (State and County Level) 

 Workers 

Ages 16 and 

Over 

Percent of Workers Ages 16 and Over 

 Worked in 

County of 

Residence 

Worked Outside County of Residence 

 Total 

 Worked in 

State of 

Residence 

Worked 

Outside 

State of 

Residence 

United States 148,432,042 72.4 27.6 23.9 3.7 

Appalachian Region 10,988,569 68.3 31.7 27.2 4.5 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 3,719,529 73.6 26.4 22.1 4.3 

North Central Appalachia 992,575 63.3 36.7 25.6 11.1 

Central Appalachia 655,177 60.5 39.5 33.5 5.9 

South Central Appalachia 2,075,825 70.8 29.2 26.1 3.2 

Southern Appalachia 3,545,463 64.2 35.8 32.4 3.4 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 2,827,733 63.8 36.2 33.6 2.6 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 4,724,441 72.3 27.7 22.4 5.3 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 901,734 67.2 32.8 28.7 4.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 1,593,239 64.9 35.1 29.1 5.9

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 941,422 68.7 31.3 27.2 4.1 

Alabama 2,030,100 72.7 27.3 22.7 4.6 

Appalachian Alabama 1,318,830 71.4 28.6 25.8 2.8 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 711,270 75.1 24.9 17.0 7.9 

Georgia 4,553,332 58.5 41.5 38.8 2.7 

Appalachian Georgia 1,426,751 53.5 46.5 42.6 3.9 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 3,126,581 60.7 39.3 37.1 2.2 

Kentucky 1,909,202 68.1 31.9 25.5 6.5 

Appalachian Kentucky 409,165 62.7 37.3 32.8 4.4 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 1,500,037 69.5 30.5 23.5 7.0 

Maryland 3,008,292 53.7 46.3 29.5 16.8 

Appalachian Maryland 108,083 72.1 27.9 16.3 11.6 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 2,900,209 53.0 47.0 30.0 17.0 

Mississippi 1,208,408 63.6 36.4 28.1 8.3 

Appalachian Mississippi 249,862 64.1 35.9 30.4 5.5 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 958,546 63.4 36.6 27.5 9.0 

New York 9,269,671 64.2 35.8 33.3 2.5 

Appalachian New York 457,804 76.9 23.1 20.4 2.7 

Non-Appalachian New York 8,811,867 63.5 36.5 34.0 2.5 

North Carolina 4,570,330 71.5 28.5 26.0 2.6 

Appalachian North Carolina 745,111 72.0 28.0 25.5 2.5 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 3,825,219 71.4 28.6 26.1 2.6 

Ohio 5,382,511 69.6 30.4 27.7 2.7 

Appalachian Ohio 847,404 61.2 38.8 30.4 8.4 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 4,535,107 71.1 28.9 27.2 1.7 

Pennsylvania 5,976,599 70.5 29.5 24.3 5.2 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 2,621,472 74.6 25.4 22.0 3.4 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 3,355,127 67.2 32.8 26.1 6.7 

South Carolina 2,168,006 70.6 29.4 24.2 5.3 

Appalachian South Carolina 550,020 75.3 24.7 22.5 2.2 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 1,617,986 69.0 31.0 24.7 6.3 

Tennessee 2,951,964 71.6 28.4 24.7 3.7 

Appalachian Tennessee 1,214,285 70.9 29.1 26.1 3.0 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 1,737,679 72.0 28.0 23.8 4.2 

Virginia 4,115,810 48.5 51.5 42.7 8.8 

Appalachian Virginia 307,375 59.0 41.0 32.4 8.6 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 3,808,435 47.6 52.4 43.5 8.8 

West Virginia (entire state) 732,407 66.8 33.2 20.9 12.3 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 
93 

Figure 7.1: Percent of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Drove Alone to Work, 2013-

2017 

In the 2013-2017 period, 82 percent of workers in the Appalachian Region drove alone to their jobs, which is nearly six 

percentage points higher than the nationwide share. And the percentage is even greater in much of Appalachia: In 133 

Appalachian counties, at least 85 percent of workers drove alone. Central, South Central, and Southern Appalachia 

accounted for 107 of these counties, including 39 in Alabama and Mississippi alone. (The share of workers driving alone 

exceeded 85 percent in the Appalachian sections of both states.) In contrast, Northern and North Central Appalachia 

had 13 of the 22 counties in the Region where the share of workers driving alone was below the national average.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

80 percent to 84.9 percent

85 percent or greater

76.4 percent to 79.9 percent

Less than 76.4 percent

U.S. AVERAGE: 76.4 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 82.2 PERCENT 

Percent Workers Who Drove

Alone to Work, 2013-2017

Map Title: Percent of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Drove Alone to Work, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.
94 

Figure 7.2: Percent of Workers Ages 16 and Over Below the Poverty Level in the Appalachian Region Who 

Drove Alone to Work, 2013-2017 

Among workers with incomes below the poverty level ($24,858 for a family of two adults and two children in 2017), the 

share who drove alone to their places of employment was nearly 72 percent in Appalachia, compared to just 65 percent 

in the nation as a whole. The share was at least 75 percent in nearly half of the Region’s 420 counties, and at least 85 

percent in 52 of them. Central, South Central, and Southern Appalachia had the vast majority of counties in both groups; 

the share of poor workers who drove alone exceeded 74 percent in all three subregions. In contrast, nearly half of the 61 

counties with rates below the national average were in Northern Appalachia—the only subregion where fewer than twothirds of workers below the poverty level drove alone to their jobs. 

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

75 percent to 84.9 percent

85 percent or greater

64.7 percent to 74.9 percent

Less than 64.7 percent

U.S. AVERAGE: 64.7 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 71.6 PERCENT 

Percent Workers in Poverty Who

Drove Alone to Work, 2013-2017

Map Title: Percent of Workers Ages 16 and Over Below the Poverty Line in the Appalachian Region Who Drove Alone 

 to Work, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.
95 

Figure 7.3: Percent of Households in the Appalachian Region With No Vehicle Available, 2013-2017 

Having a reliable mode of transportation is an important part of many household members’ ability to gain and keep 

employment. Yet in Appalachia, just over 7 percent of households have no vehicle available to get to current and/or 

potential employment. While this is lower than the national average of almost 9 percent, that is not the case in much of 

the Region. In fact, there were 54 Appalachian counties where at least one in 10 households had no vehicle available; 

44 of these counties were in four states—New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky. In contrast, there were 

82 counties in the Region where less than 5 percent of households were without any motor vehicle. All but 14 of the 

counties in the latter group were in South Central and Southern Appalachia. 

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

8.8 percent to 9.9 percent

10 percent or greater

5 percent to 8.7 percent

Less than 5 percent

U.S. AVERAGE: 8.8 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 7.3 PERCENT 

Percent Households With No

Vehicle Available, 2013-2017

Map Title: Percent of Households in the Appalachian Region With No Vehicle Available, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.
96 

Figure 7.4: Percent of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Live in Households With No 

Vehicle Available, 2013-2017 

Just 2.6 percent of Appalachian workers live in households with no vehicle available, which is almost two percentage 

points below the national average. And the share is even lower in a large part of the Region: in 188 of Appalachia’s 420 

counties, less than 2 percent of the work force did not have a vehicle in their household. These counties were 

concentrated in Central, South Central, and Southern Appalachia; the share of workers without a vehicle was around 2 

percent in all three subregions. In contrast, Northern Appalachia had 20 of the Region’s 30 counties where the share of 

workers in zero-vehicle households was at or above the U.S. average. 

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

2 percent to 4.3 percent

4.4 percent or greater

Less than 2 percent

U.S. AVERAGE: 4.4 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 2.6 PERCENT 

Percent Workers in HHs With No

Vehicle Available, 2013-2017

Map Title: Percent of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Live in Households With No Vehicle 

 Available, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.
97 

Figure 7.5: Percent of Households With One or More Workers in the Appalachian Region Where the Number 

of Workers Exceeds the Number of Vehicles Available, 2013-2017 

In about 5 percent of Appalachian households, the number of workers in the household exceeds the number of vehicles 

available to provide transportation to places of employment, compared with about 7 percent nationwide. Such a situation 

is potentially problematic for household members, as they often must make special arrangements to accommodate 

different work schedules and responsibilities. This share is even lower in much of the Region: Less than 4 percent in 

nearly half of Appalachia’s 420 counties, mostly in Central, South Central, and Southern Appalachia. Yet in 34 

Appalachian counties, the share of households with more workers than vehicles matched or exceeded the national 

average. Nearly half of the counties in the latter group were in two states: New York and Pennsylvania. 

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

4 percent to 6.5 percent

6.6 percent or greater

Less than 4 percent

U.S. AVERAGE: 6.6 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 4.7 PERCENT 

Percent HHs Where Workers

Exceed Vehicles, 2013-2017

Map Title: Percent of Households With One or More Workers in the Appalachian Region Where the Number of Workers 

 Exceeds the Number of Vehicles Available, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.
98 

Figure 7.6: Mean Travel Time to Work for Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 

In the Appalachian Region, workers ages 16 and older took, on average, 25 minutes to get to their jobs, a minute less 

than workers nationwide. But that was not the case in much of Appalachia: In 187 of the Region’s 420 counties, the 

mean travel time to work was at or above the national average. And in 83 Appalachian counties, workers averaged a half 

hour or more to get to their jobs. Nearly half of these 83 counties were in metropolitan areas, including suburban Atlanta 

and the exurban counties of New York City (Pike County, Pennsylvania) and Washington, D.C. (Jefferson County, West 

Virginia). Yet workers in 46 nonmetropolitan counties—32 of which were in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio—faced 

similarly lengthy commutes. By comparison, workers in just 16 Appalachian counties had average commutes lasting less 

than 20 minutes. Some of these counties were home to colleges and universities (for example, Broome County, New 

York, home to Binghamton University). 

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

26.4 minutes to 29.9 minutes

30 minutes or more

20 minutes to 26.3 minutes

Less than 20 minutes

U.S. MEAN: 26.4 MINUTES

APPALACHIAN MEAN: 25.1 MINUTES 

Mean Travel Time to Work, 2013-2017

Map Title: Mean Travel Time to Work for Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.
99 

Figure 7.7: Percent of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Work Outside Their County 

of Residence, 2013-2017 

About 32 percent of Appalachian workers ages 16 and older had jobs outside their county of residence during 2013-

2017, four percentage points above the average nationwide. And the share is even higher in much of the Region: In 205 

of Appalachia’s 420 counties, at least 40 percent of workers had their primary employment outside their county of 

residence. And in 125 of these counties, at least half of workers were commuting to another county. Most of the counties 

in this latter group were in metropolitan areas, including the suburbs and exurbs of Atlanta, Birmingham, and even 

places like Cincinnati (Brown and Clermont counties in Ohio). In contrast, just 43 Appalachian counties had fewer than 

one in five workers employed outside their residential county. Many of these were central counties in metro areas (such 

as Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, where Pittsburgh is located) and counties that housed colleges and universities (like 

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, home to the University of Alabama). 

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent Working Outside

County of Residence, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 27.6 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 31.7 PERCENT 

40 percent to 49.9 percent

27.6 percent to 39.9 percent

20 percent to 27.5 percent

Less than 20 percent

50 percent or greater

Map Title: Percent of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Work Outside Their County of 

 Residence, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.
100 

Table 7.9: Percentage Point Change in Means of Transportation for Workers Ages 16 and Over in the 

Appalachian Region, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Means of Transportation 

Percentage Point Change in Share of Workers Ages 16 and Over 

Car, Truck, 

or Van 

(Drove 

Alone) 

Car, Truck, 

or Van 

(Carpooled) 

Public 

Transportation 

(Excluding 

Taxicab) 

Walked 

Taxicab, 

Motorcycle, 

Bicycle, or 

Other 

Means 

Worked at 

Home 

United States + 0.3 - 0.8 + 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.4 

Appalachian Region + 0.7 - 1.0 + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.4 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia + 0.9 - 1.1 + 0.0 - 0.3 + 0.0 + 0.3 

North Central Appalachia + 0.6 - 1.0 + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.2 + 0.3 

Central Appalachia + 0.3 - 0.9 - 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.2 + 0.4 

South Central Appalachia - 0.1 - 0.7 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.1 + 0.8 

Southern Appalachia + 0.8 - 1.1 + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.5 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) + 0.6 - 1.0 - 0.2 - 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.7 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) + 0.4 - 0.9 + 0.0 - 0.2 + 0.0 + 0.5 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros + 1.4 - 0.8 + 0.0 - 0.4 + 0.0 + 0.0 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros + 1.0 - 1.1 + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.1 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) + 0.9 - 1.5 - 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.3 + 0.4 

Alabama + 1.6 - 1.9 + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.5 

Appalachian Alabama + 1.6 - 1.9 + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Alabama + 1.7 - 2.1 - 0.2 - 0.2 - 0.2 + 0.9 

Georgia + 0.5 - 1.0 - 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.5 

Appalachian Georgia + 0.6 - 0.9 + 0.0 + 0.1 - 0.2 + 0.5 

Non-Appalachian Georgia + 0.4 - 1.0 + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.6 

Kentucky + 0.0 - 0.8 - 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.3 + 0.4 

Appalachian Kentucky + 0.7 - 1.2 - 0.2 + 0.0 + 0.4 + 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky - 0.2 - 0.7 - 0.1 + 0.2 + 0.3 + 0.5 

Maryland + 0.6 - 1.3 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.3 + 0.4 

Appalachian Maryland + 1.2 - 1.8 + 0.2 + 0.3 - 0.1 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Maryland + 0.6 - 1.3 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.3 + 0.4 

Mississippi + 1.9 - 1.7 - 0.1 - 0.3 + 0.3 - 0.3 

Appalachian Mississippi + 1.2 - 1.6 - 0.2 - 0.2 + 0.0 + 0.7 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi + 2.1 - 1.7 + 0.0 - 0.3 + 0.5 - 0.6

New York - 1.1 - 0.5 + 1.4 - 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.2 

Appalachian New York + 1.5 - 1.0 + 0.0 - 0.2 - 0.1 - 0.4 

Non-Appalachian New York - 1.1 - 0.5 + 1.4 - 0.1 + 0.2 + 0.2 

North Carolina + 0.3 - 1.2 - 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.9 

Appalachian North Carolina - 0.1 - 0.8 + 0.0 - 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.9 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina + 0.4 - 1.3 + 0.0 + 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.9 

Ohio + 0.3 - 0.6 - 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.4 

Appalachian Ohio + 0.9 - 1.2 - 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.2 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Ohio + 0.2 - 0.6 - 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.4 

Pennsylvania - 0.1 - 0.7 + 0.2 - 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.7 

Appalachian Pennsylvania + 0.8 - 1.0 + 0.0 - 0.4 + 0.0 + 0.6 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania - 0.6 - 0.5 + 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.2 + 0.7 

South Carolina + 0.4 - 0.6 + 0.0 + 0.2 - 0.1 + 0.2 

Appalachian South Carolina + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.1 - 0.4 + 0.0 + 0.4 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina + 0.7 - 0.8 - 0.1 + 0.3 - 0.2 + 0.1 

Tennessee + 0.2 - 1.0 - 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.2 + 0.7 

Appalachian Tennessee - 0.3 - 0.5 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.7 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee + 0.6 - 1.4 - 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.3 + 0.7 

Virginia + 0.1 - 0.9 + 0.0 + 0.1 + 0.3 + 0.3 

Appalachian Virginia + 0.9 - 1.6 + 0.1 + 0.3 + 0.0 + 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Virginia + 0.1 - 0.9 + 0.0 + 0.2 + 0.4 + 0.3 

West Virginia (entire state) + 0.3 - 0.7 + 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.1 + 0.2 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 

 
101 

Table 7.10: Percentage Point Change in Means of Transportation for Workers Ages 16 and Over in the 

Appalachian Region Below the Poverty Level, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Means of Transportation 

Percentage Point Change in Share of Workers Ages 16 and Over Below the Poverty Level 

Car, Truck, 

or Van 

(Drove 

Alone) 

Car, Truck, 

or Van 

(Carpooled) 

Public 

Transportation 

(Excluding 

Taxicab) 

Walked 

Taxicab, 

Motorcycle, 

Bicycle, or 

Other 

Means 

Worked at 

Home 

United States + 1.9 - 1.4 - 0.1 - 0.3 - 0.1 + 0.0 

Appalachian Region + 1.8 - 1.4 + 0.0 - 0.4 + 0.0 + 0.1 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia + 1.2 - 0.4 + 0.0 - 0.9 + 0.1 + 0.0 

North Central Appalachia - 0.8 + 0.3 - 0.1 - 0.7 + 0.6 + 0.5 

Central Appalachia + 1.7 - 1.9 + 0.0 - 0.3 + 0.1 + 0.6 

South Central Appalachia + 1.1 - 1.1 + 0.1 - 0.4 - 0.2 + 0.4 

Southern Appalachia + 3.4 - 2.8 - 0.2 + 0.2 - 0.3 - 0.1 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) + 2.0 - 0.6 - 0.2 - 0.1 - 0.8 - 0.2 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) + 1.6 - 1.3 - 0.1 - 0.6 + 0.0 + 0.3 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros + 1.5 - 1.7 - 0.2 - 0.1 + 0.3 + 0.2 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros + 1.3 - 0.9 + 0.3 - 0.6 + 0.2 - 0.2 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) + 3.3 - 3.1 - 0.1 - 0.4 + 0.1 + 0.3 

Alabama + 5.5 - 4.3 - 0.4 - 0.2 - 0.6 + 0.1 

Appalachian Alabama + 4.6 - 3.9 - 0.4 - 0.1 - 0.2 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Alabama + 6.7 - 4.8 - 0.6 - 0.5 - 1.3 + 0.5 

Georgia + 3.0 - 2.6 - 0.3 - 0.1 - 0.5 + 0.4 

Appalachian Georgia + 3.3 - 2.6 + 0.0 + 0.8 - 1.0 - 0.6 

Non-Appalachian Georgia + 3.0 - 2.6 - 0.5 - 0.5 - 0.2 + 0.8 

Kentucky + 0.9 - 1.9 - 0.1 + 0.2 + 0.2 + 0.6 

Appalachian Kentucky + 2.9 - 3.0 + 0.0 - 0.7 + 0.5 + 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky + 0.2 - 1.4 - 0.2 + 0.6 + 0.1 + 0.7 

Maryland + 2.9 - 0.4 - 1.6 - 1.1 - 0.3 + 0.4 

Appalachian Maryland + 1.4 - 1.7 + 1.7 - 2.6 - 0.4 + 1.6 

Non-Appalachian Maryland + 3.0 - 0.3 - 1.9 - 0.9 - 0.2 + 0.3 

Mississippi + 3.9 - 3.1 + 0.1 - 0.7 + 0.7 - 0.7 

Appalachian Mississippi + 7.4 - 5.4 - 1.0 - 0.9 - 0.3 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi + 2.9 - 2.5 + 0.3 - 0.6 + 0.9 - 0.9

New York + 0.7 - 0.3 + 0.8 - 0.5 - 0.1 - 0.5 

Appalachian New York + 1.6 - 0.7 + 0.8 - 1.2 - 0.7 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian New York + 0.7 - 0.3 + 0.6 - 0.5 - 0.1 - 0.6 

North Carolina + 3.3 - 2.5 - 0.1 - 0.4 - 0.6 + 0.3 

Appalachian North Carolina + 1.9 - 1.8 + 0.1 - 0.4 - 0.7 + 0.9 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina + 3.6 - 2.6 - 0.2 - 0.5 - 0.6 + 0.2 

Ohio + 0.3 - 0.8 + 0.0 - 0.2 + 0.7 + 0.0 

Appalachian Ohio + 1.0 - 0.8 - 0.5 - 0.6 + 1.0 - 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Ohio + 0.1 - 0.8 + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.6 + 0.1 

Pennsylvania + 1.0 + 0.2 + 0.1 - 0.9 - 0.1 - 0.4 

Appalachian Pennsylvania + 0.9 - 0.1 + 0.0 - 1.0 + 0.3 - 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania + 1.5 + 0.5 - 0.4 - 0.6 - 0.4 - 0.7 

South Carolina + 1.6 - 1.1 + 0.0 - 0.5 + 0.0 + 0.0 

Appalachian South Carolina - 1.9 + 0.6 + 0.3 - 0.2 + 0.9 + 0.4 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina + 2.7 - 1.6 - 0.2 - 0.6 - 0.2 - 0.1 

Tennessee + 1.5 - 1.2 - 0.3 - 0.6 + 0.4 + 0.1 

Appalachian Tennessee + 0.2 + 0.0 - 0.1 - 0.4 + 0.1 + 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee + 2.5 - 2.3 - 0.3 - 0.6 + 0.6 + 0.1 

Virginia + 1.5 - 1.9 - 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.7 - 0.2 

Appalachian Virginia + 1.3 - 2.3 + 0.4 + 0.4 - 0.4 + 0.6 

Non-Appalachian Virginia + 1.7 - 1.8 - 0.3 - 0.1 + 0.8 - 0.2 

West Virginia (entire state) - 0.9 + 0.7 + 0.2 - 0.4 - 0.4 + 0.7 

Note: Poverty status is determined by a series of income thresholds that are determined by family size and composition. In 2017, the poverty 

threshold for a family of two adults and two children was $24,858. The poverty universe does not include unrelated individuals under age 15, 

people living in college dormitories, and people living in institutional group quarters. 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 
102 

Table 7.11: Percentage Point Change in Availability of Vehicles for Households in the Appalachian Region, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Availability of Vehicles 

Percentage Point Change in Share of Households 

No Vehicle 

Available 

One Vehicle 

Available 

Two Vehicles 

Available 

Three Vehicles 

Available 

Four or More 

Vehicles 

Available 

United States - 0.2 - 0.5 - 0.2 + 0.4 + 0.6 

Appalachian Region - 0.2 - 0.5 - 0.4 + 0.3 + 0.6 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia - 0.1 - 0.1 - 0.4 + 0.2 + 0.5 

North Central Appalachia + 0.1 - 0.6 - 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.7 

Central Appalachia + 0.1 - 0.3 - 0.5 + 0.0 + 0.7 

South Central Appalachia - 0.3 - 0.5 - 0.3 + 0.4 + 0.6 

Southern Appalachia - 0.1 - 0.8 - 0.3 + 0.5 + 0.8 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) - 0.5 - 0.6 - 0.4 + 0.6 + 0.9 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) + 0.0 - 0.6 - 0.2 + 0.2 + 0.6 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros + 0.1 - 0.4 - 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.5 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros + 0.1 - 0.6 - 0.6 + 0.4 + 0.7 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) - 0.1 - 0.2 - 0.5 + 0.1 + 0.6 

Alabama - 0.3 + 0.1 - 0.4 + 0.0 + 0.5 

Appalachian Alabama - 0.2 + 0.1 - 0.4 - 0.1 + 0.5 

Non-Appalachian Alabama - 0.3 + 0.2 - 0.5 + 0.2 + 0.3 

Georgia + 0.0 - 0.7 - 0.5 + 0.4 + 0.7 

Appalachian Georgia + 0.0 - 1.7 - 0.6 + 1.0 + 1.1 

Non-Appalachian Georgia + 0.0 - 0.2 - 0.5 + 0.2 + 0.5 

Kentucky - 0.1 - 0.2 - 0.2 - 0.1 + 0.6 

Appalachian Kentucky - 0.1 - 0.1 - 0.4 + 0.1 + 0.6 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky - 0.2 - 0.2 - 0.2 - 0.1 + 0.7 

Maryland - 0.3 - 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.5 

Appalachian Maryland + 0.7 - 0.1 - 1.4 + 0.4 + 0.5 

Non-Appalachian Maryland - 0.3 - 0.1 + 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.4 

Mississippi - 0.2 - 0.7 - 0.1 + 0.4 + 0.6 

Appalachian Mississippi - 0.7 - 1.1 + 0.0 + 0.8 + 1.0 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi - 0.2 - 0.5 - 0.1 + 0.3 + 0.5 

New York - 0.1 + 0.3 - 0.6 + 0.1 + 0.2 

Appalachian New York + 0.6 + 0.0 - 0.6 + 0.0 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian New York - 0.2 + 0.3 - 0.6 + 0.1 + 0.3 

North Carolina - 0.4 - 0.4 - 0.3 + 0.4 + 0.6 

Appalachian North Carolina - 0.6 - 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.5 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina - 0.5 - 0.4 - 0.3 + 0.4 + 0.6 

Ohio + 0.1 - 0.5 - 0.4 + 0.3 + 0.5 

Appalachian Ohio + 0.4 - 0.6 - 0.8 + 0.5 + 0.7 

Non-Appalachian Ohio + 0.0 - 0.5 - 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.6 

Pennsylvania - 0.5 + 0.1 - 0.3 + 0.3 + 0.5 

Appalachian Pennsylvania - 0.3 - 0.1 - 0.3 + 0.2 + 0.5 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania - 0.8 + 0.2 - 0.2 + 0.4 + 0.5 

South Carolina - 0.6 - 0.3 + 0.0 + 0.3 + 0.6 

Appalachian South Carolina + 0.2 - 1.3 + 0.3 + 0.1 + 0.6 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina - 0.8 + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.2 + 0.6 

Tennessee - 0.2 - 0.7 - 0.2 + 0.2 + 0.9 

Appalachian Tennessee + 0.0 - 1.0 - 0.4 + 0.4 + 1.0 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee - 0.4 - 0.6 - 0.1 + 0.2 + 0.8 

Virginia + 0.0 + 0.1 - 0.2 - 0.2 + 0.4 

Appalachian Virginia - 0.2 + 0.0 - 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Virginia + 0.0 + 0.0 - 0.2 - 0.2 + 0.4 

West Virginia (entire state) + 0.1 - 0.6 - 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.7 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 

 
103 

Table 7.12: Percentage Point Change in Share of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region in 

Who Live in Households With No Vehicle Available, by Means of Transportation, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Availability of Vehicles 

Percentage Point Change in Share Who Live in Households With No Vehicle Available 

Total 

Workers 

Ages 16 and 

Over 

Car, Truck, 

or Van 

(Drove 

Alone) 

Car, Truck, 

or Van 

(Carpooled) 

Public 

Transportation 

(Excluding 

Taxicab) 

Walked 

Taxicab, 

Motorcycle, 

Bicycle, or 

Other 

Means 

Worked at 

Home 

United States + 0.0 + 0.0 - 0.1 - 1.1 + 0.4 + 0.3 - 0.2 

Appalachian Region + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.6 + 1.7 + 2.9 + 3.5 + 0.0 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia + 0.2 + 0.0 + 1.3 + 1.6 + 3.6 + 3.3 + 0.2 

North Central Appalachia + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.6 - 0.1 - 0.6 + 3.3 + 0.5 

Central Appalachia + 0.2 + 0.1 + 1.0 - 2.0 + 3.7 + 3.0 - 0.1 

South Central Appalachia - 0.1 - 0.1 - 0.3 - 1.2 + 1.0 + 1.4 - 0.1 

Southern Appalachia + 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.4 + 4.4 + 4.6 + 5.2 - 0.1 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.5 + 1.4 + 3.5 + 4.1 - 0.1 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.3 + 1.0 + 2.0 + 3.0 + 0.0 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros + 0.3 + 0.1 + 1.1 + 10.7 + 4.7 - 0.2 + 1.0 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros + 0.3 + 0.1 + 1.3 - 1.6 + 2.2 + 3.8 + 0.4 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) + 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.8 + 6.7 + 2.9 + 4.9 - 1.1 

Alabama - 0.1 + 0.0 - 0.5 + 4.9 + 2.3 + 0.7 - 0.2 

Appalachian Alabama - 0.1 - 0.1 - 0.2 + 4.2 + 2.5 + 1.9 - 0.4 

Non-Appalachian Alabama - 0.2 + 0.2 - 1.0 + 5.8 + 2.2 - 0.4 + 0.0 

Georgia + 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.6 + 0.1 + 0.2 + 2.3 - 0.1 

Appalachian Georgia + 0.3 + 0.0 + 1.4 + 7.5 + 7.1 + 7.3 - 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Georgia + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.1 - 0.5 - 1.4 + 0.3 - 0.2 

Kentucky + 0.2 + 0.0 + 0.5 + 4.6 + 0.9 + 3.6 + 1.0 

Appalachian Kentucky + 0.3 + 0.0 + 1.5 - 1.6 + 0.9 + 5.9 + 0.8 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky + 0.2 + 0.0 + 0.1 + 4.4 + 0.8 + 2.9 + 1.0 

Maryland - 0.4 + 0.0 - 0.4 - 1.9 - 2.3 - 1.6 - 0.1 

Appalachian Maryland + 0.5 + 0.3 + 0.2 + 13.5 - 4.8 + 13.0 + 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Maryland - 0.3 + 0.0 - 0.3 - 2.0 - 2.2 - 2.0 - 0.1 

Mississippi - 0.1 + 0.2 - 0.2 + 7.4 - 3.3 - 1.8 - 0.4 

Appalachian Mississippi - 0.1 + 0.0 - 1.2 + 5.1 + 7.5 + 9.7 - 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi + 0.0 + 0.2 + 0.0 + 6.2 - 5.9 - 3.8 - 0.5 

New York + 0.2 - 0.2 + 0.0 - 1.3 - 0.1 + 2.2 - 0.8 

Appalachian New York + 0.5 + 0.2 + 2.7 + 0.0 + 4.5 - 4.9 + 0.7 

Non-Appalachian New York + 0.1 - 0.3 - 0.2 - 1.3 - 0.3 + 2.4 - 1.0 

North Carolina - 0.2 + 0.0 - 1.1 - 3.9 - 0.7 + 0.2 + 0.0 

Appalachian North Carolina - 0.2 - 0.1 - 0.7 - 5.1 - 0.1 + 3.7 + 0.6 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina - 0.2 + 0.1 - 1.1 - 3.8 - 0.8 - 0.5 - 0.2 

Ohio + 0.1 + 0.0 + 1.0 + 2.7 + 0.8 + 3.4 + 0.0 

Appalachian Ohio + 0.3 + 0.0 + 2.3 + 9.5 + 0.1 + 7.4 - 0.5 

Non-Appalachian Ohio + 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.8 + 2.3 + 1.1 + 2.4 + 0.2 

Pennsylvania + 0.0 - 0.1 + 1.0 - 1.4 + 2.1 + 0.5 - 0.2 

Appalachian Pennsylvania + 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.6 + 1.3 + 3.8 + 3.1 + 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania - 0.1 - 0.1 + 1.4 - 2.3 + 0.4 - 1.4 - 0.4 

South Carolina - 0.4 - 0.1 - 0.5 + 0.3 - 2.8 - 3.8 - 1.2 

Appalachian South Carolina + 0.2 + 0.2 - 0.3 - 7.9 + 2.7 + 3.4 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina - 0.5 - 0.2 - 0.6 + 2.7 - 4.3 - 5.2 - 1.5 

Tennessee + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.5 + 2.0 - 0.5 - 0.4 

Appalachian Tennessee + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.4 + 1.7 + 2.6 + 0.5 - 0.6

Non-Appalachian Tennessee + 0.0 + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.1 + 1.5 - 1.1 - 0.3 

Virginia + 0.0 + 0.1 + 0.2 - 1.6 - 1.8 + 1.0 + 0.1 

Appalachian Virginia - 0.1 + 0.1 - 0.6 + 0.8 + 0.5 - 5.9 - 1.6 

Non-Appalachian Virginia + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.2 - 1.7 - 1.9 + 1.4 + 0.2 

West Virginia (entire state) + 0.2 + 0.0 + 0.9 - 0.4 + 1.6 + 1.9 + 0.6 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 

 
104 

Table 7.13: Change in Relationship Between Number of Workers and Availability of Vehicles for Households 

in the Appalachian Region With One or More Workers, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Availability of Vehicles 

Percentage Point Change in Share of Households With One or More Workers 

Households With 

Zero Vehicles 

Households Where 

Workers Exceed 

Vehicles 

Households Where 

Workers Equal 

Vehicles 

Households Where 

Vehicles Exceed 

Workers 

United States - 0.1 + 0.4 + 0.0 - 0.3 

Appalachian Region + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 - 0.4 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia + 0.3 + 0.1 + 0.1 - 0.5 

North Central Appalachia + 0.3 + 0.4 - 0.4 - 0.4 

Central Appalachia + 0.2 + 0.2 - 0.6 + 0.1 

South Central Appalachia - 0.1 + 0.2 + 0.0 - 0.2 

Southern Appalachia + 0.0 + 0.1 + 0.4 - 0.5 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) - 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.8 - 0.8 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) + 0.1 + 0.3 - 0.1 - 0.3 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros + 0.3 + 0.1 - 0.4 + 0.0 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros + 0.4 + 0.2 - 0.4 - 0.2 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) + 0.1 + 0.3 - 0.2 - 0.2 

Alabama - 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.6 - 0.4 

Appalachian Alabama - 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.8 - 0.7 

Non-Appalachian Alabama - 0.2 - 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.1 

Georgia + 0.0 + 0.2 + 0.1 - 0.3 

Appalachian Georgia + 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.1 - 0.4 

Non-Appalachian Georgia - 0.1 + 0.3 + 0.1 - 0.3 

Kentucky + 0.3 + 0.7 + 0.0 - 0.8 

Appalachian Kentucky + 0.2 + 0.2 - 0.6 + 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky + 0.2 + 0.8 + 0.0 - 1.0 

Maryland - 0.4 + 0.8 + 0.2 - 0.6 

Appalachian Maryland + 0.4 + 0.5 - 1.5 + 0.6 

Non-Appalachian Maryland - 0.3 + 0.7 + 0.2 - 0.5 

Mississippi - 0.1 + 0.2 - 1.0 + 0.9 

Appalachian Mississippi - 0.1 + 0.3 - 1.7 + 1.4 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi - 0.2 + 0.2 - 0.8 + 0.7 

New York + 0.2 + 1.0 - 0.6 - 0.6 

Appalachian New York + 0.6 + 0.1 - 0.3 - 0.4 

Non-Appalachian New York + 0.1 + 0.9 - 0.6 - 0.5 

North Carolina - 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.4 - 0.2 

Appalachian North Carolina - 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.6 - 0.4 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina - 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.3 - 0.2 

Ohio + 0.2 + 0.4 + 0.3 - 0.8 

Appalachian Ohio + 0.5 + 0.4 - 0.2 - 0.6 

Non-Appalachian Ohio + 0.1 + 0.4 + 0.3 - 0.7 

Pennsylvania - 0.2 + 0.4 + 0.2 - 0.5 

Appalachian Pennsylvania + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.5 - 0.7 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania - 0.3 + 0.7 - 0.1 - 0.2 

South Carolina - 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.5 - 0.5 

Appalachian South Carolina + 0.3 + 0.4 + 0.7 - 1.4 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina - 0.6 + 0.4 + 0.5 - 0.3 

Tennessee - 0.1 + 0.7 - 0.1 - 0.5 

Appalachian Tennessee + 0.0 + 0.4 - 0.3 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee - 0.1 + 1.0 - 0.1 - 0.7 

Virginia + 0.1 + 0.4 + 0.4 - 0.8 

Appalachian Virginia - 0.1 + 0.2 - 0.3 + 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Virginia + 0.1 + 0.4 + 0.4 - 0.8 

West Virginia (entire state) + 0.3 + 0.2 - 0.7 + 0.2 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 

 
105 

Table 7.14: Change in Travel Time to Work for Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region, by 

Amount of Time, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Travel Time to Work (Minutes) 

Percentage Point Change in Share of Workers Ages 16 and Over Change in 

Mean Travel 

Time to Work 

(Minutes) 

Less Than 

15 Minutes 

15 Minutes to 

29 Minutes 

30 Minutes to 

59 Minutes 

60 Minutes or 

More 

United States - 1.8 - 0.2 + 1.1 + 0.8 + 1.0 

Appalachian Region - 1.5 + 0.4 + 0.9 + 0.4 + 0.5 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia - 1.8 + 0.4 + 1.0 + 0.2 + 0.5 

North Central Appalachia - 1.4 + 0.6 + 0.6 + 0.2 + 0.3 

Central Appalachia - 0.4 + 0.1 + 0.4 - 0.2 + 0.0 

South Central Appalachia - 1.0 - 0.1 + 0.9 + 0.2 + 0.4 

Southern Appalachia - 1.7 + 0.4 + 0.6 + 0.7 + 0.8 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) - 1.4 - 0.1 + 0.6 + 0.9 + 0.9 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) - 1.8 + 0.8 + 1.0 + 0.1 + 0.5 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros - 1.3 - 0.3 + 1.3 + 0.3 + 0.4 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros - 1.0 + 0.2 + 0.6 + 0.3 + 0.3 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) - 0.6 + 0.6 + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.1 

Alabama - 1.7 + 0.3 + 1.3 + 0.2 + 0.5 

Appalachian Alabama - 1.3 + 0.7 + 0.5 + 0.1 + 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Alabama - 2.2 - 0.5 + 2.6 + 0.2 + 0.8 

Georgia - 1.7 - 0.4 + 0.6 + 1.3 + 1.0 

Appalachian Georgia - 1.8 + 0.3 - 0.3 + 1.8 + 1.2 

Non-Appalachian Georgia - 1.5 - 0.6 + 1.0 + 1.0 + 1.0 

Kentucky - 1.1 - 0.5 + 1.4 + 0.1 + 0.4 

Appalachian Kentucky + 0.0 - 0.6 + 0.9 - 0.2 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky - 1.3 - 0.5 + 1.5 + 0.4 + 0.5 

Maryland - 1.2 - 0.6 + 0.7 + 1.0 + 0.9 

Appalachian Maryland - 1.7 + 1.2 + 0.0 + 0.4 + 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Maryland - 1.1 - 0.7 + 0.8 + 1.1 + 0.8 

Mississippi - 0.9 + 0.1 + 0.8 + 0.0 + 0.5 

Appalachian Mississippi - 2.4 + 2.8 + 0.2 - 0.5 + 0.5 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi - 0.6 - 0.6 + 1.0 + 0.2 + 0.4 

New York - 2.1 - 0.7 + 1.4 + 1.4 + 1.5 

Appalachian New York - 2.0 + 1.3 + 0.5 + 0.1 + 0.4 

Non-Appalachian New York - 2.0 - 0.8 + 1.4 + 1.4 + 1.5 

North Carolina - 1.4 - 0.3 + 1.1 + 0.6 + 0.8 

Appalachian North Carolina - 1.2 + 0.3 + 0.7 + 0.2 + 0.5 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina - 1.4 - 0.4 + 1.2 + 0.7 + 0.9 

Ohio - 1.5 + 0.2 + 1.0 + 0.1 + 0.4 

Appalachian Ohio - 0.9 + 0.5 + 0.4 + 0.1 + 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Ohio - 1.5 + 0.2 + 1.2 + 0.1 + 0.4 

Pennsylvania - 1.9 - 0.3 + 1.4 + 0.7 + 0.9 

Appalachian Pennsylvania - 1.9 + 0.2 + 1.4 + 0.3 + 0.7 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania - 1.9 - 0.6 + 1.4 + 0.9 + 1.0 

South Carolina - 1.7 - 0.8 + 1.9 + 0.6 + 0.9 

Appalachian South Carolina - 1.6 - 1.1 + 2.7 + 0.0 + 0.6 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina - 1.8 - 0.8 + 1.7 + 0.9 + 1.0 

Tennessee - 1.4 - 0.1 + 0.9 + 0.6 + 0.7 

Appalachian Tennessee - 1.0 - 0.1 + 0.9 + 0.0 + 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee - 1.7 - 0.1 + 0.8 + 1.1 + 0.9 

Virginia - 1.2 - 0.2 + 0.9 + 0.6 + 0.7 

Appalachian Virginia - 0.4 - 0.3 + 0.3 + 0.3 + 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Virginia - 1.3 - 0.2 + 0.8 + 0.6 + 0.7 

West Virginia (entire state) - 1.6 + 1.1 + 0.5 + 0.1 + 0.3 

Note: Persons ages 16 and over who primarily worked from home are excluded from this analysis. 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 

 
106 

Table 7.15: Percentage Point Change in Share of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region, by 

Place of Work (State and County Level), 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Place of Work (State and County Level) 

Percentage Point Change in Share of Workers Ages 16 and Over 

 Worked in 

County of 

Residence 

Worked Outside County of Residence 

 Total 

 Worked in 

State of 

Residence 

Worked 

Outside State 

of Residence 

United States - 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.2 - 0.1 

Appalachian Region - 0.7 + 0.7 + 0.8 - 0.1 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia - 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.0 

North Central Appalachia - 0.7 + 0.7 + 0.6 + 0.2 

Central Appalachia - 1.4 + 1.4 + 1.0 + 0.4 

South Central Appalachia - 0.9 + 0.9 + 1.1 - 0.2 

Southern Appalachia - 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.6 - 0.1 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) - 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.5 - 0.2 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) - 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.6 - 0.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros - 1.5 + 1.5 + 1.4 + 0.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros - 0.8 + 0.8 + 0.8 - 0.1 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) - 1.1 + 1.1 + 1.0 + 0.1 

Alabama - 0.2 + 0.2 + 0.0 + 0.3 

Appalachian Alabama + 0.1 - 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Alabama - 0.8 + 0.8 + 0.1 + 0.7 

Georgia - 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.2 - 0.1 

Appalachian Georgia + 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.1 - 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Georgia - 0.2 + 0.2 + 0.3 - 0.1 

Kentucky - 0.6 + 0.6 + 0.7 + 0.0 

Appalachian Kentucky - 1.8 + 1.8 + 1.4 + 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky - 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.6 - 0.2 

Maryland + 0.8 - 0.8 - 0.2 - 0.7 

Appalachian Maryland - 0.7 + 0.7 - 0.7 + 1.3 

Non-Appalachian Maryland + 0.9 - 0.9 - 0.2 - 0.8 

Mississippi - 1.0 + 1.0 + 0.7 + 0.3 

Appalachian Mississippi - 1.3 + 1.3 + 1.9 - 0.5 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi - 1.0 + 1.0 + 0.4 + 0.5 

New York - 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.6 - 0.1 

Appalachian New York - 0.7 + 0.7 + 0.5 + 0.2 

Non-Appalachian New York - 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.6 - 0.1 

North Carolina - 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.1 

Appalachian North Carolina - 1.1 + 1.1 + 0.8 + 0.2 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina - 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.5 + 0.1 

Ohio - 0.6 + 0.6 + 0.8 - 0.1 

Appalachian Ohio - 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.8 - 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Ohio - 0.8 + 0.8 + 0.8 + 0.0 

Pennsylvania - 0.2 + 0.2 + 0.4 - 0.2 

Appalachian Pennsylvania - 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.2 - 0.3 

South Carolina - 0.7 + 0.7 + 0.7 + 0.1 

Appalachian South Carolina - 1.2 + 1.2 + 1.4 - 0.2 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina - 0.6 + 0.6 + 0.4 + 0.2 

Tennessee - 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.8 - 0.3 

Appalachian Tennessee - 0.9 + 0.9 + 1.4 - 0.5 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee - 0.3 + 0.3 + 0.5 - 0.1 

Virginia + 0.3 - 0.3 - 0.1 - 0.2 

Appalachian Virginia - 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.3 + 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Virginia + 0.4 - 0.4 - 0.2 - 0.2 

West Virginia (entire state) - 0.8 + 0.8 + 0.3 + 0.4 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.
107 

Figure 7.8: Percentage Point Change in Share of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who 

Drove Alone to Work, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

The share of Appalachian workers who drove alone to work was almost a full percentage point higher in 2013-2017 than 

it was in 2008-2012. While this increase was greater than the national increase of 0.3 points, it was not as high as it was 

in much of the Appalachian Region. In 136 Appalachian counties, for example, the share increased at least two 

percentage points between the two time periods. These counties were scattered throughout the Region and across all 

rural-urban county types. Yet the percentage of workers who drove alone did not increase everywhere in Appalachia. In 

fact, there were 89 counties where the share fell at least a full percentage point. 

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

+0.3 to +1.9 percentage points

+2 percentage points or more

-0.9 to +0.2 percentage points

-1 percentage point or more

U.S. AVG.: +0.3 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: +0.7 PCT. POINTS 

Change in Share of Workers

Who Drove Alone to Work,

2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in Share of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Drove 

 Alone to Work, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.
108 

Figure 7.9: Percentage Point Change in Share of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who 

Live in Households With No Vehicle Available, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Both in Appalachia and nationwide, the share of workers in households with no vehicle available remained unchanged 

between the 2008-2012 and the 2013-2017 periods. But there was noticeable change among many Appalachian 

counties. The share rose at least a full percentage point in 72 Appalachian counties, while it fell a full point or more in 49

others. 

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

0 to +0.9 percentage points

+1 percentage point or more

-0.9 to -0.1 percentage points

-1 percentage point or more

U.S. AVG.: NO CHANGE

APPALACHIAN AVG.: NO CHANGE 

Change in Share of Workers in

HHs With No Vehicle Available,

2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in Share of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Live in 

 Households With No Vehicle Available, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.
109 

Figure 7.10: Percentage Point Change in Share of Households With One or More Workers in the Appalachian 

Region Where the Number of Workers Exceeds the Number of Vehicles Available, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Between 2008-2012 and 2013-2017, the percentage of Appalachian households where the number of workers 

exceeded the number of available vehicles barely increased, compared to a more noticeable (but still modest) increase 

nationwide (0.4 percentage points). Still, much of the Region showed change. For example, the share of households 

where workers exceeded vehicles rose a full percentage point or more in 112 of Appalachia’s 420 counties. Meanwhile, 

there were 78 counties in the Region where the share fell at least a full point. 

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

+0.4 to +0.9 percentage points

+1 percentage point or more

-0.9 to +0.3 percentage points

-1 percentage point or more

U.S. AVG.: +0.4 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: +0.1 PCT. POINTS 

Change in Share of HHs Where

Workers Exceed Vehicles,

2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in Share of Households With One or More Workers in the Appalachian Region 

 Where the Number of Workers Exceeds the Number of Vehicles Available, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.
110 

Figure 7.11: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region 

Who Worked Outside Their County of Residence, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

A greater share of Appalachian residents worked outside their county of residence in 2013-2017 than in 2008-2012; 

this was also the case in more than three-fifths of Appalachia’s 420 counties. And in 149 of these counties, the share 

of workers whose employment commitments caused them to travel outside their counties increased at least two 

percentage points between these two periods. More than three-fourths of these counties were outside metropolitan 

areas, while 53 of them were in four states—Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The 

Appalachian sections of these states had the greatest increases in the percentage of workers commuting between 

counties—all exceeding one percentage point. Yet there were 62 counties—scattered throughout the Region—where 

the share working outside their residential county was two or more percentage points lower in 2013-2017 than in the 

earlier period. 

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

+0.1 to +1.9 percentage points

+2 percentage points or more

-1.9 to 0 percentage points

-2 percentage points or more

U.S. AVG.: +0.1 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: +0.7 PCT. POINTS 

Change in Share Working

Outside County of Residence,

2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Workers Ages 16 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Worked 

 Outside Their County of Residence, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.
111 

TRENDS IN TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUTING PATTERNS 

• At just over 82 percent, the share of Appalachian workers who drove alone to work in 2013-2017 was 

almost a full percentage point higher than it was in 2008-2012 (see Tables 7.1 and 7.9). While this 

increase was greater than the national average of 0.3 points, it was not as high as it was in much of the 

Appalachian Region. For example, this share rose by more than a percentage point in the Appalachian 

sections of Alabama, Maryland, Mississippi, and New York. This increase in workers driving alone came 

mostly at the expense of the share of persons who carpooled to work, which fell a percentage point 

between the 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 periods. The growth of telework and home-based businesses 

was also evident, as the share of workers who worked at home increased nearly half a percentage point 

between the two periods. 

• Although the share of Appalachian workers below the poverty level ($24,858 for a family of two adults 

and two children in 2017) who drove alone to their jobs (72 percent in 2013-2017) was not as high as 

it was for all workers (see Tables 7.2 and 7.10), it did increase almost two percentage points from its 

level in 2008-2012. And the increase was even greater in Southern Appalachia: It rose more than 

three points in the subregion (as well as in Appalachian Georgia), more than four points in Alabama, 

and more than seven percentage points in Mississippi. And similar to the pattern for all workers, the 

increase of poor workers driving alone came largely at the expense of the share of workers 

carpooling; the latter fell 1.4 percentage points from 2008-2012 to 2013-2017. 

• In 2013-2017, 7.3 percent of Appalachian households lacked an available vehicle to get to current 

and/or potential employment, down 0.2 points from 2008-2012 (see Tables 7.3 and 7.11). Yet trends 

between the two periods varied within the Region: In large metros and the Appalachian sections of 

Mississippi and North Carolina, for example, the share fell at least half a percentage point. On the 

other hand, the share of households with no vehicle available increased 0.7 points in Appalachian 

Maryland and 0.6 points in Appalachian New York. 

• Just as in the nation as a whole, the share of workers in households with no vehicle available (2.6 

percent) remained unchanged in Appalachia between the 2008-2012 and the 2013-2017 periods (see 

Tables 7.5 and 7.12). And among the subregions, county types, and states, the share neither rose nor 

fell more than half a percentage point. In contrast, the share of workers lacking a vehicle rose noticeably 

in Appalachia among workers who used modes of transport where a private vehicle is more of a 

convenience than a necessity, such as public transportation, walking, taxicabs, motorcycles, or bicycles. 

• In 2013-2017, the number of workers exceeded the number of vehicles available in 4.7 percent of 

Appalachian households—a figure that barely changed from its 2008-2012 level (see Tables 7.6 and 

7.13). And the change was slight in most of the Region: In virtually every subregion, urban-rural county 

type, and state, the share of households with more workers than vehicles rose less than half a 

percentage point. The Appalachian sections of Maryland (an increase of 0.5 points) and North Carolina 

(a decline of 0.1 point) were the most notable exceptions. 

• On average, Appalachian workers traveled 25 minutes to their jobs in 2013-2017, about half a minute 

longer than they did in 2008-2012 (see Tables 7.7 and 7.14). The average commute was longer 

throughout the Region: Only in Central Appalachia did the mean travel time remain the same 

between the two periods. And a greater percentage of workers had longer commutes: The share of 

workers who took between 30 minutes and 59 minutes to get to their jobs rose nearly a full 

percentage point between the 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 periods. And the share who took at least an 

hour to get to work rose 0.4 points in Appalachia—and 0.9 points in counties that were part of large 

metro areas. 

• Slightly less than 32 percent of employed Appalachian residents ages 16 and over worked outside 

their county of residence in 2013-2017, representing an increase of 0.7 percentage points from the 

2008-2012 period (see Tables 7.8 and 7.15). Within Appalachia, Central and South Central 

Appalachia had the greatest increases, while the counties outside metropolitan areas had greater 

increases than those within metros. Among the states, the share working outside their home county 

increased at least one full percentage point in the Appalachian sections of Kentucky, Mississippi, and 

the Carolinas, while the share in Alabama and Georgia fell 0.1 point each between the two periods. 

 
112 

CHAPTER 8: INCOME AND POVERTY 

Table 8.1: Household, Family, and Per Capita Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 2013-2017

Income 

Household Income, 2013-2017 

(2017 Dollars) 

Family Income, 2013-2017 

(2017 Dollars) Per Capita 

Income, 

2013-2017 

(2017 Dollars) 

 Mean HH 

Income 

 Median HH 

Income 

 Mean Family 

Income 

 Median Family 

Income 

United States 81,283 57,652 95,031 70,850 31,177 

Appalachian Region 64,880 47,836 77,028 60,256 26,135 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 67,210 50,672 81,098 65,146 27,894 

North Central Appalachia 61,466 45,900 72,807 58,281 25,037 

Central Appalachia 50,113 35,862 59,074 45,693 20,324 

South Central Appalachia 62,248 44,652 74,317 56,882 25,783 

Southern Appalachia 68,737 50,907 80,170 62,335 26,229 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 77,533 58,203 91,675 72,376 30,505 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 65,499 48,415 78,402 61,644 26,579 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 57,854 43,634 68,250 54,798 23,230 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 56,281 42,502 66,000 53,286 23,009 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 52,339 38,156 61,958 48,363 21,235 

Alabama 64,476 46,472 77,153 59,115 25,746 

Appalachian Alabama 66,587 48,324 79,239 60,858 26,560 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 60,664 43,575 73,266 56,394 24,298 

Georgia 74,763 52,977 86,636 64,053 28,015 

Appalachian Georgia 75,599 57,657 85,168 67,131 26,945 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 74,414 51,542 87,332 62,930 28,489 

Kentucky 64,436 46,535 76,499 59,003 25,888 

Appalachian Kentucky 49,451 35,172 58,110 44,837 19,897 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 69,872 51,486 83,481 65,427 28,048 

Maryland 103,845 78,916 120,839 95,597 39,070 

Appalachian Maryland 68,423 52,300 81,427 65,701 26,613 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 105,469 80,806 122,609 97,510 39,616 

Mississippi 58,371 42,009 68,673 52,689 22,500 

Appalachian Mississippi 53,331 39,189 63,008 49,552 20,951 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 59,746 43,026 70,209 54,113 22,912 

New York 93,443 62,765 109,230 77,141 35,752 

Appalachian New York 64,771 49,516 77,961 63,605 26,451 

Non-Appalachian New York 95,178 64,329 111,062 78,500 36,270 

North Carolina 70,523 50,320 83,338 62,195 28,123 

Appalachian North Carolina 61,433 44,230 73,018 56,395 25,691 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 72,538 51,930 85,573 64,142 28,629 

Ohio 71,119 52,407 85,559 66,885 29,011 

Appalachian Ohio 60,661 46,023 71,665 58,470 24,561 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 73,279 54,322 88,567 69,357 29,943 

Pennsylvania 78,192 56,951 94,204 72,692 31,476 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 69,249 52,185 83,915 67,155 28,910 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 86,035 62,477 102,984 78,800 33,560 

South Carolina 66,759 48,781 78,694 60,643 26,645 

Appalachian South Carolina 66,248 48,582 78,570 61,503 26,265 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 66,932 48,910 78,737 60,452 26,774 

Tennessee 68,386 48,708 80,742 60,217 27,277 

Appalachian Tennessee 62,012 44,168 73,837 55,899 25,452 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 73,529 52,832 86,300 64,520 28,668 

Virginia 94,229 68,766 109,435 83,164 36,268 

Appalachian Virginia 58,205 42,588 70,187 55,126 24,270 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 98,140 72,755 113,527 87,787 37,460 

West Virginia (entire state) 59,634 44,061 70,948 55,949 24,774 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 

 
113 

Figure 8.1: Mean Household Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 2013-2017 

In the 2013-2017 period, the mean income of Appalachian households was $64,880, just 80 percent of the U.S. 

average ($81,283). In just 10 of the Region’s counties (all of which were in metropolitan areas), average household 

income matched or exceeded the national mean. And in only 60 additional counties (46 of which were in metros), 

mean household income matched or surpassed the Appalachian average. In contrast, mean household income was 

less than $45,000 in 32 counties—all but one of which were outside metro areas, and 27 of which were in Central 

Appalachia (21 in Kentucky alone). 

Map Title: Mean Household Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

U.S. MEAN: $81,283

APPALACHIAN MEAN: $64,880

Mean Household Income, 2013-2017

(In Adjusted 2017 Dollars)

$64,880 to $81,282

$81,283 or more

$45,000 to $64,879

Less than $45,000
114 

Figure 8.2: Median Household Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 2013-2017 

At $47,836, median household income in Appalachia (the level at which half the households have higher incomes and 

the other half have lower incomes) was 83 percent that of the United States ($57,652) during the 2013-2017 period. 

There were 22 counties in the Region (20 of which were in metropolitan areas) that had household incomes at or 

above the national median, while another 70 had incomes at or above the regional median. On the other hand, 59 

counties in the Region had median household incomes below $35,000—all but three of which were outside metro 

areas and 40 of which were in Central Appalachia. This distribution is not surprising: median household income was 

$38,156 for the most rural counties and $35,862 for Central Appalachia. It is useful to note that the income levels 

displayed here reflect income received at least four years after the end of the 2007-2009 economic downturn.

Map Title: Median Household Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

$47,836 to $57,651

$57,652 or more

$35,000 to $47,835

Less than $35,000

U.S. MEDIAN: $57,652

APPALACHIAN MEDIAN: $47,836

Median Household Income, 2013-2017

(In Adjusted 2017 Dollars)
115 

Figure 8.3: Mean Family Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 2013-2017 

In only 15 Appalachian counties (all of which were in metropolitan areas), the average income of families matched or 

surpassed the U.S. mean of $95,031 for the 2013-2017 period. And there were just an additional 53 counties (41 of 

which were part of metro areas) where mean family income was equal to or greater than the average for the 

Appalachian Region ($77,028). In contrast, mean family income was less than $55,000 in 49 Appalachian counties. All 

but three of these counties were outside metropolitan areas, while nearly three-fourths were in Central Appalachia and 

28 were in Kentucky alone. Overall, mean family income over the 2013-2017 period was no more than $68,250 for each 

of the three nonmetro county types, and just $59,074 for Central Appalachia, and $58,110 for Appalachian Kentucky.

Map Title: Mean Family Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

U.S. MEAN: $95,031

APPALACHIAN MEAN: $77,028

Mean Family Income, 2013-2017 

(In Adjusted 2017 Dollars)

$77,028 to $95,030

$95,031 or more

$55,000 to $77,027

Less than $55,000
116 

Figure 8.4: Median Family Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 2013-2017 

In 27 Appalachian counties—all of which were in metro areas—median family income (the level where half of all 

families have higher incomes while the other half have lower incomes) matched or exceeded the U.S. median of 

$70,850 during the 2013-2017 period. In another 62 counties (39 of which were in metros), median income was at or 

above the median for families in the Appalachian Region ($60,256). In contrast, median family income was less than 

$45,000 in 67 counties. Two-thirds of the counties in this latter group were rural counties not adjacent to a metro area 

(median family income in those counties as a whole was $48,363), and 32 were in Appalachian Kentucky (where 

median family income was $44,837). It is important to note that the 2013-2017 period seems to include a time of 

relatively slow economic recovery following the recession of 2007-2009.

Map Title: Median Family Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

$60,256 to $70,849

$70,850 or more

$45,000 to $60,255

Less than $45,000

U.S. MEDIAN: $70,850

APPALACHIAN MEDIAN: $60,256

Median Family Income, 2013-2017 

(In Adjusted 2017 Dollars)
117 

Figure 8.5: Per Capita Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 2013-2017

At $26,135, per capita income in the Appalachian Region was 84 percent that of the U.S. average of $31,177 during 

the 2013-2017 period. And there was considerable variation within the Region. Per capita income was the same or 

higher than the national average in 14 Appalachian counties, including Pittsburgh, suburban Atlanta, and Clermont 

County, Ohio (which is part of metropolitan Cincinnati). In 66 other counties, per capita income was at or above the 

regional average; while nearly half of these were in Northern Appalachia, there were pockets in the South Central and 

Southern subregions. Yet in 79 Appalachian counties, per capita income was less than $20,000. As with other income 

measures, most of the counties with the highest per capita incomes were in metro areas, while those with the lowest 

were disproportionately in rural areas, particularly in Central Appalachia. Indeed, per capita income in 2013-2017 was 

only $21,235 in the most rural Appalachian counties as a whole, and just $20,324 in Central Appalachia. 

Map Title: Per Capita Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

$26,135 to $31,176

$31,177 or more

$20,000 to $26,134

Less than $20,000

U.S. AVERAGE: $31,177

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: $26,135 

Per Capita Income, 2013-2017 

(In Adjusted 2017 Dollars)
118 

Table 8.2: Change in Household, Family, and Per Capita Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 

Dollars), 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Income 

Percent Change in Household 

Income (In 2017 Dollars) 

Percent Change in Family 

Income (in 2017 Dollars) 

 Percent 

Change in Per 

Capita Income 

(In 2017 

Dollars) 

 Mean HH 

Income 

 Median HH 

Income 

 Mean Family 

Income 

 Median Family 

Income 

United States + 4.1 + 1.6 + 4.4 + 2.6 + 3.9 

Appalachian Region + 3.7 + 2.5 + 4.0 + 2.6 + 4.0 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia + 4.3 + 3.1 + 4.9 + 4.3 + 5.0 

North Central Appalachia + 3.6 + 2.6 + 3.1 + 2.4 + 4.0 

Central Appalachia + 2.1 + 1.1 + 2.2 + 0.7 + 2.9 

South Central Appalachia + 4.1 + 1.6 + 4.0 + 2.0 + 4.2 

Southern Appalachia + 3.1 + 2.5 + 3.7 + 2.8 + 3.1 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) + 3.9 + 2.9 + 4.6 + 3.7 + 4.2 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) + 3.2 + 2.1 + 3.3 + 2.0 + 3.3 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros + 4.0 + 1.3 + 4.4 + 2.3 + 5.0 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros + 3.6 + 2.1 + 3.2 + 2.4 + 4.0 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) + 4.0 + 3.6 + 4.3 + 2.8 + 4.4 

Alabama + 1.7 + 0.7 + 2.7 + 1.7 + 2.0 

Appalachian Alabama + 1.9 + 2.0 + 2.5 + 1.6 + 2.1 

Non-Appalachian Alabama + 1.3 - 1.2 + 3.1 + 0.8 + 2.0 

Georgia + 3.3 - 0.2 + 3.9 + 1.2 + 3.5 

Appalachian Georgia + 3.8 + 1.9 + 4.5 + 3.3 + 3.5 

Non-Appalachian Georgia + 3.1 + 0.1 + 3.7 + 0.5 + 3.5 

Kentucky + 4.1 + 2.1 + 4.3 + 2.5 + 4.3 

Appalachian Kentucky + 1.6 + 1.9 + 0.9 + 0.9 + 2.5 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky + 4.6 + 2.9 + 5.2 + 3.5 + 4.4 

Maryland + 2.3 + 1.1 + 2.1 + 1.5 + 1.3 

Appalachian Maryland + 1.7 + 0.5 + 3.3 + 0.5 + 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Maryland + 2.2 + 1.6 + 2.0 + 0.8 + 1.3 

Mississippi + 0.7 + 1.0 + 1.7 + 2.0 + 1.8 

Appalachian Mississippi + 3.6 + 6.0 + 3.6 + 4.2 + 3.6 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi + 0.0 + 0.1 + 1.1 + 1.9 + 1.3 

New York + 4.5 + 1.7 + 5.4 + 3.1 + 4.1 

Appalachian New York + 2.8 + 0.5 + 3.4 + 2.3 + 3.3 

Non-Appalachian New York + 4.5 + 2.3 + 5.5 + 3.1 + 4.1 

North Carolina + 3.7 + 1.3 + 4.3 + 1.8 + 4.0 

Appalachian North Carolina + 3.1 + 0.7 + 2.8 + 1.6 + 3.5 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina + 3.7 + 1.4 + 4.5 + 2.3 + 4.0 

Ohio + 3.9 + 1.6 + 4.5 + 2.2 + 4.9 

Appalachian Ohio + 4.0 + 1.8 + 4.6 + 3.1 + 5.3 

Non-Appalachian Ohio + 3.8 + 2.1 + 4.4 + 2.1 + 4.7 

Pennsylvania + 4.1 + 1.9 + 4.3 + 3.0 + 4.4 

Appalachian Pennsylvania + 4.7 + 4.0 + 5.3 + 5.2 + 5.5 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania + 3.5 + 1.0 + 3.4 + 1.2 + 3.4 

South Carolina + 3.3 + 2.2 + 3.8 + 3.0 + 4.2 

Appalachian South Carolina + 3.3 + 2.5 + 3.6 + 3.2 + 3.7 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina + 3.3 + 2.2 + 3.9 + 2.3 + 4.4 

Tennessee + 5.0 + 3.2 + 5.2 + 2.9 + 5.0 

Appalachian Tennessee + 4.5 + 2.1 + 4.6 + 1.9 + 4.3 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee + 5.2 + 3.7 + 5.4 + 3.1 + 5.3 

Virginia + 2.0 + 1.0 + 2.4 + 1.5 + 1.7 

Appalachian Virginia + 5.6 + 3.0 + 6.4 + 4.4 + 6.5 

Non-Appalachian Virginia + 1.6 + 0.3 + 1.8 + 1.1 + 1.2 

West Virginia (entire state) + 3.1 + 2.0 + 2.2 + 1.0 + 3.0 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 

 
119 

Figure 8.6: Percent Change in Median Household Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 

Dollars), 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Adjusting for inflation, the median income for Appalachian households (the level where half of all households have higher 

incomes while the other half have lower incomes) was 2.5 percent higher in 2013-2017 than it was in 2008-2012, 

suggesting that incomes have recovered from the recent economic downturn. This was above the national increase of 

1.6 percent; indeed, household income rose faster than the national average in more than half of Appalachia’s 420 

counties. Moreover, median household income rose at least 5 percent in 140 Appalachian counties between the two 

periods. But not all the news was positive: In 154 Appalachian counties, real median household income fell between 

2008-2012 and 2013-2017. 

Map Title: Percent Change in Median Household Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2017 Dollars), 

 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Median Household 

Income (Adjusted 2017 Dollars),

2008-2012 to 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: +1.6 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: +2.5 PERCENT

+1.6 percent to +4.9 percent

+5 percent or more

0 percent to +1.5 percent

Decrease
120 

Table 8.3: Number of Persons in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, by Age Group, 2013-2017 

Poverty Status All Ages Under 

Age 18 

Ages 18-64 

Ages 65 

Total and Over Ages 

18-24 

Ages 

25-64 

United States 45,650,345 14,710,485 26,622,668 6,542,077 20,080,591 4,317,192 

Appalachian Region 4,017,654 1,230,044 2,392,138 561,027 1,831,111 395,472 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 1,122,784 330,362 674,139 174,086 500,053 118,283 

North Central Appalachia 409,542 117,507 253,749 61,153 192,596 38,286 

Central Appalachia 437,949 128,362 264,610 45,280 219,330 44,977 

South Central Appalachia 800,714 233,708 485,111 122,282 362,829 81,895 

Southern Appalachia 1,246,665 420,105 714,529 158,226 556,303 112,031 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 748,543 238,645 435,579 92,749 342,830 74,319 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 1,673,335 508,368 1,010,800 267,598 743,202 154,167 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 377,065 117,897 222,794 52,701 170,093 36,374 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 687,895 208,824 403,752 79,817 323,935 75,319 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 530,816 156,310 319,213 68,162 251,051 55,293 

Alabama 849,699 282,396 490,427 116,490 373,937 76,876 

Appalachian Alabama 506,115 166,146 293,279 65,069 228,210 46,690 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 343,584 116,250 197,148 51,421 145,727 30,186 

Georgia 1,679,030 592,450 955,229 224,299 730,930 131,351 

Appalachian Georgia 423,236 150,904 236,755 45,620 191,135 35,577 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 1,255,794 441,546 718,474 178,679 539,795 95,774 

Kentucky 783,586 244,826 466,816 103,111 363,705 71,944 

Appalachian Kentucky 289,292 84,339 175,898 31,768 144,130 29,055 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 494,294 160,487 290,918 71,343 219,575 42,889 

Maryland 566,966 171,383 331,532 76,939 254,593 64,051 

Appalachian Maryland 32,260 9,964 18,855 4,280 14,575 3,441 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 534,706 161,419 312,677 72,659 240,018 60,610 

Mississippi 620,007 215,831 348,783 81,533 267,250 55,393 

Appalachian Mississippi 130,899 42,829 75,057 19,592 55,465 13,013 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 489,108 173,002 273,726 61,941 211,785 42,380 

New York 2,908,471 878,104 1,696,671 369,127 1,327,544 333,696 

Appalachian New York 161,976 44,835 103,603 33,400 70,203 13,538 

Non-Appalachian New York 2,746,495 833,269 1,593,068 335,727 1,257,341 320,158 

North Carolina 1,579,871 516,821 923,859 223,827 700,032 139,191 

Appalachian North Carolina 288,986 86,199 171,946 39,885 132,061 30,841 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 1,290,885 430,622 751,913 183,942 567,971 108,350 

Ohio 1,683,890 550,914 990,702 240,202 750,500 142,274 

Appalachian Ohio 335,117 107,550 196,966 40,960 156,006 30,601 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 1,348,773 443,364 793,736 199,242 594,494 111,673 

Pennsylvania 1,623,537 490,831 960,903 236,659 724,244 171,803 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 731,243 209,478 439,214 115,497 323,717 82,551 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 892,294 281,353 521,689 121,162 400,527 89,252 

South Carolina 790,657 263,340 454,914 106,667 348,247 72,403 

Appalachian South Carolina 186,415 60,226 109,438 27,945 81,493 16,751 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 604,242 203,114 345,476 78,722 266,754 55,652 

Tennessee 1,072,360 357,310 621,406 140,518 480,888 93,644 

Appalachian Tennessee 482,054 144,816 287,998 63,749 224,249 49,240 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 590,306 212,494 333,408 76,769 256,639 44,404 

Virginia 906,838 273,962 547,038 148,065 398,973 85,838 

Appalachian Virginia 132,972 32,610 86,188 28,004 58,184 14,174

Non-Appalachian Virginia 773,866 241,352 460,850 120,061 340,789 71,664 

West Virginia (entire state) 317,089 90,148 196,941 45,258 151,683 30,000 

Note: Poverty status is determined by a series of income thresholds that are determined by family size and composition. In 2017, the poverty 

threshold for a family of two adults and two children was $24,858. The poverty universe does not include unrelated individuals under age 15, 

people living in college dormitories, and people living in institutional group quarters. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.
121 

Table 8.4: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, by Age Group, 2013-2017 

Poverty Status All Ages Under 

Age 18 

Ages 18-64 

Ages 65 

Total and Over Ages 

18-24 

Ages 

25-64 

United States 14.6 20.3 13.7 23.4 12.1 9.3 

Appalachian Region 16.3 22.8 15.8 26.6 14.1 9.3 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 14.1 20.5 13.9 26.1 12.0 8.0 

North Central Appalachia 17.5 23.6 17.7 30.6 15.6 9.3 

Central Appalachia 24.0 32.2 23.9 30.8 22.8 14.2 

South Central Appalachia 17.1 24.2 17.1 30.5 14.9 9.4 

Southern Appalachia 15.7 22.0 14.7 22.8 13.3 9.7 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 12.6 17.5 11.9 19.3 10.7 8.4 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 16.1 22.8 15.8 28.8 13.6 8.6 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 17.8 25.4 17.4 28.9 15.5 9.6

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 18.0 25.9 17.7 26.0 16.4 10.2 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 21.9 29.8 21.9 32.8 20.1 12.5 

Alabama 18.0 26.0 16.9 27.4 15.1 10.4 

Appalachian Alabama 16.7 24.0 15.7 24.7 14.3 9.8 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 20.2 29.3 19.0 31.8 16.7 11.3 

Georgia 16.9 24.0 15.4 25.0 13.8 10.3 

Appalachian Georgia 13.7 19.0 12.5 17.2 11.7 9.0 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 18.4 26.4 16.7 28.3 14.7 10.9 

Kentucky 18.3 24.7 17.6 27.5 16.0 11.1 

Appalachian Kentucky 25.6 33.2 25.4 33.4 24.2 15.6 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 15.7 21.8 14.9 25.5 13.1 9.3 

Maryland 9.7 12.9 9.0 15.7 7.9 7.8 

Appalachian Maryland 13.7 19.7 13.2 21.0 11.9 8.3 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 9.5 12.6 8.8 15.5 7.8 7.7 

Mississippi 21.5 30.2 19.9 30.6 18.0 13.1 

Appalachian Mississippi 21.5 29.4 20.4 33.1 18.0 13.6 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 21.4 30.4 19.8 29.9 18.0 12.9 

New York 15.1 21.3 13.9 21.8 12.6 11.5 

Appalachian New York 16.4 22.3 17.1 34.2 13.8 7.6 

Non-Appalachian New York 15.0 21.2 13.7 21.0 12.5 11.7 

North Carolina 16.1 22.9 15.3 26.4 13.4 9.4 

Appalachian North Carolina 17.1 25.0 16.9 29.3 15.0 9.5 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 15.9 22.5 14.9 25.8 13.1 9.4 

Ohio 14.9 21.3 14.3 24.8 12.6 8.0 

Appalachian Ohio 17.2 24.9 16.8 25.5 15.4 9.0 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 14.4 20.6 13.8 24.7 12.0 7.8 

Pennsylvania 13.1 18.6 12.6 23.1 11.0 8.2 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 13.3 19.0 13.0 25.5 11.1 8.0 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 13.0 18.3 12.3 21.2 10.9 8.4 

South Carolina 16.6 24.5 15.7 26.1 14.0 9.3 

Appalachian South Carolina 15.5 21.7 14.9 26.5 12.9 8.8 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 17.0 25.5 16.0 25.9 14.3 9.5 

Tennessee 16.7 24.3 15.6 25.1 14.1 9.5 

Appalachian Tennessee 17.3 24.6 17.0 27.2 15.4 9.8 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 16.1 24.0 14.6 23.6 13.1 9.2 

Virginia 11.2 14.9 10.7 21.4 9.0 7.4 

Appalachian Virginia 18.4 23.7 19.5 40.8 15.6 10.0 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 10.5 14.2 9.9 19.2 8.4 7.0 

West Virginia (entire state) 17.8 24.6 18.1 30.5 16.1 9.2 

Note: Poverty status is determined by a series of income thresholds that are determined by family size and composition. In 2017, the poverty 

threshold for a family of two adults and two children was $24,858. The poverty universe does not include unrelated individuals under age 15, 

people living in college dormitories, and people living in institutional group quarters. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.
122 

Figure 8.7: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, 2013-2017 

Over the 2013-2017 period, 16.3 percent of Appalachian residents lived below the poverty level (income below 

$24,858 for a family of two adults and two children in 2017)—close to two percentage points above the U.S. average. 

But there is a great deal of variation within the Region: In 142 counties, at least 20 percent of persons were poor, yet 

in another 96 counties the poverty rate was lower than the national average. And there was a geographic and 

urban/rural pattern: More than four-fifths of the counties with poverty rates at or above 20 percent were outside 

metropolitan areas, and they were overwhelmingly in Central, South Central, and Southern Appalachia. In contrast, 

the counties where poverty was below the U.S. rate were mostly in Northern Appalachia and in metropolitan areas. 

Map Title: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent of Persons in 

Poverty, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 14.6 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 16.3 PERCENT 

20 percent or greater

16.3 percent to 19.9 percent

14.6 percent to 16.2 percent

10 percent to 14.5 percent

Less than 10 percent
123 

Figure 8.8: Percent of Persons Under Age 18 in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, 2013-2017 

Child poverty in the Appalachian Region was just under 23 percent in 2013-2017—more than two percentage points 

above the national rate of just over 20 percent. And the problem is even more acute in some parts of Appalachia. In 

122 counties, at least 30 percent of children under age 18 lived below the poverty level (income below $24,858 for a 

family of two adults and two children in 2017). All but 13 of these counties were outside metropolitan areas and nearly 

half were in the most isolated rural areas. Central Appalachia was home to 52 of the counties with the highest poverty 

rates, while most of the rest were in South Central and Southern Appalachia. However, there were 103 counties 

(primarily in Northern Appalachia and in metropolitan areas) where child poverty rates were below the national 

average. Indeed, 19 of the 30 Appalachian counties where child poverty was less than 15 percent were in metro 

areas, and 10 were in Northern Appalachia. 

Map Title: Percent of Persons Under Age 18 in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Pct. of Persons Under Age 18

in Poverty, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 20.3 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 22.8 PERCENT

15 percent to 20.2 percent

20.3 percent to 24.9 percent

25 percent to 29.9 percent

Less than 15 percent

30 percent or greater
124 

Figure 8.9: Percent of Persons Ages 18 to 64 in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, 2013-2017 

Though at slightly lower levels, the poverty pattern among adults ages 18 to 64 in the Appalachian Region mirrored 

that for the overall population in the 2013-2017 period. Just under 16 percent of Appalachian residents in this age 

group were below poverty (income of less than $24,858 for a family of two adults and two children in 2017), and this 

rate was two percentage points above the U.S. average of 13.7 percent. Within the Region, there were rural/urban 

and geographic patterns of poverty concentration. Of the 127 counties where at least one in five 18-to-64-year-olds 

were poor, 109 were outside metropolitan areas; 105 were in Central, South Central, and Southern Appalachia; and 

46 were in Kentucky alone. Conversely, 72 of the 83 counties with rates below the national average were either in 

metro areas or in Northern Appalachia. 

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 18 to 64 in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Pct. of Persons Ages 18-64

in Poverty, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 13.7 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 15.8 PERCENT 

20 percent or greater

Less than 10 percent

15.8 percent to 19.9 percent

13.7 percent to 15.7 percent

10 percent to 13.6 percent
125 

Figure 8.10: Percent of Persons Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, 2013-2017

The poverty rate for the oldest residents of Appalachia matched the national average of 9.3 percent in 2013-2017. Yet 

the rate was even lower in 169 counties, 73 of which were in Northern Appalachia alone. But as with other age 

groups, poverty was especially prevalent among the senior population in Appalachian Kentucky, where about one in 

six residents ages 65 and over were poor in 2013-2017. Moreover, the state had more than half of Appalachia’s 61 

counties where the poverty rate among seniors was 15 percent or higher. (Determined by a series of income 

thresholds based on family size and composition, the poverty level in 2017 was $14,816 for a family of two adults 

headed by someone age 65 or older.) 

 

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Pct. of Persons Ages 65+

in Poverty, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 9.3 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 9.3 PERCENT 

9.3 percent to 14.9 percent

15 percent or greater

7.5 percent to 9.2 percent

Less than 7.5 percent
126 

Table 8.5: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, by Age 

Group, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Poverty Status 

Percentage Point Change in Share of Persons in Poverty 

All Ages Under 

Age 18 

Ages 18-64 

Ages 65 

Total and Over Ages 

18-24 

Ages 

25-64 

United States - 0.3 - 0.5 + 0.0 - 1.4 + 0.3 - 0.1 

Appalachian Region - 0.3 - 0.4 + 0.0 - 1.9 + 0.4 - 0.7 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia - 0.1 - 0.2 + 0.4 - 1.6 + 0.8 - 0.3 

North Central Appalachia + 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.7 - 1.6 + 1.0 - 0.4 

Central Appalachia + 0.2 + 0.2 + 1.1 - 1.5 + 1.5 - 2.0 

South Central Appalachia - 0.5 - 0.3 + 0.0 - 2.1 + 0.3 - 0.6 

Southern Appalachia - 0.9 - 0.9 - 0.5 - 2.2 - 0.2 - 1.1 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) - 0.5 - 0.6 - 0.2 - 2.5 + 0.1 - 0.2 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) - 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.2 - 1.5 + 0.5 - 0.4 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros - 1.1 - 1.5 - 0.7 - 3.3 - 0.2 - 1.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.7 - 1.2 + 1.0 - 1.0 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) - 0.5 - 1.0 + 0.5 - 1.5 + 0.8 - 1.7 

Alabama - 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.3 - 0.7 + 0.6 - 0.7 

Appalachian Alabama - 0.2 - 0.3 + 0.3 - 0.9 + 0.6 - 0.8 

Non-Appalachian Alabama + 0.0 + 0.4 + 0.4 - 0.3 + 0.6 - 0.7 

Georgia - 0.5 - 0.1 - 0.3 - 2.3 + 0.1 - 1.0 

Appalachian Georgia - 1.0 - 0.6 - 0.9 - 2.8 - 0.7 - 1.3 

Non-Appalachian Georgia - 0.2 + 0.2 + 0.0 - 1.7 + 0.4 - 0.8 

Kentucky - 0.3 - 1.0 + 0.4 - 1.9 + 0.8 - 1.1 

Appalachian Kentucky + 0.5 - 0.2 + 1.6 - 0.6 + 2.0 - 2.1 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky - 0.4 - 1.1 + 0.1 - 2.3 + 0.4 - 0.6 

Maryland + 0.3 + 0.7 + 0.3 - 0.9 + 0.4 + 0.1 

Appalachian Maryland + 0.5 + 0.5 + 1.0 - 1.3 + 1.4 - 0.7 

Non-Appalachian Maryland + 0.2 + 0.6 + 0.2 - 0.9 + 0.5 + 0.1 

Mississippi - 0.8 - 1.8 + 0.1 - 1.8 + 0.5 - 1.5 

Appalachian Mississippi - 1.8 - 3.4 - 0.9 - 3.5 - 0.3 - 1.7 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi - 0.6 - 1.3 + 0.4 - 1.3 + 0.7 - 1.5

New York + 0.2 + 0.3 + 0.4 - 0.7 + 0.6 + 0.1 

Appalachian New York + 0.3 + 0.2 + 1.0 - 1.1 + 1.3 - 0.4 

Non-Appalachian New York + 0.2 + 0.3 + 0.3 - 0.7 + 0.5 + 0.0 

North Carolina - 0.7 - 0.9 - 0.2 - 2.1 + 0.0 - 0.8 

Appalachian North Carolina - 0.8 - 0.8 - 0.4 - 3.0 + 0.0 - 0.4 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina - 0.7 - 1.0 - 0.2 - 1.9 + 0.1 - 0.9 

Ohio - 0.5 - 0.9 - 0.1 - 2.6 + 0.3 - 0.1 

Appalachian Ohio + 0.1 - 0.2 + 0.7 - 2.3 + 1.1 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Ohio - 0.6 - 1.0 - 0.2 - 2.6 + 0.2 + 0.0 

Pennsylvania + 0.0 + 0.2 + 0.3 - 1.7 + 0.7 - 0.2 

Appalachian Pennsylvania - 0.1 - 0.2 + 0.3 - 1.6 + 0.7 - 0.4 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania + 0.2 + 0.6 + 0.3 - 1.7 + 0.7 + 0.0 

South Carolina - 1.0 - 0.8 - 0.5 - 2.1 - 0.1 - 1.3 

Appalachian South Carolina - 1.2 - 1.6 - 0.8 - 1.5 - 0.8 - 1.1 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina - 0.8 - 0.5 - 0.3 - 2.4 + 0.0 - 1.3 

Tennessee - 0.6 - 0.2 - 0.4 - 2.6 + 0.1 - 1.1 

Appalachian Tennessee - 0.5 + 0.0 - 0.3 - 2.9 + 0.2 - 0.8 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee - 0.7 - 0.4 - 0.3 - 2.3 + 0.0 - 1.3 

Virginia + 0.1 + 0.3 + 0.3 - 0.5 + 0.5 - 0.5 

Appalachian Virginia - 0.2 - 0.6 + 0.7 + 1.6 + 0.5 - 1.2 

Non-Appalachian Virginia + 0.2 + 0.5 + 0.4 - 0.7 + 0.5 - 0.5 

West Virginia (entire state) + 0.2 + 0.5 + 0.7 - 1.3 + 1.0 - 0.7 

Note: Poverty status is determined by a series of income thresholds that are determined by family size and composition. In 2017, the poverty 

threshold for a family of two adults and two children was $24,858. The poverty universe does not include unrelated individuals under age 15, 

people living in college dormitories, and people living in institutional group quarters. 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 

 
127 

Figure 8.11: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

The share of Appalachian residents living below the poverty level (income of less than $24,858 for a family of two 

adults and two children in 2017) decreased by 0.3 percentage points between the 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 periods, 

the same change as in the nation as a whole. And the decrease in the poverty rate was even greater in 214 of 

Appalachia’s 420 counties (scattered throughout the Region). Conversely, there were 62 counties where poverty rates 

increased by at least two percentage points between the two periods. The overall picture nevertheless suggests that 

in the aftermath of the Great Recession, poverty rates in much of Appalachia have fallen. 

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, 2008-2012 to 

 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Share of 

Persons in Poverty, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

U.S. AVG.: -0.3 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: -0.3 PCT. POINTS

+2 percentage points or more

-0.3 to +1.9 percentage points

-1.9 to -0.4 percentage points

-2 percentage points or more
128 

Table 8.6: Income-to-Poverty Ratio for Persons in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017 

Income-to-Poverty Ratio 

Persons for 

Whom Poverty 

Status Is 

Determined 

Percent of Persons for Whom Poverty Status is Determined 

Below 50% of 

Poverty Level 

50% to 99% of 

Poverty Level 

100% to 199% 

of Poverty 

Level 

200% of 

Poverty Level 

and Greater 

United States 313,048,563 6.5 8.1 18.2 67.2 

Appalachian Region 24,713,230 7.0 9.3 20.4 63.3 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 7,937,550 6.3 7.9 18.5 67.4 

North Central Appalachia 2,338,174 7.7 9.8 20.5 62.0 

Central Appalachia 1,823,220 10.1 13.9 23.9 52.1 

South Central Appalachia 4,681,545 7.3 9.8 21.8 61.1 

Southern Appalachia 7,932,741 6.6 9.1 20.8 63.5 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 5,920,472 5.5 7.2 17.2 70.2 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 10,421,200 7.0 9.0 20.0 64.0 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 2,118,540 7.6 10.2 22.8 59.4

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 3,832,204 7.4 10.6 23.2 58.8

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 2,420,814 9.5 12.5 23.9 54.1 

Alabama 4,729,116 7.8 10.1 20.7 61.4 

Appalachian Alabama 3,029,357 7.0 9.7 20.3 63.0 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 1,699,759 9.3 10.9 21.3 58.5 

Georgia 9,931,935 7.7 9.2 20.0 63.1 

Appalachian Georgia 3,090,049 5.6 8.1 20.2 66.1 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 6,841,886 8.6 9.7 19.9 61.8 

Kentucky 4,287,887 7.9 10.4 19.9 61.9 

Appalachian Kentucky 1,132,081 10.9 14.7 23.7 50.7 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 3,155,806 6.8 8.9 18.5 65.9 

Maryland 5,856,088 4.7 5.0 13.0 77.4 

Appalachian Maryland 234,632 5.7 8.0 18.3 67.9 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 5,621,456 4.6 4.9 12.7 77.8 

Mississippi 2,890,123 9.9 11.6 22.5 56.0 

Appalachian Mississippi 609,234 8.7 12.8 25.0 53.5 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 2,280,889 10.2 11.3 21.9 56.7 

New York 19,285,448 6.7 8.4 16.3 68.6 

Appalachian New York 985,602 7.6 8.9 19.6 64.0 

Non-Appalachian New York 18,299,846 6.7 8.3 16.2 68.8 

North Carolina 9,783,738 7.0 9.1 20.4 63.5 

Appalachian North Carolina 1,686,212 7.2 9.9 22.0 60.9 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 8,097,526 7.0 8.9 20.0 64.0 

Ohio 11,289,161 6.9 8.0 17.6 67.5 

Appalachian Ohio 1,946,033 7.7 9.6 20.4 62.4 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 9,343,128 6.7 7.7 17.1 68.5 

Pennsylvania 12,377,251 6.0 7.1 16.5 70.4 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 5,509,247 5.9 7.4 17.8 68.9 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 6,868,004 6.1 6.9 15.5 71.5 

South Carolina 4,751,345 7.6 9.1 20.8 62.6 

Appalachian South Carolina 1,204,101 7.2 8.3 21.0 63.5 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 3,547,244 7.7 9.3 20.7 62.3 

Tennessee 6,436,601 7.2 9.5 20.6 62.7 

Appalachian Tennessee 2,780,682 7.2 10.1 22.2 60.5 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 3,655,919 7.1 9.0 19.4 64.4 

Virginia 8,116,130 5.3 5.9 14.8 74.0 

Appalachian Virginia 721,996 8.7 9.7 21.7 59.9 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 7,394,134 5.0 5.5 14.2 75.4 

West Virginia (entire state) 1,784,004 7.8 10.0 21.2 61.0 

Note: Poverty status is determined by a series of income thresholds that are determined by family size and composition. In 2017, the poverty 

threshold for a family of two adults and two children was $24,858. The poverty universe does not include unrelated individuals under age 15, 

people living in college dormitories, and people living in institutional group quarters. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.
129 

Table 8.7: Number of Persons in the Appalachian Region Below 50% of Poverty Level, by Age Group, 

2013-2017 

Income-to-Poverty Ratio (Below 50%) All Ages Under 

Age 18 

Ages 18-64 

Ages 65 

Total and Over Ages 

18-24 

Ages 

25-64 

United States 20,276,204 6,510,949 12,452,185 3,561,652 8,890,533 1,313,070 

Appalachian Region 1,731,265 548,339 1,075,949 322,918 753,031 106,977 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 498,400 149,779 313,098 105,039 208,059 35,523 

North Central Appalachia 180,556 55,560 115,549 36,319 79,230 9,447 

Central Appalachia 184,805 63,438 112,029 23,891 88,138 9,338 

South Central Appalachia 342,706 102,283 219,434 72,314 147,120 20,989 

Southern Appalachia 524,798 177,279 315,839 85,355 230,484 31,680 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 323,228 102,723 196,662 50,186 146,476 23,843 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 734,506 226,141 465,235 159,597 305,638 43,130 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 161,730 52,679 99,731 30,299 69,432 9,320 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 282,897 91,809 173,094 42,768 130,326 17,994 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 228,904 74,987 141,227 40,068 101,159 12,690 

Alabama 370,884 131,570 219,258 63,106 156,152 20,056 

Appalachian Alabama 212,636 73,716 126,532 34,548 91,984 12,388

Non-Appalachian Alabama 158,248 57,854 92,726 28,558 64,168 7,668 

Georgia 761,938 267,322 454,034 123,810 330,224 40,582 

Appalachian Georgia 172,903 57,485 104,411 22,897 81,514 11,007

Non-Appalachian Georgia 589,035 209,837 349,623 100,913 248,710 29,575 

Kentucky 337,217 114,062 206,363 55,441 150,922 16,792 

Appalachian Kentucky 122,841 41,776 75,127 16,883 58,244 5,938 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 214,376 72,286 131,236 38,558 92,678 10,854 

Maryland 273,285 81,788 167,496 42,818 124,678 24,001 

Appalachian Maryland 13,472 4,190 8,098 2,147 5,951 1,184 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 259,813 77,598 159,398 40,671 118,727 22,817 

Mississippi 284,882 109,128 161,656 45,328 116,328 14,098 

Appalachian Mississippi 52,998 17,954 31,766 11,077 20,689 3,278 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 231,884 91,174 129,890 34,251 95,639 10,820 

New York 1,296,854 399,232 799,840 198,079 601,761 97,782 

Appalachian New York 74,702 19,675 51,342 21,640 29,702 3,685 

Non-Appalachian New York 1,222,152 379,557 748,498 176,439 572,059 94,097 

North Carolina 688,118 229,345 422,039 122,683 299,356 36,734 

Appalachian North Carolina 121,265 37,120 76,135 23,018 53,117 8,010 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 566,853 192,225 345,904 99,665 246,239 28,724 

Ohio 776,037 263,821 468,590 133,304 335,286 43,626 

Appalachian Ohio 149,183 52,026 88,397 22,458 65,939 8,760 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 626,854 211,795 380,193 110,846 269,347 34,866 

Pennsylvania 740,815 225,611 461,710 140,607 321,103 53,494 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 322,597 93,928 203,681 70,258 133,423 24,988 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 418,218 131,683 258,029 70,349 187,680 28,506 

South Carolina 359,556 124,929 213,921 57,767 156,154 20,706 

Appalachian South Carolina 86,261 28,124 53,130 16,833 36,297 5,007 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 273,295 96,805 160,791 40,934 119,857 15,699 

Tennessee 462,337 160,807 277,250 73,361 203,889 24,280 

Appalachian Tennessee 201,082 63,873 124,912 33,907 91,005 12,297 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 261,255 96,934 152,338 39,454 112,884 11,983 

Virginia 429,123 127,332 275,433 91,470 183,963 26,358 

Appalachian Virginia 62,732 15,673 43,632 20,125 23,507 3,427 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 366,391 111,659 231,801 71,345 160,456 22,931 

West Virginia (entire state) 138,593 42,799 88,786 27,127 61,659 7,008 

Note: Poverty status is determined by a series of income thresholds that are determined by family size and composition. In 2017, the poverty 

threshold for a family of two adults and two children was $24,858. The poverty universe does not include unrelated individuals under age 15, 

people living in college dormitories, and people living in institutional group quarters. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 
130 

Table 8.8: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region Below 50% of Poverty Level, by Age Group, 

2013-2017 

Income-to-Poverty Ratio (Below 50%) All Ages Under 

Age 18 

Ages 18-64 

Ages 65 

Total and Over Ages 

18-24 

Ages 

25-64 

United States 6.5 9.0 6.4 12.8 5.3 2.8 

Appalachian Region 7.0 10.2 7.1 15.3 5.8 2.5 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 6.3 9.3 6.5 15.7 5.0 2.4 

North Central Appalachia 7.7 11.2 8.1 18.2 6.4 2.3 

Central Appalachia 10.1 15.9 10.1 16.2 9.2 3.0 

South Central Appalachia 7.3 10.6 7.7 18.1 6.0 2.4 

Southern Appalachia 6.6 9.3 6.5 12.3 5.5 2.7 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 5.5 7.5 5.4 10.4 4.6 2.7 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 7.0 10.2 7.3 17.2 5.6 2.4 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 7.6 11.4 7.8 16.6 6.3 2.5 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 7.4 11.4 7.6 13.9 6.6 2.4 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 9.5 14.3 9.7 19.3 8.1 2.9

Alabama 7.8 12.1 7.6 14.8 6.3 2.7 

Appalachian Alabama 7.0 10.7 6.8 13.1 5.7 2.6 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 9.3 14.6 8.9 17.7 7.3 2.9 

Georgia 7.7 10.8 7.3 13.8 6.2 3.2 

Appalachian Georgia 5.6 7.2 5.5 8.6 5.0 2.8 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 8.6 12.6 8.1 16.0 6.8 3.4 

Kentucky 7.9 11.5 7.8 14.8 6.6 2.6 

Appalachian Kentucky 10.9 16.4 10.9 17.8 9.8 3.2 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 6.8 9.8 6.7 13.8 5.5 2.3 

Maryland 4.7 6.2 4.5 8.7 3.9 2.9 

Appalachian Maryland 5.7 8.3 5.7 10.5 4.9 2.8 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 4.6 6.1 4.5 8.7 3.8 2.9 

Mississippi 9.9 15.3 9.2 17.0 7.8 3.3 

Appalachian Mississippi 8.7 12.3 8.6 18.7 6.7 3.4 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 10.2 16.0 9.4 16.5 8.1 3.3 

New York 6.7 9.7 6.5 11.7 5.7 3.4 

Appalachian New York 7.6 9.8 8.5 22.1 5.8 2.1 

Non-Appalachian New York 6.7 9.7 6.4 11.0 5.7 3.4 

North Carolina 7.0 10.2 7.0 14.5 5.8 2.5 

Appalachian North Carolina 7.2 10.8 7.5 16.9 6.0 2.5 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 7.0 10.1 6.9 14.0 5.7 2.5 

Ohio 6.9 10.2 6.8 13.8 5.6 2.5 

Appalachian Ohio 7.7 12.1 7.5 14.0 6.5 2.6 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 6.7 9.9 6.6 13.7 5.4 2.4 

Pennsylvania 6.0 8.5 6.0 13.7 4.9 2.5 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 5.9 8.5 6.0 15.5 4.6 2.4 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 6.1 8.5 6.1 12.3 5.1 2.7 

South Carolina 7.6 11.6 7.4 14.1 6.3 2.7 

Appalachian South Carolina 7.2 10.1 7.2 16.0 5.8 2.6 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 7.7 12.2 7.4 13.5 6.4 2.7 

Tennessee 7.2 10.9 7.0 13.1 6.0 2.5 

Appalachian Tennessee 7.2 10.9 7.4 14.5 6.3 2.4 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 7.1 11.0 6.7 12.1 5.7 2.5 

Virginia 5.3 6.9 5.4 13.2 4.2 2.3 

Appalachian Virginia 8.7 11.4 9.9 29.3 6.3 2.4 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 5.0 6.6 5.0 11.4 4.0 2.2 

West Virginia (entire state) 7.8 11.7 8.2 18.3 6.6 2.1 

Note: Poverty status is determined by a series of income thresholds that are determined by family size and composition. In 2017, the poverty 

threshold for a family of two adults and two children was $24,858. The poverty universe does not include unrelated individuals under age 15, 

people living in college dormitories, and people living in institutional group quarters. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 
131 

Figure 8.12: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region Below 50% of Poverty Level, 2013-2017 

In the 2013-2017 period, 7 percent of Appalachian residents were in extreme poverty (incomes below 50 percent of 

the poverty level, or less than $12,429 for a family of two adults and two children in 2017). While this was slightly 

higher than the national average of 6.5 percent, the situation was even worse in much of the Region. For example, in 

72 Appalachian counties at least one in 10 residents were extremely poor. All but seven of these counties were 

outside metropolitan areas, and 37 of them were in Central Appalachia. (Kentucky alone had 29 counties in this 

group.) In contrast, there were 55 counties in the Region where less than 5 percent of the population had incomes 

below 50 percent of the poverty level. Northern Appalachia had 24 of these counties, although the group included 

several Georgia counties that were outside Atlanta. 

Map Title: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region Below 50% of Poverty Level, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Pct. of Persons Below 50%

of Poverty Level, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 6.5 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 7 PERCENT 

6.5 percent to 9.9 percent

10 percent or greater

5 percent to 6.4 percent

Less than 5 percent
132 

Figure 8.13: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region Below 200% of Poverty Level, 2013-2017 

About 37 percent of persons in the Appalachian Region had incomes less than twice the poverty level in 2013-2017, 

four percentage points higher than the national rate of just under 33 percent. (In 2017 a family of two adults and two 

children fell in this category if their income was less than $49,716.) The share of persons who were poor (below 100% 

of poverty) and low-income (between 100% and 199% of poverty) was 40 percent or more in 232 of Appalachia’s 420 

counties, mostly in Central, South Central, and Southern Appalachia. And in 55 Appalachian counties, at least half of 

residents had incomes below 200 percent of poverty; 38 of these counties were in Central Appalachia and 29 were in 

Kentucky alone. (Another eight of these counties were in Mississippi.) In contrast, there were 46 counties in the 

Region where the share of persons who were poor or low-income was below the national average. Nearly half were in 

Northern Appalachia, although several were outside Atlanta. 

Map Title: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region Below 200% of Poverty Level, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Pct. of Persons Below 200%

of Poverty Level, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 32.8 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 36.7 PERCENT 

40 percent to 49.9 percent

50 percent or greater

32.8 percent to 39.9 percent

Less than 32.8 percent
133 

Table 8.9: Percentage Point Change in Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region, by Income-to-Poverty 

Ratio, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Income-to-Poverty Ratio 

Percentage Point Change in Share of Poverty Universe 

Below 50% of 

Poverty Level 

50% to 99% of 

Poverty Level 

100% to 199% of 

Poverty Level 

200% of Poverty 

Level and Greater 

United States + 0.0 - 0.3 - 0.5 + 0.8 

Appalachian Region + 0.0 - 0.3 - 0.7 + 1.0 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia + 0.2 - 0.1 - 1.1 + 1.2 

North Central Appalachia + 0.2 + 0.0 - 0.8 + 0.6 

Central Appalachia + 0.6 - 0.4 - 1.1 + 0.9 

South Central Appalachia - 0.2 - 0.3 - 0.3 + 0.8 

Southern Appalachia - 0.2 - 0.7 - 0.3 + 1.1 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) - 0.1 - 0.3 - 0.7 + 1.1 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) + 0.0 - 0.2 - 0.4 + 0.6 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros - 0.3 - 0.8 + 0.0 + 1.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros + 0.2 - 0.2 - 0.9 + 0.8 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) + 0.5 - 0.9 - 1.4 + 1.7 

Alabama + 0.1 - 0.3 - 0.4 + 0.6 

Appalachian Alabama + 0.0 - 0.2 - 0.4 + 0.6 

Non-Appalachian Alabama + 0.4 - 0.5 - 0.6 + 0.6 

Georgia - 0.1 - 0.4 - 0.3 + 0.8 

Appalachian Georgia - 0.3 - 0.7 - 0.1 + 1.1 

Non-Appalachian Georgia - 0.1 - 0.2 - 0.4 + 0.7 

Kentucky - 0.1 - 0.2 - 0.8 + 1.2 

Appalachian Kentucky + 0.6 - 0.1 - 1.4 + 0.9 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky - 0.3 - 0.1 - 0.5 + 1.1 

Maryland + 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.2 - 0.4 

Appalachian Maryland - 0.3 + 0.8 - 0.8 + 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Maryland + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.2 - 0.4 

Mississippi + 0.5 - 1.3 - 0.7 + 1.5 

Appalachian Mississippi - 0.5 - 1.3 - 0.9 + 2.8 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi + 0.7 - 1.2 - 0.6 + 1.2 

New York + 0.0 + 0.2 - 0.4 + 0.2 

Appalachian New York + 0.2 + 0.2 - 0.1 - 0.2 

Non-Appalachian New York + 0.1 + 0.1 - 0.3 + 0.2 

North Carolina - 0.3 - 0.4 - 0.3 + 1.0 

Appalachian North Carolina - 0.5 - 0.3 - 0.5 + 1.3 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina - 0.2 - 0.5 - 0.3 + 0.9 

Ohio - 0.2 - 0.3 - 0.5 + 1.0 

Appalachian Ohio + 0.4 - 0.2 - 1.1 + 1.0 

Non-Appalachian Ohio - 0.4 - 0.2 - 0.3 + 0.9 

Pennsylvania + 0.3 - 0.2 - 0.6 + 0.5 

Appalachian Pennsylvania + 0.2 - 0.2 - 1.3 + 1.4 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania + 0.3 - 0.1 + 0.1 - 0.3 

South Carolina - 0.3 - 0.6 - 0.6 + 1.6 

Appalachian South Carolina - 0.1 - 1.1 - 0.3 + 1.5 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina - 0.4 - 0.4 - 0.8 + 1.6 

Tennessee - 0.3 - 0.3 - 0.5 + 1.0 

Appalachian Tennessee - 0.1 - 0.4 - 0.1 + 0.7 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee - 0.5 - 0.2 - 0.7 + 1.3 

Virginia + 0.3 - 0.2 - 0.3 + 0.1 

Appalachian Virginia + 1.1 - 1.3 - 1.0 + 1.2 

Non-Appalachian Virginia + 0.3 + 0.0 - 0.1 - 0.1 

West Virginia (entire state) + 0.2 + 0.0 - 0.3 + 0.1 

Note: Poverty status is determined by a series of income thresholds that are determined by family size and composition. In 2017, the poverty 

threshold for a family of two adults and two children was $24,858. The poverty universe does not include unrelated individuals under age 15, 

people living in college dormitories, and people living in institutional group quarters. 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 

 
134 

Table 8.10: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region Below 50% of 

Poverty Level, by Age Group, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Income-to-Poverty Ratio (Below 50%) 

Percentage Point Change in Share of Persons Below 50% of Poverty Level 

All Ages Under 

Age 18 

Ages 18-64 

Ages 65 

Total and Over Ages 

18-24 

Ages 

25-64 

United States + 0.0 - 0.2 + 0.1 - 0.7 + 0.2 + 0.3 

Appalachian Region + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.2 - 0.8 + 0.3 + 0.3 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia + 0.2 + 0.0 + 0.3 - 0.7 + 0.5 + 0.3 

North Central Appalachia + 0.2 + 0.2 + 0.4 - 1.3 + 0.6 + 0.6 

Central Appalachia + 0.6 + 0.7 + 1.1 - 0.2 + 1.3 + 0.1 

South Central Appalachia - 0.2 + 0.1 - 0.1 - 0.9 + 0.0 + 0.3 

Southern Appalachia - 0.2 - 0.5 + 0.0 - 0.7 + 0.1 + 0.3 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) - 0.1 - 0.5 + 0.0 - 1.3 + 0.2 + 0.4 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) + 0.0 + 0.1 + 0.2 - 0.7 + 0.3 + 0.4 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros - 0.3 - 0.3 - 0.2 - 1.5 + 0.1 + 0.3 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros + 0.2 + 0.2 + 0.5 - 0.6 + 0.7 + 0.2 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) + 0.5 + 0.4 + 0.9 + 1.0 + 0.8 + 0.3 

Alabama + 0.1 + 0.2 + 0.4 + 0.1 + 0.5 + 0.2 

Appalachian Alabama + 0.0 - 0.2 + 0.2 - 0.4 + 0.3 + 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Alabama + 0.4 + 0.9 + 0.6 + 0.9 + 0.6 + 0.2 

Georgia - 0.1 - 0.1 - 0.2 - 1.7 + 0.1 + 0.5 

Appalachian Georgia - 0.3 - 0.5 - 0.2 - 1.1 - 0.1 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Georgia - 0.1 + 0.2 - 0.1 - 1.7 + 0.3 + 0.7 

Kentucky - 0.1 - 0.9 + 0.3 - 0.8 + 0.5 + 0.0 

Appalachian Kentucky + 0.6 - 0.1 + 1.2 - 0.1 + 1.4 - 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky - 0.3 - 1.1 + 0.0 - 1.0 + 0.2 + 0.1 

Maryland + 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.1 - 0.8 + 0.3 + 0.6 

Appalachian Maryland - 0.3 - 2.1 + 0.2 - 1.1 + 0.5 + 0.6 

Non-Appalachian Maryland + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.2 - 0.8 + 0.3 + 0.6 

Mississippi + 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.7 + 0.1 + 0.9 + 0.3 

Appalachian Mississippi - 0.5 - 1.9 - 0.2 + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.9 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi + 0.7 + 1.0 + 1.0 + 0.2 + 1.1 + 0.1

New York + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.1 - 0.5 + 0.3 + 0.5 

Appalachian New York + 0.2 + 0.0 + 0.6 - 0.4 + 0.6 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian New York + 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.1 - 0.6 + 0.3 + 0.4 

North Carolina - 0.3 - 0.5 - 0.1 - 1.1 + 0.1 + 0.3 

Appalachian North Carolina - 0.5 - 0.3 - 0.5 - 1.8 - 0.3 + 0.3 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina - 0.2 - 0.5 + 0.0 - 1.0 + 0.2 + 0.2 

Ohio - 0.2 - 0.6 + 0.0 - 1.4 + 0.2 + 0.4 

Appalachian Ohio + 0.4 + 0.6 + 0.4 - 1.6 + 0.8 + 0.6 

Non-Appalachian Ohio - 0.4 - 0.7 - 0.2 - 1.4 + 0.0 + 0.2 

Pennsylvania + 0.3 + 0.2 + 0.3 - 0.8 + 0.6 + 0.2 

Appalachian Pennsylvania + 0.2 - 0.1 + 0.2 - 0.6 + 0.5 + 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania + 0.3 + 0.5 + 0.5 - 0.8 + 0.7 + 0.2 

South Carolina - 0.3 - 0.5 - 0.2 - 1.8 + 0.1 + 0.4 

Appalachian South Carolina - 0.1 - 0.4 + 0.0 - 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.5 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina - 0.4 - 0.4 - 0.3 - 2.3 + 0.1 + 0.4 

Tennessee - 0.3 - 0.4 - 0.1 - 1.6 + 0.1 + 0.2 

Appalachian Tennessee - 0.1 + 0.4 - 0.2 - 2.1 + 0.2 + 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee - 0.5 - 0.8 - 0.1 - 1.2 + 0.0 - 0.1 

Virginia + 0.3 + 0.3 + 0.4 + 0.2 + 0.5 + 0.3 

Appalachian Virginia + 1.1 + 1.1 + 1.7 + 5.4 + 0.9 + 0.4 

Non-Appalachian Virginia + 0.3 + 0.3 + 0.4 - 0.4 + 0.5 + 0.2 

West Virginia (entire state) + 0.2 + 0.3 + 0.4 - 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.4 

Note: Poverty status is determined by a series of income thresholds that are determined by family size and composition. In 2017, the poverty 

threshold for a family of two adults and two children was $24,858. The poverty universe does not include unrelated individuals under age 15, 

people living in college dormitories, and people living in institutional group quarters. 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 
135 

Figure 8.14: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region Below 50% of 

Poverty Level, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

The share of Appalachian residents living in extreme poverty (50 percent of the poverty level, or earning less than 

$12,429 for a family of two adults and two children in 2017) remained the same between the 2008-2012 and 2013-

2017 periods. But there was much variation within the Region. On one hand, the rate of extreme poverty rose at least 

two percentage points in 55 counties. Almost three-fourths of these counties were in Central, South Central, and 

Southern Appalachia, and all but four were outside metropolitan areas. Yet in 54 other counties, extreme poverty 

rates went down by at least two points. As was true with poverty rates, extreme poverty rates have now fallen to prerecession levels in much of the Appalachian Region. 

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region Below 50% of Poverty Level, 

 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Share of Persons

Below 50% of Poverty Level,

2008-2012 to 2013-2017

U.S. AVG.: NO CHANGE

APPALACHIAN AVG.: NO CHANGE 

0 to +1.9 percentage points

+2 percentage points or more

-1.9 to -0.1 percentage points

-2 percentage points or more
136 

TRENDS IN INCOME AND POVERTY 

• Adjusting for inflation, income trends in the Appalachian Region were positive between the 2008-2012 

and 2013-2017 periods (see Tables 8.1 and 8.2). 

o The mean income measures all increased noticeably during the two periods. Mean 

household income, for example, rose 3.7 percent to $64,880 in 2013-2017. Mean family and 

per capita income were both 4 percent higher, at $77,028 and $26,135, respectively. (All 

monetary figures are in 2017 Dollars.)

o Meanwhile, the two median income measures—which are not affected by extreme values—

both registered more modest increases since 2008-2012. Median household income (the 

level where half of all households have higher incomes while the other half have lower 

incomes) rose 2.5 percent to $47,836 in 2013-2017. Median family income increased 2.6 

percent to $60,256.

• While the post 2008-2012 trend in median household income was noticeably better in Appalachia 

than in the nation, that was not the case for the other measures. Appalachia’s growth in median 

family and per capita income was about the same as the national average, while the increases in 

mean household and family income were not quite as great as they are in the U.S.

• Within the Appalachian Region, all income measures increased for the subregions and county types, 

even after adjusting for inflation. Among the subregions, income growth was highest in Northern 

Appalachia and lowest in Central Appalachia. Among the county types, the increases depended on 

the income measure. For example, nonmetropolitan counties adjacent to large metro areas had the 

largest increase in per capita income (5 percent) but the smallest increase in median household 

income (1.3 percent). However, there were still counties throughout the Region that experienced 

declines in income between 2008-2012 and 2013-2017.

• Since 2008-2012, the share of Appalachian residents in poverty (incomes below $24,858 for a family 

of two adults and two children in 2017) has fallen 0.3 percentage points to 16.3 percent in 2013-2017 

(see Tables 8.4 and 8.5). Poverty decreased in three of the subregions (rising slightly in North Central 

and Central Appalachia) and among four of the five county types. The decline in poverty was greatest 

in the Appalachian portions of Mississippi, South Carolina, and Georgia: Poverty fell by at least a full 

percentage point in each state. In contrast, the poverty rate in Kentucky and Maryland increased by 

half a percentage point between 2008-2012 and 2013-2017.

• Both child poverty and poverty among young adults (ages 18 to 24) have fallen since 2008-2012: 

Child poverty dropped 0.4 percentage points to 22.8 percent in 2013-2017, while poverty among 18-

to-24-year-olds fell nearly two points to 26.6 percent. And for both of these age groups, Appalachian 

Mississippi had the largest decreases: more than three percentage points in each case. Conversely, 

poverty rates among working-age adults (ages 25 to 64) rose slightly to 14.1 percent, but this 

increase was not uniform throughout the Region. For example, poverty among working-age adults 

rose at least a full percentage point in Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia, but 

fell by 0.8 points in South Carolina and 0.7 points in Georgia. 

• Poverty declined 0.7 percentage points for older residents (ages 65 and over) between 2008-2012 

and 2013-2017, and this decline was evident throughout the Appalachian Region. (Central 

Appalachia, the region’s most rural areas, and the Appalachian portions of Kentucky, Mississippi, and 

Georgia had the biggest drops in the poverty rate for persons ages 65 and over.)

• In 2013-2017, the share of Appalachian residents below 50 percent of poverty (income below 

$12,429 for a family of two adults and two children in 2017) was 7 percent, the same level it was in 

2008-2012 (see Tables 8.6 through 8.10). Within the Region, however, there was change—increases 

in some parts and decreases in others. And the share decreased among children and young adults 

while increasing among adults ages 25 and over. 

• Overall, the income and poverty trends in the Appalachian Region since 2008-2012 show that, for the 

most part, poverty levels have fallen while incomes have risen, suggesting that much—if not most—of 

Appalachia has recovered from the 2007-2009 recession. 

 
137 

CHAPTER 9: HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE 

Table 9.1: Number of Persons in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, by Age Group, 2013-2017

Health Insurance Status All Ages 

Under Age 35 

Ages 

35-64 

Ages 65 

and 

Over Total Under 

Age 19 

Ages 

19-25 

Ages 

26-34 

United States 33,177,146 17,327,820 4,434,876 5,517,483 7,375,461 15,446,016 403,310 

Appalachian Region 2,463,868 1,247,373 302,894 411,972 532,507 1,198,855 17,640 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 546,054 290,054 88,805 88,439 112,810 250,689 5,311 

North Central Appalachia 187,420 92,891 19,826 33,072 39,993 93,765 764 

Central Appalachia 172,474 84,791 19,548 30,203 35,040 86,744 939 

South Central Appalachia 533,198 250,824 50,434 87,267 113,123 279,492 2,882 

Southern Appalachia 1,024,722 528,813 124,281 172,991 231,541 488,165 7,744 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 570,655 294,497 74,392 88,990 131,115 270,831 5,327 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 1,003,105 506,597 107,556 173,676 225,365 490,073 6,435 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 217,014 110,306 33,058 34,974 42,274 105,510 1,198 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 403,073 197,164 50,453 65,673 81,038 202,926 2,983 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 270,021 138,809 37,435 48,659 52,715 129,515 1,697 

Alabama 512,029 263,137 41,459 98,478 123,200 245,506 3,386 

Appalachian Alabama 316,749 161,728 26,139 58,133 77,456 152,909 2,112 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 195,280 101,409 15,320 40,345 45,744 92,597 1,274 

Georgia 1,481,625 789,638 205,153 251,898 332,587 679,723 12,264 

Appalachian Georgia 480,141 249,902 73,822 72,463 103,617 225,640 4,599 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 1,001,484 539,736 131,331 179,435 228,970 454,083 7,665 

Kentucky 341,351 184,560 47,325 60,274 76,961 154,583 2,208 

Appalachian Kentucky 99,906 51,335 13,267 18,371 19,697 47,996 575 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 241,445 133,225 34,058 41,903 57,264 106,587 1,633 

Maryland 433,369 223,227 55,059 64,549 103,619 200,962 9,180 

Appalachian Maryland 15,994 8,120 2,584 2,071 3,465 7,727 147 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 417,375 215,107 52,475 62,478 100,154 193,235 9,033 

Mississippi 398,647 208,671 43,005 79,549 86,117 188,344 1,632 

Appalachian Mississippi 81,714 41,727 7,396 17,109 17,222 39,726 261 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 316,933 166,944 35,609 62,440 68,895 148,618 1,371 

New York 1,481,650 750,029 136,660 225,296 388,073 706,538 25,083 

Appalachian New York 61,824 35,047 11,615 10,917 12,515 26,193 584 

Non-Appalachian New York 1,419,826 714,982 125,045 214,379 375,558 680,345 24,499 

North Carolina 1,186,403 591,216 127,958 192,493 270,765 587,396 7,791 

Appalachian North Carolina 214,142 100,340 19,832 35,049 45,459 112,754 1,048 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 972,261 490,876 108,126 157,444 225,306 474,642 6,743 

Ohio 847,730 443,441 128,387 137,555 177,499 395,534 8,755 

Appalachian Ohio 172,993 90,550 31,974 27,626 30,950 80,704 1,739 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 674,737 352,891 96,413 109,929 146,549 314,830 7,016 

Pennsylvania 893,635 482,708 136,386 143,450 202,872 400,943 9,984 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 355,056 185,822 51,004 57,460 77,358 165,999 3,235 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 538,579 296,886 85,382 85,990 125,514 234,944 6,749 

South Carolina 578,318 288,026 59,815 96,323 131,888 286,822 3,470 

Appalachian South Carolina 146,118 75,456 16,924 25,286 33,246 69,890 772 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 432,200 212,570 42,891 71,037 98,642 216,932 2,698 

Tennessee 706,290 346,208 75,934 114,831 155,443 355,518 4,564 

Appalachian Tennessee 299,629 139,584 27,209 48,014 64,361 158,373 1,672 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 406,661 206,624 48,725 66,817 91,082 197,145 2,892 

Virginia 810,412 417,258 107,345 131,977 177,936 381,843 11,311 

Appalachian Virginia 75,833 36,628 7,818 13,452 15,358 38,705 500 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 734,579 380,630 99,527 118,525 162,578 343,138 10,811 

West Virginia (entire state) 143,769 71,134 13,310 26,021 31,803 72,239 396 

Note: The health insurance universe consists of the civilian noninstitutional population. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.
138 

Table 9.2: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, by Age Group, 2013-2017

Health Insurance Status All Ages 

Under Age 35 

Ages 

35-64 

Ages 65 

Total Under and Over 

Age 19 

Ages 

19-25 

Ages 

26-34 

United States 10.5 11.8 5.7 18.1 19.2 12.6 0.9 

Appalachian Region 9.8 11.5 5.2 17.5 19.9 12.0 0.4 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 6.7 8.6 5.0 11.4 13.3 7.8 0.4 

North Central Appalachia 7.9 9.2 3.7 14.9 16.0 9.9 0.2 

Central Appalachia 9.4 10.9 4.5 18.8 18.8 11.5 0.3 

South Central Appalachia 11.2 12.6 4.8 19.3 22.9 14.8 0.3 

Southern Appalachia 12.8 14.3 6.1 23.2 25.8 15.4 0.7 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 9.6 11.1 5.1 17.2 19.1 11.2 0.6

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 9.5 10.9 4.4 16.3 19.7 11.7 0.4 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 10.1 12.0 6.6 17.4 19.4 12.4 0.3 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 10.4 12.4 5.8 19.4 21.5 13.1 0.4 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 11.0 13.2 6.5 20.7 21.4 13.4 0.4 

Alabama 10.7 12.1 3.5 21.4 22.7 13.2 0.5 

Appalachian Alabama 10.3 11.7 3.5 20.3 22.1 12.7 0.4 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 11.4 12.8 3.6 23.3 23.7 14.2 0.5 

Georgia 14.8 16.4 7.8 26.0 27.6 17.3 1.0 

Appalachian Georgia 15.4 17.1 8.7 26.8 30.1 18.0 1.2 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 14.5 16.1 7.3 25.7 26.6 17.0 0.9 

Kentucky 7.9 9.3 4.4 14.6 15.7 9.0 0.3 

Appalachian Kentucky 8.7 10.3 4.8 17.4 16.6 10.4 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 7.6 9.0 4.3 13.6 15.4 8.5 0.4 

Maryland 7.3 8.3 3.9 11.9 14.4 8.4 1.1 

Appalachian Maryland 6.7 8.0 4.7 9.5 14.2 8.2 0.4 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 7.4 8.3 3.8 12.0 14.4 8.4 1.2 

Mississippi 13.6 15.0 5.6 27.2 26.0 17.0 0.4 

Appalachian Mississippi 13.2 14.4 4.7 25.8 25.9 17.1 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 13.8 15.2 5.8 27.6 26.0 17.0 0.4 

New York 7.6 8.4 3.1 11.5 15.3 9.2 0.9 

Appalachian New York 6.0 7.7 5.1 8.7 12.2 6.6 0.3 

Non-Appalachian New York 7.7 8.4 3.0 11.7 15.5 9.3 0.9 

North Carolina 12.1 13.2 5.3 20.9 24.0 15.1 0.5 

Appalachian North Carolina 12.5 14.3 5.3 23.3 26.1 16.5 0.3 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 12.0 13.0 5.3 20.4 23.6 14.8 0.6

Ohio 7.4 8.6 4.6 12.8 13.7 8.8 0.5 

Appalachian Ohio 8.8 10.8 6.9 16.0 15.6 10.2 0.5 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 7.1 8.2 4.2 12.2 13.3 8.5 0.5 

Pennsylvania 7.1 8.8 4.8 12.1 14.1 8.0 0.5 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 6.3 8.0 4.3 10.9 12.9 7.4 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 7.7 9.4 5.1 13.0 15.0 8.6 0.6 

South Carolina 12.1 13.4 5.2 21.2 24.1 15.4 0.4 

Appalachian South Carolina 11.9 13.5 5.7 20.7 24.2 14.7 0.4 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 12.1 13.3 5.0 21.4 24.1 15.6 0.5

Tennessee 10.9 11.7 4.8 18.6 20.4 13.9 0.5 

Appalachian Tennessee 10.6 11.7 4.3 18.4 21.5 14.1 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 11.1 11.7 5.2 18.8 19.7 13.8 0.6 

Virginia 9.9 11.2 5.4 17.1 18.1 11.7 1.0 

Appalachian Virginia 10.3 12.0 5.1 16.5 21.9 13.2 0.4 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 9.9 11.1 5.4 17.2 17.8 11.6 1.1 

West Virginia (entire state) 8.0 9.5 3.3 15.8 16.9 9.9 0.1 

Note: The health insurance universe consists of the civilian noninstitutional population. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.
139 

Figure 9.1: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 2013-2017 

Nearly 2.5 million persons in the Appalachian Region lacked any kind of health insurance coverage in the 2013-2017 

period—a figure representing just under 10 percent of Appalachia’s residents. Although the percentage for the Region 

is slightly lower than the U.S. share of 10.5 percent, almost half of the 420 Appalachian counties had non-coverage 

rates that matched or exceeded the national average. In 35 Appalachian counties—including 17 in Georgia—at least 

15 percent of residents were not covered by insurance. (Indeed, just over 15 percent of residents in Appalachian 

Georgia were not covered by health insurance.) At the other end of the spectrum, 94 counties had uninsured rates 

below 7.5 percent, and nearly half of these were in either New York, Pennsylvania, or Maryland—the states with the 

lowest shares of uninsured residents in Appalachia (each under 7 percent). 

Map Title: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent of Persons 

Without Health

Insurance, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 10.5 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 9.8 PERCENT 

10.5 percent to 14.9 percent

15 percent or greater

7.5 percent to 10.4 percent

Less than 7.5 percent
140 

Figure 9.2: Percent of Persons Under Age 19 in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 

2013-2017 

Just over 5 percent of Appalachia’s children and youth under age 19 were uninsured during 2013-2017, half a 

percentage point below the national average. But the rate varied throughout the Region. On one hand, 92 counties 

had non-coverage rates under 3 percent; nearly half were in West Virginia and Alabama—the two states in the Region 

where less than 4 percent of children and youth were without health insurance. Conversely, at least one in 10 persons 

under age 19 lacked health insurance in 44 other counties. While the counties in the latter group were scattered 

throughout Appalachia, all but eight of them were outside metropolitan areas, and 10 of them were in Appalachian 

Georgia, where the uninsured rate for children and youth was just under 9 percent. 

Map Title: Percent of Persons Under Age 19 in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent of Persons 

Under Age 19 Without

Health Insurance, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 5.7 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 5.2 PERCENT 

5.7 percent to 9.9 percent

10 percent or greater

3 percent to 5.6 percent

Less than 3 percent
141 

Figure 9.3: Percent of Persons Ages 19 to 25 in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 

2013-2017 

During the 2013-2017 period, more than one in six Appalachian residents ages 19 to 25 did not have health insurance 

coverage. Although Appalachia’s rate for these young adults was slightly lower than the national average, the noncoverage problem was especially prevalent in much of Southern Appalachia, as well as in the Region’s most rural 

counties: In both these areas, more than one-fifth of 19-to-25-year-olds did not have coverage. This situation was 

especially dire in 113 counties, where non-coverage rates were at least 25 percent. Among these counties, 75 were in 

the five states with uninsured rates for young adults exceeding 20 percent (Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and the 

Carolinas), and 83 were outside metropolitan areas. In contrast, 32 Appalachian counties had less than 10 percent of 

persons ages 19 to 25 without health insurance; these counties were in Northern or North Central Appalachia, in 

metro areas, and/or had a four-year college or university within their boundaries. 

 

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 19 to 25 in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent of Persons 

Ages 19-25 Without

Health Insurance, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 18.1 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 17.5 PERCENT 

18.1 percent to 24.9 percent

25 percent or greater

10 percent to 18 percent

Less than 10 percent
142 

Figure 9.4: Percent of Persons Ages 26 to 34 in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 

2013-2017 

Lack of health insurance coverage was highest among young adults ages 26 to 34—one in five Appalachian residents 

in this group were uninsured during the 2013-2017 period. This was the one age group where non-coverage was 

more prevalent in Appalachia than nationally. And the situation was even worse in Southern Appalachia, where more 

than one-fourth of 26-to-34-year-olds were without insurance. Indeed, Southern Appalachia had nearly half of the 121 

counties where at least 25 percent of residents ages 26 to 34 lacked health insurance; another 37 such counties were 

in South Central Appalachia, where the non-coverage rate was 23 percent. And 28 of these counties were in Georgia 

alone; non-coverage among 26-to-34-year-olds in Appalachian Georgia was 30 percent. However, nearly half of 

Appalachian counties did have non-coverage rates below the national average; these were primarily in the Northern, 

North Central, and Central subregions. And there were 12 Appalachian counties where less than 10 percent of young 

adults ages 26 to 34 were without health insurance. 

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 26 to 34 in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent of Persons 

Ages 26-34 Without

Health Insurance, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 19.2 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 19.9 PERCENT 

19.2 percent to 24.9 percent

25 percent or greater

10 percent to 19.1 percent

Less than 10 percent
143 

Figure 9.5: Percent of Persons Ages 35 to 64 in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 

2013-2017 

In 2013-2017, 12 percent of Appalachia’s working-age population ages 35 to 64 were not covered by health 

insurance. While this rate was slightly below that for the nation, there was great variation within the Region. For 

example, more than 16 percent of 35-to-64-year-olds in the Appalachian sections of Georgia, Mississippi, and North 

Carolina were uninsured; these three states accounted for 26 of the 33 counties with non-coverage rates of at least 20 

percent for this age group. (Georgia alone had 15 of these counties.) By comparison, there were 37 Appalachian 

counties where less than 7.5 percent of working-age residents were not insured; 25 of the counties in this latter group 

were in New York or Pennsylvania; the rate was less than 7.5 percent in the Appalachian sections of these states. 

 

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 35 to 64 in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent of Persons 

Ages 35-64 Without

Health Insurance, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 12.6 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 12 PERCENT 

12.6 percent to 19.9 percent

20 percent or greater

7.5 percent to 12.5 percent

Less than 7.5 percent
144 

Table 9.3: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by 

Health Insurance, by Age Group, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Health Insurance Status All Ages Under 

Age 35 

Ages 

35-64 

Ages 65 

and Over 

United States - 4.4 - 5.6 - 3.8 + 0.0 

Appalachian Region - 3.9 - 4.8 - 3.6 + 0.0 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia - 3.3 - 3.9 - 3.4 + 0.1 

North Central Appalachia - 6.0 - 6.9 - 6.6 - 0.1 

Central Appalachia - 6.6 - 7.7 - 7.4 + 0.0 

South Central Appalachia - 3.4 - 4.5 - 2.9 + 0.0 

Southern Appalachia - 3.6 - 4.8 - 2.7 + 0.0 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) - 3.2 - 4.2 - 2.7 + 0.0 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) - 3.7 - 4.9 - 3.3 + 0.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros - 3.8 - 4.6 - 3.6 - 0.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros - 4.2 - 5.1 - 4.4 + 0.1 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) - 5.3 - 6.0 - 5.8 - 0.1 

Alabama - 3.2 - 4.4 - 2.4 + 0.1 

Appalachian Alabama - 3.2 - 4.5 - 2.2 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Alabama - 3.3 - 4.3 - 2.7 + 0.1 

Georgia - 4.0 - 5.0 - 3.0 - 0.1 

Appalachian Georgia - 3.8 - 4.7 - 2.7 - 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Georgia - 4.1 - 5.0 - 3.2 - 0.1 

Kentucky - 6.2 - 7.2 - 6.9 + 0.0 

Appalachian Kentucky - 8.3 - 9.3 - 9.6 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky - 5.5 - 6.4 - 5.8 + 0.1 

Maryland - 3.4 - 4.4 - 3.0 + 0.0 

Appalachian Maryland - 3.9 - 4.9 - 3.9 - 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Maryland - 3.3 - 4.4 - 2.9 + 0.0 

Mississippi - 3.9 - 5.1 - 2.8 + 0.0 

Appalachian Mississippi - 3.4 - 4.9 - 2.0 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi - 3.9 - 5.1 - 3.0 + 0.0 

New York - 3.7 - 5.0 - 3.0 - 0.1 

Appalachian New York - 3.3 - 4.1 - 3.5 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian New York - 3.7 - 5.1 - 3.1 - 0.2 

North Carolina - 4.1 - 5.4 - 3.3 + 0.0 

Appalachian North Carolina - 4.1 - 5.6 - 3.4 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina - 4.1 - 5.3 - 3.3 + 0.0 

Ohio - 4.2 - 4.8 - 4.6 + 0.0 

Appalachian Ohio - 4.5 - 4.8 - 5.5 - 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Ohio - 4.1 - 4.8 - 4.4 + 0.1 

Pennsylvania - 2.6 - 3.3 - 2.4 + 0.0 

Appalachian Pennsylvania - 3.0 - 3.7 - 3.0 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania - 2.3 - 3.1 - 1.8 - 0.1 

South Carolina - 4.8 - 6.5 - 3.6 - 0.1 

Appalachian South Carolina - 4.8 - 6.1 - 4.2 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina - 4.9 - 6.7 - 3.5 + 0.0 

Tennessee - 3.0 - 3.8 - 2.6 + 0.1 

Appalachian Tennessee - 3.1 - 4.0 - 2.6 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee - 2.9 - 3.7 - 2.4 + 0.0 

Virginia - 2.4 - 3.2 - 1.5 + 0.1 

Appalachian Virginia - 3.0 - 4.0 - 2.7 + 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Virginia - 2.3 - 3.2 - 1.3 + 0.1 

West Virginia (entire state) - 6.4 - 7.8 - 6.9 - 0.2 

Note: The health insurance universe consists of the civilian noninstitutional population. 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 
145 

Figure 9.6: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by 

Health Insurance, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

The share of Appalachian residents not covered by health insurance fell almost four percentage points between the 

2008-2012 and 2013-2017 periods. While the improvement is slightly less than in the nation as a whole, it was above 

the national average in many parts of the Region: Non-coverage rates fell at least six percentage points in North 

Central and Central Appalachia, 6.4 points in West Virginia, and more than eight points in Appalachian Kentucky. 

Indeed, those two states alone accounted for 100 of the 189 Appalachian counties where the decline in non-coverage 

rates was greater than the national average. But this did not happen everywhere in Appalachia: In fact, there were 

nine counties where the share of residents who lacked health insurance in 2013-2017 matched or exceeded the share 

without insurance in the earlier period. Analysts cite programs designed to increase coverage, including expansion of 

the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and provisions of the Affordable Care Act, as factors in the 

decreased share of persons—particularly those under age 65—without health insurance. 

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health 

 Insurance, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Share of Persons

Without Health Insurance,

2008-2012 to 2013-2017

U.S. AVG.: -4.4 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: -3.9 PCT. POINTS

-4.4 to -0.1 percentage points

No change or increase

-4.5 percentage points or more
146 

TRENDS IN HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE 

• Between the 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 periods, the share of Appalachian residents not covered by 

health insurance fell almost four percentage points to just under 10 percent (see Tables 9.2 and 9.3). 

And this improvement was even greater in many parts of the Region: Non-coverage rates fell at least 

six percentage points in North Central and Central Appalachia and more than five points in the 

Region’s most rural counties. As for the states, uninsured rates fell more than eight points in 

Kentucky, more than six points in West Virginia, and almost five points in South Carolina and Ohio. 

Indeed, non-coverage rates fell by at least three percentage points in every subregion, county type, 

and Appalachian state. 

• The decline in health insurance non-coverage was particularly great among children and younger 

adults under age 35. The uninsured rate in the under-35 population was nearly five percentage points 

lower in 2013-2017 than in 2008-2012. Provisions to expand health coverage, particularly among 

children and adults under age 26, have been cited as factors for this decline. As with the general 

population, declines in non-coverage among children and young adults were the greatest in North 

Central and Central Appalachia, rural counties, West Virginia, and the Appalachian sections of 

Kentucky and South Carolina. (The uninsured rate among persons under age 35 fell by more than 

nine points in Kentucky.) 

• In most cases, the decline in health insurance coverage was more modest among the older workingage population (ages 35-64). In both Appalachia and the nation, the uninsured rate in this age group 

fell less than four percentage points. Yet in every major part of the Region—each subregion, each 

county type, and each state’s Appalachian section—the non-coverage prevalence among residents in 

this age group was lower in 2013-2017 than in 2008-2012. And the areas with the largest declines for 

the younger groups (North Central and Central Appalachia, rural counties, Kentucky, and West 

Virginia) had the largest declines for 35-to-64-year-olds. 

• Analysts cite programs designed to increase coverage, including expansion of the Children’s Health 

Insurance Program (CHIP) and provisions of the Affordable Care Act, as factors in the decreased 

share of persons under age 65—particularly younger persons—lacking health insurance in 2013-

2017. 

 
147 

CHAPTER 10: DISABILITY STATUS 

Table 10.1: Number of Persons in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, by Age Group, 2013-2017

Disability Status All Ages Under 

Age 18 

Ages 18-64 

Ages 65 

Total and Over Ages 

18-34 

Ages 

35-64 

United States 39,792,082 3,054,559 20,276,199 4,464,853 15,811,346 16,461,324 

Appalachian Region 4,040,139 274,456 2,133,877 411,158 1,722,719 1,631,806 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 1,230,986 91,646 618,183 129,810 488,373 521,157 

North Central Appalachia 439,868 29,387 239,693 45,387 194,306 170,788 

Central Appalachia 433,481 25,424 252,092 41,716 210,376 155,965 

South Central Appalachia 791,752 48,321 409,902 75,451 334,451 333,529 

Southern Appalachia 1,144,052 79,678 614,007 118,794 495,213 450,367 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 772,712 58,319 402,415 81,532 320,883 311,978 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 1,662,508 114,951 870,268 174,425 695,843 677,289 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 370,761 25,449 200,017 38,496 161,521 145,295 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 733,651 45,943 385,775 70,107 315,668 301,933 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 500,507 29,794 275,402 46,598 228,804 195,311 

Alabama 775,390 51,291 418,171 82,916 335,255 305,928 

Appalachian Alabama 494,192 31,406 267,825 51,934 215,891 194,961 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 281,198 19,885 150,346 30,982 119,364 110,967 

Georgia 1,237,621 98,797 669,968 138,565 531,403 468,856 

Appalachian Georgia 361,563 28,288 191,820 37,598 154,222 141,455 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 876,058 70,509 478,148 100,967 377,181 327,401 

Kentucky 751,563 55,374 425,520 83,525 341,995 270,669 

Appalachian Kentucky 266,028 16,445 156,871 27,142 129,729 92,712 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 485,535 38,929 268,649 56,383 212,266 177,957 

Maryland 638,104 52,249 322,918 72,479 250,439 262,937 

Appalachian Maryland 39,058 3,101 21,168 4,652 16,516 14,789 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 599,046 49,148 301,750 67,827 233,923 248,148 

Mississippi 476,197 33,104 260,350 50,185 210,165 182,743 

Appalachian Mississippi 107,706 6,378 59,118 10,865 48,253 42,210 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 368,491 26,726 201,232 39,320 161,912 140,533 

New York 2,232,221 164,090 1,091,291 242,314 848,977 976,840 

Appalachian New York 151,408 12,370 78,150 18,267 59,883 60,888

Non-Appalachian New York 2,080,813 151,720 1,013,141 224,047 789,094 915,952 

North Carolina 1,344,677 100,939 704,954 144,807 560,147 538,784 

Appalachian North Carolina 266,939 16,380 132,506 24,162 108,344 118,053 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 1,077,738 84,559 572,448 120,645 451,803 420,731 

Ohio 1,583,200 129,884 834,652 178,577 656,075 618,664 

Appalachian Ohio 327,001 23,169 177,505 34,316 143,189 126,327 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 1,256,199 106,715 657,147 144,261 512,886 492,337 

Pennsylvania 1,730,190 140,996 869,035 192,207 676,828 720,159 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 851,502 64,112 421,706 88,934 332,772 365,684 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 878,688 76,884 447,329 103,273 344,056 354,475 

South Carolina 706,323 50,594 372,078 72,662 299,416 283,651 

Appalachian South Carolina 180,591 13,606 95,244 18,397 76,847 71,741 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 525,732 36,988 276,834 54,265 222,569 211,910 

Tennessee 1,001,684 69,850 545,687 107,959 437,728 386,147 

Appalachian Tennessee 500,619 31,000 267,893 47,451 220,442 201,726 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 501,065 38,850 277,794 60,508 217,286 184,421 

Virginia 936,175 71,450 480,446 106,202 374,244 384,279 

Appalachian Virginia 137,365 6,653 72,972 13,432 59,540 57,740 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 798,810 64,797 407,474 92,770 314,704 326,539 

West Virginia (entire state) 356,167 21,548 191,099 34,008 157,091 143,520 

Note: The ACS defines persons with a disability as having difficulty in at least one of the following six areas: hearing, vision, cognition, walking or 

climbing, self-care, or attending to the functions of independent living. The disability universe consists of the civilian noninstitutional population. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.
148 

Table 10.2: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, by Age Group, 2013-2017

Disability Status All Ages Under 

Age 18 

Ages 18-64 

Ages 65 

Total and Over Ages 

18-34 

Ages 

35-64 

United States 12.6 4.2 10.3 6.1 12.9 35.5 

Appalachian Region 16.1 5.0 13.9 7.6 17.3 38.5 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 15.2 5.6 12.4 7.4 15.1 35.3 

North Central Appalachia 18.5 5.8 16.5 9.0 20.4 41.7 

Central Appalachia 23.5 6.3 22.5 11.3 28.0 49.3 

South Central Appalachia 16.7 4.9 14.1 7.5 17.7 38.1 

Southern Appalachia 14.3 4.1 12.5 6.8 15.7 38.9 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 12.9 4.2 10.8 6.3 13.2 35.2 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 15.7 5.1 13.3 7.4 16.6 37.8 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 17.2 5.4 15.4 8.6 18.9 38.5 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 18.9 5.6 16.6 9.1 20.3 40.7 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 20.3 5.6 18.5 9.0 23.6 44.3 

Alabama 16.3 4.7 14.3 7.7 18.1 41.2 

Appalachian Alabama 16.1 4.5 14.2 7.6 17.9 41.1 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 16.4 4.9 14.4 7.9 18.4 41.6 

Georgia 12.4 4.0 10.7 6.0 13.5 36.9 

Appalachian Georgia 11.6 3.5 10.0 5.7 12.3 35.8 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 12.7 4.2 11.0 6.1 14.1 37.4 

Kentucky 17.3 5.5 15.9 8.7 19.9 41.7 

Appalachian Kentucky 23.2 6.3 22.3 11.3 28.0 49.7 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 15.2 5.2 13.6 7.8 16.9 38.4 

Maryland 10.8 3.9 8.7 5.4 10.5 31.9 

Appalachian Maryland 16.4 6.0 14.7 9.3 17.5 35.5 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 10.6 3.8 8.4 5.3 10.2 31.7 

Mississippi 16.3 4.6 14.7 7.5 19.0 43.1 

Appalachian Mississippi 17.4 4.3 15.8 7.6 20.7 44.2 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 16.0 4.6 14.4 7.5 18.5 42.8 

New York 11.4 3.9 8.8 5.1 11.0 33.5 

Appalachian New York 14.7 6.0 12.1 7.3 15.2 34.2 

Non-Appalachian New York 11.2 3.8 8.6 5.0 10.8 33.5 

North Carolina 13.7 4.4 11.6 6.6 14.4 36.6 

Appalachian North Carolina 15.6 4.7 12.8 6.9 15.8 36.2 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 13.2 4.4 11.3 6.6 14.1 36.7 

Ohio 13.8 5.0 11.9 7.1 14.6 34.8 

Appalachian Ohio 16.6 5.3 14.9 8.6 18.1 37.1 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 13.3 4.9 11.2 6.8 13.8 34.3 

Pennsylvania 13.7 5.3 11.1 6.8 13.6 34.3 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 15.2 5.7 12.2 7.4 14.8 35.4 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 12.6 4.9 10.3 6.4 12.5 33.2 

South Carolina 14.7 4.6 12.7 6.8 16.1 36.5 

Appalachian South Carolina 14.7 4.8 12.7 6.6 16.2 37.5 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 14.7 4.6 12.7 6.9 16.0 36.1 

Tennessee 15.4 4.7 13.6 7.4 17.1 39.2 

Appalachian Tennessee 17.8 5.2 15.6 8.0 19.7 40.1 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 13.6 4.3 12.1 7.0 15.2 38.3 

Virginia 11.5 3.8 9.4 5.7 11.5 33.1 

Appalachian Virginia 18.6 4.7 16.0 8.2 20.3 40.6 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 10.8 3.8 8.7 5.4 10.6 32.0 

West Virginia (entire state) 19.7 5.7 17.3 9.1 21.5 43.8 

Note: The ACS defines persons with a disability as having difficulty in at least one of the following six areas: hearing, vision, cognition, walking or 

climbing, self-care, or attending to the functions of independent living. The disability universe consists of the civilian noninstitutional population. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.
149 

Figure 10.1: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, 2013-2017 

In the 2013-2017 period, about one in six Appalachian residents reported having a disability, which the ACS defines 

as having difficulty in at least one of the following six areas: hearing, vision, cognition, walking or climbing, self-care, 

or attending to the functions of independent living. Disability prevalence is particularly high in some parts of the 

Region; the rate was 25 percent or more in 47 counties, 25 of which were in Appalachia’s most rural counties (where 

the overall disability rate was 20 percent). Kentucky and West Virginia—the two states with the highest levels of 

disability in the Region—combined for 34 of these counties. Appalachia’s relatively high disability rate corresponds to 

the population’s older age structure: Among the 47 counties with the highest disability prevalence levels, the share of 

residents age 65 or older exceeded the national average (15.6 percent in mid-2017) in all but one of them. And in 20 

of these counties, the share of older persons was at least 20 percent. 

Map Title: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent of Persons 

With a Disability, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 12.6 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 16.1 PERCENT 

20 percent to 24.9 percent

25 percent or greater

12.6 percent to 19.9 percent

Less than 12.6 percent
150 

Figure 10.2: Percent of Persons Under Age 18 in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, 2013-2017 

At 5 percent, the prevalence of disability among children under age 18 in Appalachia was slightly higher than the 

national average during the 2013-2017 period. But there was variation within the Region. For example, the rate was at 

least 7.5 percent in 62 counties, 51 of which were outside metropolitan areas. In 113 other counties, however, the 

disability prevalence was below the national average of just over 4 percent. More than one-third of the counties in the 

latter group were in Southern Appalachia—the only subregion where the disability rate among the under-18 

population (4.1 percent) did not exceed the national average. 

Map Title: Percent of Persons Under Age 18 in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Pct. of Persons Under Age 18 

With a Disability, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 4.2 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 5 PERCENT 

4.2 percent to 7.4 percent

7.5 percent or greater

Less than 4.2 percent
151 

Figure 10.3: Percent of Persons Ages 18 to 64 in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, 2013-2017 

In the 2013-2017 period, approximately one in seven adults ages 18 to 64 in Appalachia reported a disability, 

compared with about one in 10 nationally. Disability prevalence was particularly high in some parts of the Region: In 

Central Appalachia, for example, more than one-fifth of working-age adults had a disability. Indeed, Central 

Appalachia had 53 of the 93 Appalachian counties where the disability rate among 18-to-64-year-olds was 20 percent 

or higher. More than a third of these counties were in Kentucky alone. Central Appalachia’s historic reliance on mining 

and related resource-based industries, as well as Appalachia’s relatively high rates of cancer, heart disease, and 

diabetes, may be associated with the subregion’s high disability prevalence. 

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 18 to 64 in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Pct. of Persons Ages 18-64

With a Disability, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 10.3 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 13.9 PERCENT 

15 percent to 19.9 percent

20 percent or greater

10.3 percent to 14.9 percent

Less than 10.3 percent
152 

Figure 10.4: Percent of Persons Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, 2013-2017 

Almost two-fifths of adults ages 65 and over in the Appalachian Region reported a disability in the 2013-2017 period, 

three percentage points above the national share. And the prevalence was even greater in some parts of the Region: 

Nearly half of the older residents in Central Appalachia—and in Appalachian Kentucky—had at least one disability. 

Indeed, Central Appalachia had 39 of the 55 counties where at least half of older residents reported a disability. 

(Kentucky alone had 26 of these counties.) And there are signs that disabled adults in the Region may be aging in 

place: In 30 of these 55 counties, the share of 18-to-64-year-olds with a disability was at or above 25 percent—more 

than twice the national average for that age group. Yet there are 77 other Appalachian counties where the disability 

rate for the older population was actually lower than the national average. More than half of these low-prevalence 

counties were in Northern Appalachia—the only subregion where the disability prevalence rate for older residents, at 

35 percent, was below the national average. 

 

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Pct. of Persons Ages 65+

With a Disability, 2013-2017 

U.S. AVERAGE: 35.5 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 38.5 PERCENT 

40 percent to 49.9 percent

50 percent or greater

35.5 percent to 39.9 percent

Less than 35.5 percent
153 

Table 10.3: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, by 

Age Group, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Disability Status All Ages Under 

Age 18 

Ages 18-64 

Ages 65 

Total and Over Ages 

18-34 

Ages 

35-64 

United States + 0.6 + 0.2 + 0.3 + 0.6 + 0.3 - 1.3 

Appalachian Region + 0.4 + 0.1 + 0.2 + 0.3 + 0.2 - 1.6 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia + 0.6 + 0.3 + 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.6 - 1.3 

North Central Appalachia + 0.9 + 0.4 + 0.7 + 0.6 + 0.7 - 1.1 

Central Appalachia + 0.5 + 0.5 - 0.2 + 0.2 - 0.3 - 0.8 

South Central Appalachia + 0.5 + 0.0 - 0.1 + 0.4 - 0.1 - 1.4 

Southern Appalachia + 0.2 - 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.3 - 0.2 - 2.7 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) + 0.3 + 0.0 + 0.1 + 0.3 + 0.1 - 2.3 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) + 0.5 + 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.4 + 0.0 - 1.4 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros + 0.9 + 0.0 + 1.0 + 1.0 + 1.1 - 1.7 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros + 0.6 + 0.0 + 0.3 + 0.6 + 0.3 - 1.2 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) + 0.3 + 0.3 - 0.3 - 0.3 - 0.1 - 1.5 

Alabama + 0.0 - 0.2 - 0.3 + 0.4 - 0.7 - 2.4 

Appalachian Alabama + 0.2 - 0.2 + 0.0 + 0.5 - 0.3 - 2.1 

Non-Appalachian Alabama - 0.5 - 0.5 - 1.0 + 0.2 - 1.5 - 2.9 

Georgia + 0.6 + 0.1 + 0.3 + 0.4 + 0.2 - 2.5 

Appalachian Georgia + 0.2 - 0.2 + 0.0 + 0.1 - 0.1 - 3.3 

Non-Appalachian Georgia + 0.7 + 0.2 + 0.4 + 0.5 + 0.4 - 2.1 

Kentucky + 0.6 - 0.1 + 0.4 + 0.3 + 0.5 - 1.1 

Appalachian Kentucky + 0.9 + 0.1 + 0.3 + 0.2 + 0.4 + 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky + 0.5 - 0.1 + 0.5 + 0.3 + 0.6 - 1.6 

Maryland + 0.7 + 0.3 + 0.6 + 0.7 + 0.5 - 1.3 

Appalachian Maryland + 0.8 - 0.5 + 1.5 + 1.1 + 1.8 - 2.5 

Non-Appalachian Maryland + 0.7 + 0.3 + 0.5 + 0.7 + 0.4 - 1.2 

Mississippi + 0.0 - 0.3 - 0.3 + 0.0 - 0.5 - 3.0 

Appalachian Mississippi - 0.3 - 0.1 - 0.5 - 0.3 - 0.6 - 3.5 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi + 0.0 - 0.4 - 0.3 + 0.1 - 0.5 - 2.8

New York + 0.5 + 0.2 + 0.3 + 0.5 + 0.1 - 1.1 

Appalachian New York + 0.8 + 0.4 + 0.6 + 0.5 + 1.0 - 1.3 

Non-Appalachian New York + 0.5 + 0.2 + 0.2 + 0.5 + 0.1 - 1.0 

North Carolina + 0.6 + 0.1 + 0.2 + 0.8 + 0.0 - 1.8 

Appalachian North Carolina + 0.6 + 0.3 + 0.1 + 0.5 + 0.0 - 1.2 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina + 0.5 + 0.1 + 0.2 + 0.9 + 0.0 - 1.9 

Ohio + 0.6 + 0.2 + 0.6 + 0.5 + 0.7 - 1.5 

Appalachian Ohio + 1.0 + 0.0 + 1.0 + 0.8 + 1.3 - 1.1 

Non-Appalachian Ohio + 0.6 + 0.2 + 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.5 - 1.5 

Pennsylvania + 0.5 + 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.5 + 0.5 - 1.3 

Appalachian Pennsylvania + 0.5 + 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.5 + 0.5 - 1.5 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania + 0.7 + 0.4 + 0.5 + 0.6 + 0.5 - 1.2 

South Carolina + 0.9 + 0.8 + 0.6 + 0.9 + 0.4 - 1.9 

Appalachian South Carolina + 0.6 + 0.7 + 0.2 + 0.5 + 0.1 - 1.4 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina + 1.0 + 0.8 + 0.7 + 1.1 + 0.5 - 2.1 

Tennessee + 0.4 + 0.1 + 0.2 + 0.6 + 0.0 - 1.9 

Appalachian Tennessee + 0.3 + 0.0 - 0.2 + 0.0 + 0.0 - 1.5 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee + 0.6 + 0.1 + 0.5 + 1.1 + 0.3 - 2.3 

Virginia + 0.6 + 0.2 + 0.4 + 0.7 + 0.3 - 1.8 

Appalachian Virginia - 0.3 + 0.1 - 0.9 + 0.5 - 1.7 - 2.7 

Non-Appalachian Virginia + 0.8 + 0.3 + 0.6 + 0.7 + 0.6 - 1.6 

West Virginia (entire state) + 0.7 + 0.6 + 0.0 + 0.2 + 0.0 - 0.5 

Note: The ACS defines persons with a disability as having difficulty in at least one of the following six areas: hearing, vision, cognition, walking or 

climbing, self-care, or attending to the functions of independent living. The disability universe consists of the civilian noninstitutional population. 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.
154 

Figure 10.5: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, 

2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

The share of Appalachian residents reporting a disability was nearly half a percentage point higher in 2013-2017 than 

it was in 2008-2012. Although the increase in disability prevalence was slightly below the national average, that was 

not the case in most of the Region’s 420 counties. Indeed, in 96 Appalachian counties, the share of persons with a 

disability rose at least two percentage points between the two periods. While these were scattered throughout the 

Region, 74 were outside metropolitan areas. And in more than half of these counties, at least one in five residents 

were age 65 or older—another sign of the link between the increased prevalence of disability and the aging of the 

Region’s population. But the increase in disability in Appalachia was not universal: The share of persons with a 

disability actually fell in one-third of the Region’s counties, and the decline was at least a full percentage point in 80 of 

them. 

 

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, 2008-2012 

 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Share of

Persons With a Disability,

2008-2012 to 2013-2017

U.S. AVG.: +0.6 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: +0.4 PCT. POINTS

+0.6 to +1.9 percentage points

+2 percentage points or more

-0.9 to +0.5 percentage points

-1 percentage point or more
155 

TRENDS IN DISABILITY STATUS 

• At 16 percent in 2013-2017, the share of Appalachian residents reporting a disability was nearly half a 

percentage point higher than it was in 2008-2012 (see Tables 10.2 and 10.3). Although the increase 

in disability prevalence was slightly below the national average, that was not the case everywhere in 

the Region. For example, while the share went up nearly a full percentage point in North Central 

Appalachia and nonmetropolitan counties adjacent to large metro areas, it only rose 0.2 points in 

Southern Appalachia. And while disability prevalence increased the most in the Appalachian sections 

of Ohio, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, and West Virginia, it actually decreased in Appalachian 

Mississippi and Virginia (0.3 points each). 

• Disability prevalence in Appalachia grew for every age group under age 65—albeit very slightly (0.3 

points or less in each group). But there were variations within the Region in each case. In Maryland’s 

Appalachian section, for example, disability rates rose more than a full percentage point for adults 

ages 18-34 and 35-64, but fell half a point among children under age 18. In Appalachian Georgia, 

disability prevalence fell 0.2 points for children and 0.1 points for adults ages 35-64, but barely rose 

(0.1 points) among young adults (ages 18-34). 

• In contrast, the prevalence of disability fell almost two percentage points among persons ages 65 and 

over. The decline was greatest in Southern Appalachia (almost three points) and in large metropolitan 

areas (more than two points), while the decrease was much more modest in Central Appalachia (just 

under one point). Among the states, Mississippi, Georgia, Virginia, and Maryland had the largest 

decreases among older persons (at least 2.5 percentage points in each case), while the rate fell just 

0.5 points in West Virginia and actually increased in Appalachian Kentucky. 

• The aging of Appalachia’s population has long been linked to in the increase in disability prevalence 

in the Region—similar to what has been occurring nationally. Yet the movement of younger (and 

likely healthier) age cohorts into the older age groups has produced a paradoxical effect of reducing 

the disability prevalence among older Appalachian residents in recent years. As these younger 

groups continue to move into the older ages, it will be interesting to see if this pattern continues. 
156 

CHAPTER 11: MIGRATION 

Table 11.1: Mobility Status of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 2013-2017

Mobility Status in the Last Year 

 Total Population 

Ages 1 and Over, 

2013-2017 

Percent of Population Ages 1 and Over 

 Did Not 

Move in Past 

Year 

Moved from a Different Residence in the Past Year 

 Within the 

County 

Outside the County 

 Within the 

State 

Outside the 

State 

United States 317,248,555 85.4 14.6 8.4 6.2 3.2 3.0 

Appalachian Region 25,224,539 87.0 13.0 7.3 5.7 3.3 2.4 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 8,188,374 87.6 12.4 7.5 5.0 2.9 2.1 

North Central Appalachia 2,391,078 87.5 12.5 6.9 5.6 3.2 2.4 

Central Appalachia 1,864,590 88.0 12.0 6.5 5.6 3.7 1.8 

South Central Appalachia 4,770,165 86.4 13.6 7.3 6.3 3.5 2.8 

Southern Appalachia 8,010,332 86.3 13.7 7.5 6.2 3.6 2.5 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 5,963,227 87.2 12.8 7.2 5.6 3.2 2.4 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 10,668,511 86.1 13.9 7.9 6.1 3.3 2.8 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 2,175,930 87.5 12.5 7.4 5.2 3.6 1.6 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 3,923,859 88.3 11.7 6.5 5.2 3.3 2.0 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 2,493,012 87.8 12.2 6.6 5.6 3.8 1.9 

Alabama 4,795,681 85.8 14.2 8.5 5.7 3.1 2.6 

Appalachian Alabama 3,071,464 85.9 14.1 8.4 5.7 3.4 2.3 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 1,724,217 85.7 14.3 8.5 5.8 2.6 3.1 

Georgia 10,075,118 84.3 15.7 7.7 8.0 4.6 3.3 

Appalachian Georgia 3,097,454 87.2 12.8 6.1 6.6 4.0 2.6 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 6,977,664 83.0 17.0 8.4 8.6 4.9 3.7 

Kentucky 4,372,319 84.5 15.5 8.7 6.8 4.0 2.8 

Appalachian Kentucky 1,159,184 87.1 12.9 6.9 6.0 4.2 1.8 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 3,213,135 83.5 16.5 9.4 7.1 3.9 3.2 

Maryland 5,927,919 86.3 13.7 7.3 6.3 2.8 3.5 

Appalachian Maryland 249,146 86.1 13.9 8.4 5.5 3.0 2.5 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 5,678,773 86.3 13.7 7.3 6.4 2.8 3.6 

Mississippi 2,951,122 86.3 13.7 7.4 6.2 3.7 2.6 

Appalachian Mississippi 620,099 86.4 13.6 7.8 5.8 3.8 2.0 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 2,331,023 86.3 13.7 7.3 6.4 3.6 2.8

New York 19,577,129 89.4 10.6 6.1 4.6 2.4 2.1 

Appalachian New York 1,034,059 85.9 14.1 8.2 6.0 3.6 2.4 

Non-Appalachian New York 18,543,070 89.6 10.4 5.9 4.5 2.4 2.1 

North Carolina 9,938,545 84.8 15.2 8.1 7.1 3.6 3.6 

Appalachian North Carolina 1,716,812 87.4 12.6 6.6 6.0 3.4 2.6 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 8,221,733 84.2 15.8 8.4 7.4 3.6 3.8 

Ohio 11,477,267 85.1 14.9 9.3 5.5 3.4 2.1 

Appalachian Ohio 1,988,145 87.6 12.4 7.5 4.9 3.2 1.7 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 9,489,122 84.6 15.4 9.7 5.6 3.5 2.2 

Pennsylvania 12,653,578 87.7 12.3 7.3 5.0 2.7 2.4 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 5,674,705 87.8 12.2 7.4 4.9 2.8 2.1 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 6,978,873 87.6 12.4 7.2 5.1 2.5 2.6 

South Carolina 4,838,105 85.1 14.9 7.9 7.0 3.2 3.9 

Appalachian South Carolina 1,221,315 85.1 14.9 8.5 6.4 3.2 3.2 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 3,616,790 85.1 14.9 7.6 7.2 3.2 4.1 

Tennessee 6,521,606 85.2 14.8 8.6 6.3 3.1 3.2 

Appalachian Tennessee 2,824,753 86.4 13.6 7.6 6.0 3.3 2.8 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 3,696,853 84.3 15.7 9.3 6.5 2.9 3.6 

Virginia 8,266,889 84.3 15.7 6.6 9.0 5.0 4.0 

Appalachian Virginia 749,059 86.3 13.7 6.2 7.4 4.7 2.8 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 7,517,830 84.1 15.9 6.7 9.2 5.1 4.1 

West Virginia (entire state) 1,818,344 88.3 11.7 6.4 5.3 2.6 2.7 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 
157 

Figure 11.1: Percent of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Had Moved in the Past Year, 

2013-2017 

Residential mobility in the Appalachian Region was lower than the national average, including in all subregions and 

county types. In fact, the percentage of residents ages 1 and over who moved in the past year only matched or 

exceeded the U.S. average in 62 of the Region’s counties—37 of which were in South Central or Southern 

Appalachia. Most also were counties in major metropolitan areas, those that housed a four-year college or university, 

or rural counties that were likely retirement or recreational destinations. Yet in 113 Appalachian counties, less than 10 

percent of the residents had moved in the previous 12 months; almost three-fourths of these counties were outside 

metro areas. 

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Had Moved in the Past Year, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Percent Who Moved in

Past Year, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 14.6 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 13 PERCENT

10 percent to 14.5 percent

14.6 percent or greater

Less than 10 percent
158 

Figure 11.2: Percent of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Had Migrated From Outside 

Their County of Residence in the Past Year, 2013-2017 

While people in Appalachia were slightly less likely to have migrated from outside their county of residence in the 

2013-2017 period than Americans as a whole, residents in 136 of the Region’s counties had migration rates at or 

above the national average. These counties were scattered throughout Appalachia (albeit with a slightly greater 

concentration in the Southern and South Central subregions) and were distributed across all urban/rural types. In 180 

counties, however, less than 5 percent of the residents had migrated from another county. Almost three-fourths of 

these counties were outside metropolitan areas, and more than one-third of those nonmetro counties were rural 

counties not adjacent to a metro area.

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Had Migrated From Outside Their 

 County of Residence in the Past Year, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

U.S. AVERAGE: 6.2 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 5.7 PERCENT

5 percent to 6.1 percent

6.2 percent or greater

Less than 5 percent

Percent Who Migrated From Outside

County in Past Year, 2013-2017
159 

Figure 11.3: Percent of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Had Migrated From Outside 

Their State of Residence in the Past Year, 2013-2017 

The share of people in the Appalachian Region who had migrated from outside their state of residence was 2.4 

percent in the 2013-2017 period, compared with 3 percent of all Americans. Yet in 73 of Appalachia’s 420 counties, 

out-of-state migration levels were at or above the U.S. average. Almost two-thirds of these counties were in South 

Central and Southern Appalachia, and more than half were in metropolitan areas. Some of these counties are also 

home to four-year colleges or universities, such as Tompkins County, New York (Cornell University and Ithaca 

College), Centre County, Pennsylvania, (Penn State University), and Monongalia County, West Virginia (West Virginia 

University). In contrast, there were 251 counties in the Region where less than 2 percent of residents had come from 

out of state. Nearly three-fourths of the counties in this latter group were outside metropolitan areas. 

Map Title: Percent of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Had Migrated From Outside Their 

 State of Residence in the Past Year, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

2 percent to 2.9 percent

3 percent or greater

Less than 2 percent

Percent Who Migrated From Outside

State in Past Year, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 3 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 2.4 PERCENT
160 

Table 11.2: Percentage Point Change in Mobility Status of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian 

Region, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Mobility Status in the Last Year 

Percentage Point Change in Share of Population Ages 1 and Over 

 Did Not 

Move in Past 

Year 

Moved from a Different Residence in the Past Year 

 Within the 

County 

Outside the County 

 Within the 

State 

Outside the 

State 

United States + 0.6 - 0.6 - 0.8 + 0.2 + 0.0 + 0.1 

Appalachian Region + 0.4 - 0.4 - 0.5 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.0 

North Central Appalachia + 0.3 - 0.3 - 0.4 + 0.0 + 0.2 - 0.1 

Central Appalachia + 0.1 - 0.1 - 0.6 + 0.6 + 0.6 - 0.2 

South Central Appalachia + 0.4 - 0.4 - 0.6 + 0.3 + 0.1 + 0.2 

Southern Appalachia + 0.9 - 0.9 - 1.0 + 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.1 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) + 0.5 - 0.5 - 0.7 + 0.2 + 0.0 + 0.2 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) + 0.3 - 0.3 - 0.4 + 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros + 1.2 - 1.2 - 0.9 - 0.2 + 0.0 - 0.2 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros + 0.4 - 0.4 - 0.4 + 0.0 + 0.2 + 0.0 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) + 0.1 - 0.1 - 0.3 + 0.2 + 0.3 + 0.0 

Alabama + 0.9 - 0.9 - 0.6 - 0.3 - 0.2 - 0.1 

Appalachian Alabama + 0.6 - 0.6 - 0.5 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Alabama + 1.6 - 1.6 - 0.9 - 0.7 - 0.4 - 0.4 

Georgia + 1.0 - 1.0 - 0.8 - 0.2 - 0.3 + 0.0 

Appalachian Georgia + 1.5 - 1.5 - 1.6 + 0.0 - 0.2 + 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Georgia + 0.7 - 0.7 - 0.4 - 0.3 - 0.2 + 0.0 

Kentucky - 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.1 + 0.3 + 0.5 - 0.2 

Appalachian Kentucky + 0.0 + 0.0 - 0.7 + 0.7 + 0.9 - 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky - 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.4 + 0.2 + 0.4 - 0.2 

Maryland - 0.3 + 0.3 + 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.1 - 0.1 

Appalachian Maryland + 0.6 - 0.6 - 0.1 - 0.6 - 0.1 - 0.5 

Non-Appalachian Maryland - 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.2 + 0.2 + 0.2 + 0.0 

Mississippi + 0.7 - 0.7 - 0.6 - 0.2 + 0.0 - 0.1 

Appalachian Mississippi + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi + 0.9 - 0.9 - 0.7 - 0.2 - 0.1 - 0.1

New York + 0.7 - 0.7 - 0.6 + 0.0 + 0.0 - 0.1 

Appalachian New York + 0.6 - 0.6 - 0.3 - 0.2 - 0.1 - 0.1 

Non-Appalachian New York + 0.7 - 0.7 - 0.7 + 0.0 + 0.1 - 0.1 

North Carolina + 0.4 - 0.4 - 0.6 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 

Appalachian North Carolina + 0.4 - 0.4 - 0.9 + 0.5 + 0.2 + 0.3 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina + 0.4 - 0.4 - 0.5 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 

Ohio - 0.3 + 0.3 - 0.2 + 0.4 + 0.3 + 0.2 

Appalachian Ohio - 0.3 + 0.3 - 0.1 + 0.4 + 0.3 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Ohio - 0.3 + 0.3 - 0.2 + 0.4 + 0.3 + 0.2 

Pennsylvania - 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.1 

Appalachian Pennsylvania - 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania - 0.2 + 0.2 - 0.2 + 0.3 + 0.1 + 0.2 

South Carolina + 0.4 - 0.4 - 0.5 + 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.2 

Appalachian South Carolina + 1.0 - 1.0 - 1.1 + 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina + 0.2 - 0.2 - 0.4 + 0.1 + 0.0 + 0.2 

Tennessee + 0.8 - 0.8 - 0.9 + 0.2 + 0.1 + 0.1 

Appalachian Tennessee + 0.4 - 0.4 - 0.6 + 0.2 + 0.2 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee + 1.2 - 1.2 - 1.2 + 0.1 - 0.1 + 0.1 

Virginia - 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.0 + 0.3 + 0.3 + 0.0 

Appalachian Virginia + 0.5 - 0.5 - 0.6 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Virginia - 0.4 + 0.4 + 0.1 + 0.3 + 0.4 + 0.0 

West Virginia (entire state) + 0.4 - 0.4 - 0.3 - 0.1 + 0.1 - 0.2 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 

 
161 

Figure 11.4: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region 

Who Had Migrated From Outside Their County of Residence in the Past Year, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Both in Appalachia and the nation as a whole, the share of individuals migrating from outside their county of residence 

increased only slightly (0.1 and 0.2 percentage points, respectively) from 2008-2012 to 2013-2017. Yet there was 

more noticeable change within the Region. In 112 counties, for example, the share of residents who migrated from 

another county increased at least a full percentage point. Yet in 81 other counties, the share of migrants from another 

county fell by a percentage point or more between the two periods. The Appalachian sections of Kentucky and North 

Carolina both had increases of at least half a percentage point, while Appalachian Maryland had a decline of 0.6 

points. 

 

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Had Migrated 

 From Outside Their County of Residence in the Past Year, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

+1 percentage point or more

Change in Share Who Migrated 

From Outside County in Past Year,

2008-2012 to 2013-2017

U.S. AVG.: +0.2 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG: +0.1 PCT. POINTS

-1 percentage point or more

+0.2 to +0.9 percentage points

-0.9 to +0.1 percentage points
162 

TRENDS IN MIGRATION 

• Like Americans as a whole, Appalachian residents were slightly less mobile in 2013-2017 than they 

were in 2008-2012. Between the two periods, the share of persons in the Region who had moved 

from a different residence in the past year decreased by almost half a percentage point to 13 percent 

in 2013-2017 (see Tables 11.1 and 11.2). However, this decline occurred in within-county movement; 

the share of residents who migrated from outside their county and their state of residence increased 

marginally (just one-tenth of a percentage point) between the two periods. 

• Within the Region, the decline in residential mobility was greatest among nonmetropolitan counties 

adjacent to large metro areas, where the share of residents who had moved in the previous year fell 

more than a full percentage point between 2008-2012 and 2013-2017. The decline was almost as 

great in Southern Appalachia, where the share fell 0.9 points. Smaller declines were experienced in 

North Central and South Central Appalachia, and among counties within large metropolitan areas. 

Yet in the Appalachian section of Ohio, mobility shares actually increased by almost one-third of a 

percentage point.

• Appalachia’s tiny increase (0.1 percentage points) in the percentage of residents migrating from 

outside their county of residence between 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 actually masked changes within 

the Region. For example, the share rose more noticeably in both Central Appalachia and the 

Appalachian sections of Kentucky and North Carolina (by at least half a percentage point in each 

case). Meanwhile, the share fell 0.6 points in Appalachian Maryland. 
163 

CHAPTER 12: VETERAN STATUS 

Table 12.1: Veteran Status of Adult Civilians in the Appalachian Region, by Age Group, 2013-2017

Veteran Status 

Civilian Population Percent Who Are Veterans 

Ages 18 

and Over 

Ages 

18-34 

Ages 

35-64 

Ages 65 

and Over 

Ages 

18 and 

Over 

Ages 

18-34 

Ages 

35-64 

Ages 

65 and 

Over 

United States 246,379,319 74,405,276 124,241,654 47,732,389 7.7 2.2 6.5 19.4 

Appalachian Region 19,990,901 5,500,778 10,121,564 4,368,559 8.7 2.1 7.1 20.7 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 6,619,454 1,793,769 3,289,480 1,536,205 9.1 2.1 7.1 21.8 

North Central Appalachia 1,904,335 515,517 966,114 422,704 9.5 2.3 8.0 21.7 

Central Appalachia 1,476,162 382,458 766,968 326,736 7.6 1.9 5.9 18.0 

South Central Appalachia 3,828,802 1,025,688 1,904,134 898,980 8.9 2.0 7.1 20.6 

Southern Appalachia 6,162,148 1,783,346 3,194,868 1,183,934 8.1 2.0 7.1 19.8 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 4,648,880 1,298,452 2,442,582 907,846 8.1 2.0 6.7 20.7 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 8,500,282 2,415,188 4,237,965 1,847,129 8.9 2.1 7.5 21.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 1,723,181 462,880 869,715 390,586 9.0 2.1 7.4 20.7 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 3,137,972 789,698 1,582,105 766,169 9.3 2.3 7.1 20.9 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 1,980,586 534,560 989,197 456,829 7.7 1.8 5.9 18.6 

Alabama 3,735,780 1,092,414 1,881,334 762,032 9.1 2.5 8.5 20.3 

Appalachian Alabama 2,402,987 693,329 1,221,251 488,407 8.7 2.3 7.9 20.0 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 1,332,793 399,085 660,083 273,625 9.9 2.8 9.6 20.8 

Georgia 7,655,139 2,374,730 3,979,979 1,300,430 8.4 2.5 8.2 20.0 

Appalachian Georgia 2,327,520 666,157 1,259,974 401,389 7.5 1.8 6.5 20.1 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 5,327,619 1,708,573 2,720,005 899,041 8.9 2.8 9.0 19.9 

Kentucky 3,397,079 984,414 1,739,959 672,706 8.2 2.4 7.2 19.4 

Appalachian Kentucky 911,976 246,372 472,113 193,491 7.3 1.9 5.8 17.8 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 2,485,103 738,042 1,267,846 479,215 8.6 2.5 7.7 20.1 

Maryland 4,620,593 1,361,615 2,409,793 849,185 8.2 2.6 7.6 19.2 

Appalachian Maryland 199,573 55,154 100,280 44,139 9.6 2.4 8.5 21.1 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 4,421,020 1,306,461 2,309,513 805,046 8.2 2.6 7.5 19.1 

Mississippi 2,249,677 685,227 1,127,423 437,027 7.7 2.1 7.0 18.0 

Appalachian Mississippi 478,400 144,290 235,365 98,745 6.6 1.7 5.6 16.2 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 1,771,277 540,937 892,058 338,282 8.0 2.2 7.4 18.5 

New York 15,571,733 4,799,493 7,763,889 3,008,351 4.9 1.2 3.5 14.2 

Appalachian New York 836,520 253,696 397,927 184,897 8.7 1.9 7.4 20.7 

Non-Appalachian New York 14,735,213 4,545,797 7,365,962 2,823,454 4.7 1.1 3.3 13.8 

North Carolina 7,666,358 2,218,702 3,932,719 1,514,937 8.7 2.8 7.9 19.7 

Appalachian North Carolina 1,379,772 353,914 690,358 335,500 8.7 1.8 6.5 20.3 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 6,286,586 1,864,788 3,242,361 1,179,437 8.8 3.0 8.1 19.5 

Ohio 8,974,264 2,572,167 4,557,455 1,844,642 8.4 2.1 7.0 20.5 

Appalachian Ohio 1,568,989 408,815 804,520 355,654 9.4 2.2 7.6 21.9 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 7,405,275 2,163,352 3,752,935 1,488,988 8.2 2.1 6.9 20.1 

Pennsylvania 10,096,921 2,862,941 5,052,958 2,181,022 8.0 1.8 6.1 20.5 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 4,606,747 1,242,952 2,292,085 1,071,710 9.1 2.1 6.9 21.9 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 5,490,174 1,619,989 2,760,873 1,109,312 7.0 1.5 5.4 19.1 

South Carolina 3,772,087 1,090,218 1,886,613 795,256 9.8 3.1 8.8 21.2 

Appalachian South Carolina 953,241 279,570 478,278 195,393 8.4 2.2 7.1 20.6 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 2,818,846 810,648 1,408,335 599,863 10.2 3.4 9.3 21.4 

Tennessee 5,081,551 1,487,145 2,581,050 1,013,356 8.7 2.5 7.7 20.4 

Appalachian Tennessee 2,251,711 603,241 1,131,326 517,144 9.2 2.3 7.6 20.9 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 2,829,840 883,904 1,449,724 496,212 8.3 2.7 7.8 19.8 

Virginia 6,388,866 1,905,796 3,295,203 1,187,867 10.8 4.1 10.8 21.5 

Appalachian Virginia 614,601 170,655 298,182 145,764 7.8 1.6 6.1 18.5 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 5,774,265 1,735,141 2,997,021 1,042,103 11.1 4.4 11.2 21.9 

West Virginia (entire state) 1,458,864 382,633 739,905 336,326 9.5 2.3 7.8 21.4 

Note: The ACS defines veterans as men and women who have served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, the National Guard or Reserves, 

or in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 
164 

Table 12.2: Veteran Status of Adult Civilians in the Appalachian Region, by Gender, 2013-2017 

Veteran Status 

Civilian Population Ages 18 and Over Percent Who Are Veterans 

Both Sexes Males Females Both 

Sexes Males Females 

United States 246,379,319 119,526,965 126,852,354 7.7 14.5 1.3 

Appalachian Region 19,990,901 9,704,373 10,286,528 8.7 16.7 1.1

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 6,619,454 3,241,837 3,377,617 9.1 17.5 1.1 

North Central Appalachia 1,904,335 936,270 968,065 9.5 18.1 1.2

Central Appalachia 1,476,162 723,601 752,561 7.6 14.6 0.8 

South Central Appalachia 3,828,802 1,845,296 1,983,506 8.9 17.2 1.2 

Southern Appalachia 6,162,148 2,957,369 3,204,779 8.1 15.5 1.2 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 4,648,880 2,232,519 2,416,361 8.1 15.6 1.2 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 8,500,282 4,114,331 4,385,951 8.9 17.2 1.2 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 1,723,181 848,832 874,349 9.0 17.2 1.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 3,137,972 1,537,085 1,600,887 9.3 17.7 1.1 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 1,980,586 971,606 1,008,980 7.7 14.8 0.9 

Alabama 3,735,780 1,776,877 1,958,903 9.1 17.5 1.6 

Appalachian Alabama 2,402,987 1,147,384 1,255,603 8.7 16.8 1.4 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 1,332,793 629,493 703,300 9.9 18.8 1.9 

Georgia 7,655,139 3,654,218 4,000,921 8.4 15.7 1.8 

Appalachian Georgia 2,327,520 1,124,408 1,203,112 7.5 14.2 1.2 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 5,327,619 2,529,810 2,797,809 8.9 16.3 2.1 

Kentucky 3,397,079 1,645,543 1,751,536 8.2 15.7 1.2 

Appalachian Kentucky 911,976 445,260 466,716 7.3 14.0 0.9 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 2,485,103 1,200,283 1,284,820 8.6 16.3 1.3 

Maryland 4,620,593 2,196,698 2,423,895 8.2 15.3 1.9 

Appalachian Maryland 199,573 101,607 97,966 9.6 17.6 1.4 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 4,421,020 2,095,091 2,325,929 8.2 15.1 1.9 

Mississippi 2,249,677 1,069,494 1,180,183 7.7 14.6 1.4 

Appalachian Mississippi 478,400 228,376 250,024 6.6 12.9 0.9 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 1,771,277 841,118 930,159 8.0 15.1 1.5 

New York 15,571,733 7,435,221 8,136,512 4.9 9.5 0.6 

Appalachian New York 836,520 409,513 427,007 8.7 16.5 1.2 

Non-Appalachian New York 14,735,213 7,025,708 7,709,505 4.7 9.1 0.6 

North Carolina 7,666,358 3,639,583 4,026,775 8.7 16.6 1.6 

Appalachian North Carolina 1,379,772 660,227 719,545 8.7 16.9 1.1 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 6,286,586 2,979,356 3,307,230 8.8 16.5 1.8 

Ohio 8,974,264 4,334,866 4,639,398 8.4 16.1 1.1 

Appalachian Ohio 1,568,989 769,387 799,602 9.4 18.2 1.0 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 7,405,275 3,565,479 3,839,796 8.2 15.7 1.2

Pennsylvania 10,096,921 4,879,626 5,217,295 8.0 15.4 1.0 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 4,606,747 2,255,711 2,351,036 9.1 17.5 1.1 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 5,490,174 2,623,915 2,866,259 7.0 13.6 0.9 

South Carolina 3,772,087 1,796,868 1,975,219 9.8 18.6 1.7 

Appalachian South Carolina 953,241 457,201 496,040 8.4 16.5 1.0

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 2,818,846 1,339,667 1,479,179 10.2 19.3 1.9 

Tennessee 5,081,551 2,435,631 2,645,920 8.7 16.6 1.4 

Appalachian Tennessee 2,251,711 1,087,093 1,164,618 9.2 17.7 1.2 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 2,829,840 1,348,538 1,481,302 8.3 15.7 1.6 

Virginia 6,388,866 3,069,326 3,319,540 10.8 19.5 2.7 

Appalachian Virginia 614,601 304,500 310,101 7.8 14.8 1.0 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 5,774,265 2,764,826 3,009,439 11.1 20.0 2.9 

West Virginia (entire state) 1,458,864 713,706 745,158 9.5 18.2 1.1 

Note: The ACS defines veterans as men and women who have served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, the National Guard or Reserves, or 

in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey. 
165 

Figure 12.1: Percent of Adult Civilians in the Appalachian Region Who Are Veterans, 2013-2017 

In 2013-2017, 9 percent of adult civilians ages 18 and over in the Appalachian Region were veterans—men and 

women who have served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, the National Guard or Reserves, or in the U.S. 

Merchant Marine during World War II. While slightly higher than the national average, there was considerable 

variation throughout the Region. In 100 Appalachian counties, for example, at least one in 10 civilian residents were 

veterans. Most of the counties with the highest share of veterans were in Northern and North Central Appalachia, 

although there were pockets of high concentration further south, particularly in Tennessee. In contrast, the veteran 

prevalence rate was lower than the national average in 117 counties; nearly half the counties in this group were in 

Central Appalachia—and 38 of them were in Kentucky alone. Another 20 of these counties were in Appalachian 

Mississippi—the state that had the Region’s lowest share of veterans among adult civilians. 

Map Title: Percent of Adult Civilians in the Appalachian Region Who Are Veterans, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Pct. of Civilians Ages 18+

Who Are Veterans, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 7.7 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 8.7 PERCENT 

7.7 percent to 9.9 percent

10 percent or greater

Less than 7.7 percent
166 

Figure 12.2: Percent of Civilians Ages 18 to 34 in the Appalachian Region Who Are Veterans, 2013-2017 

Military veterans accounted for just 2.1 percent of Appalachia’s young adult (ages 18-34) civilian population in the 

2013-2017 period, compared to 2.2 percent for the nation as a whole. Yet in 191 of the Region’s 420 counties, the 

prevalence was at or above the national rate. In fact, there were 22 Appalachian counties where at least 4 percent of 

18-to-34-year-old civilians were veterans. Most veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan fall in this age group. 

Map Title: Percent of Adult Civilians Ages 18 to 34 in the Appalachian Region Who Are Veterans, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Pct. of Civilians Ages 18-34

Who Are Veterans, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 2.2 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 2.1 PERCENT 

2.2 percent to 3.9 percent

4 percent or greater

Less than 2.2 percent
167 

Figure 12.3: Percent of Civilians Ages 35 to 64 in the Appalachian Region Who Are Veterans, 2013-2017 

In the Appalachian Region, 7.1 percent of 35-to-64-year-old civilian residents were military veterans in 2013-2017, 

slightly above the U.S. rate of 6.5 percent. The prevalence was even higher in some counties: In 16 of them, veterans 

comprised at least one in 10 civilians ages 35 to 64. These counties were scattered throughout the Region. In 186 

counties, however, the veteran prevalence rate was lower than the national average; almost one-third of the counties 

in this latter group were in Central Appalachia, where just under 6 percent of 35-to-64-year-old civilians were 

veterans. Most veterans of the 1991 Gulf War fall in this age group, as do the youngest Vietnam veterans. 

Map Title: Percent of Adult Civilians Ages 35 to 64 in the Appalachian Region Who Are Veterans, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Pct. of Civilians Ages 35-64

Who Are Veterans, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 6.5 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 7.1 PERCENT 

6.5 percent to 9.9 percent

10 percent or greater

Less than 6.5 percent
168 

Figure 12.4: Percent of Civilians Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Are Veterans, 2013-2017 

In 2013-2017, more than one-fifth of Appalachia’s civilian residents ages 65 and over were military veterans—most of 

whom served during World War II and the wars in Korea and Vietnam. Yet there is some variation within the Region. 

For example, at least 25 percent of older civilians were veterans in 17 counties—nine of which were in Northern and 

North Central Appalachia, the subregions with the highest prevalence rates in this age group. By contrast, there were 

34 counties where veterans comprised less than 15 percent of the older civilian residents. Central Appalachia had 18 

of the counties in the latter group; 14 were in Kentucky alone. In both places, veterans were just 18 percent of older 

civilians. (Only Appalachian Mississippi had an even lower share, at 16 percent.) 

 

Map Title: Percent of Adult Civilians Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Are Veterans, 2013-2017

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

19.4 percent to 24.9 percent

Pct. of Civilians Ages 65+

Who Are Veterans, 2013-2017

U.S. AVERAGE: 19.4 PERCENT

APPALACHIAN AVERAGE: 20.7 PERCENT 

25 percent or greater

15 percent to 19.3 percent

Less than 15 percent
169 

Table 12.3: Percentage Point Change in Veteran Status of Adult Civilians in the Appalachian Region, by Age 

Group and Gender, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

Veteran Status 

Percentage Point Change in Share of Adults Who Are Veterans 

Total, Ages 

18 and 

Over 

By Age Group By Gender 

Ages 

18-34 

Ages 

35-64 

Ages 65 

and Over Males Females 

United States - 1.6 - 0.2 - 2.4 - 3.4 - 3.4 + 0.0 

Appalachian Region - 1.7 - 0.3 - 2.7 - 2.5 - 3.6 + 0.0 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia - 2.0 - 0.3 - 2.9 - 3.0 - 4.2 + 0.0 

North Central Appalachia - 1.6 - 0.6 - 2.7 - 2.0 - 3.4 + 0.0 

Central Appalachia - 1.2 - 0.3 - 2.4 - 1.2 - 2.6 + 0.1 

South Central Appalachia - 1.7 - 0.3 - 2.9 - 2.1 - 3.5 + 0.0 

Southern Appalachia - 1.6 - 0.4 - 2.6 - 2.6 - 3.3 + 0.0 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) - 1.7 - 0.3 - 2.5 - 3.2 - 3.6 + 0.0 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) - 1.8 - 0.4 - 2.9 - 2.6 - 3.7 + 0.0 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros - 1.7 - 0.2 - 2.9 - 2.5 - 3.5 + 0.0 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros - 1.6 - 0.2 - 2.9 - 2.0 - 3.6 + 0.0 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) - 1.7 - 0.6 - 2.7 - 2.0 - 3.5 + 0.0 

Alabama - 1.9 - 0.5 - 2.7 - 2.9 - 3.8 + 0.0 

Appalachian Alabama - 1.8 - 0.2 - 2.8 - 2.8 - 3.7 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Alabama - 1.9 - 1.1 - 2.6 - 3.1 - 4.1 + 0.0 

Georgia - 1.4 - 0.2 - 2.3 - 2.6 - 2.7 - 0.1 

Appalachian Georgia - 1.4 - 0.4 - 2.4 - 2.3 - 2.9 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Georgia - 1.3 - 0.1 - 2.2 - 2.8 - 2.7 + 0.0 

Kentucky - 1.5 - 0.2 - 2.5 - 2.0 - 3.1 + 0.0 

Appalachian Kentucky - 1.1 - 0.2 - 2.2 - 0.8 - 2.3 + 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky - 1.6 - 0.2 - 2.7 - 2.5 - 3.4 - 0.1 

Maryland - 1.7 - 0.5 - 2.2 - 3.7 - 3.5 - 0.1 

Appalachian Maryland - 1.5 - 0.2 - 2.0 - 3.0 - 2.7 - 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Maryland - 1.7 - 0.6 - 2.3 - 3.7 - 3.6 - 0.1 

Mississippi - 1.7 - 0.7 - 2.5 - 3.1 - 3.7 + 0.0 

Appalachian Mississippi - 1.8 - 0.8 - 2.4 - 3.1 - 3.9 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi - 1.7 - 0.7 - 2.5 - 3.1 - 3.6 + 0.0

New York - 1.5 - 0.1 - 1.9 - 3.7 - 3.2 + 0.0 

Appalachian New York - 1.9 - 0.4 - 2.8 - 3.2 - 4.0 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian New York - 1.4 - 0.2 - 1.9 - 3.7 - 3.1 + 0.0 

North Carolina - 1.6 - 0.2 - 2.6 - 2.5 - 3.2 - 0.1 

Appalachian North Carolina - 1.8 - 0.2 - 3.2 - 2.3 - 3.7 - 0.1 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina - 1.5 - 0.2 - 2.5 - 2.6 - 3.1 + 0.0 

Ohio - 1.7 - 0.1 - 2.8 - 2.9 - 3.7 - 0.1 

Appalachian Ohio - 1.7 - 0.1 - 2.9 - 2.0 - 3.4 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Ohio - 1.7 - 0.1 - 2.7 - 3.2 - 3.8 + 0.0 

Pennsylvania - 1.9 - 0.3 - 2.6 - 3.5 - 4.1 + 0.0 

Appalachian Pennsylvania - 2.0 - 0.4 - 2.9 - 3.2 - 4.3 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania - 1.8 - 0.3 - 2.4 - 3.7 - 3.9 - 0.1 

South Carolina - 1.5 - 0.1 - 2.7 - 2.6 - 3.2 + 0.0 

Appalachian South Carolina - 1.7 - 0.2 - 2.9 - 2.5 - 3.3 - 0.2 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina - 1.5 - 0.1 - 2.7 - 2.6 - 3.2 + 0.0 

Tennessee - 1.5 - 0.1 - 2.6 - 1.9 - 3.2 + 0.0 

Appalachian Tennessee - 1.4 - 0.1 - 2.6 - 1.6 - 3.1 + 0.1 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee - 1.6 - 0.1 - 2.7 - 2.2 - 3.3 + 0.0 

Virginia - 1.3 - 0.4 - 1.9 - 2.9 - 3.0 + 0.0 

Appalachian Virginia - 2.0 - 0.6 - 3.0 - 3.0 - 4.1 + 0.0 

Non-Appalachian Virginia - 1.3 - 0.4 - 1.9 - 2.9 - 2.9 + 0.0 

West Virginia (entire state) - 1.8 - 0.7 - 2.9 - 2.2 - 3.8 + 0.0 

Note: The ACS defines veterans as men and women who have served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, the National Guard or Reserves, 

or in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II. 

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys. 

 
170 

Figure 12.5: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Adult Civilians in the Appalachian Region Who Are 

Veterans, 2008-2012 to 2013-2017 

The share of Appalachia’s adult civilians ages 18 and over who were military veterans was almost two percentage 

points lower in the 2013-2017 period than it was in 2008-2012. And the magnitude of the decrease varied little among 

the county types and the Appalachian versus non-Appalachian portions of most of the 13 states—Virginia being a 

notable exception. Among the subregions, the decrease was largest in Northern Appalachia (two percentage points) 

and smallest in Central Appalachia (1.2 points). Yet there was significant variation at the county level. For example, in 

102 Appalachian counties (spread throughout the Region), veterans’ share of the population fell by at least 2.5 

percentage points. Yet the share actually increased in 27 counties—nine of which were in Central Appalachia. 

Veterans were at least 10 percent of the civilian population in more than half of the counties where the share 

increased, compared to just one-fifth of the counties with the largest decreases. 

Map Title: Percentage Point Change in the Share of Adult Civilians in the Appalachian Region Who Are Veterans, 

 2008-2012 to 2013-2017

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 American Community Surveys.

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK

Change in Share of Civilians

Ages 18+ Who Are Veterans,

2008-2012 to 2013-2017

U.S. AVG.: -1.6 PCT. POINTS

APPALACHIAN AVG.: -1.7 PCT. POINTS

-1.6 to 0 percentage points

Increase

-2.4 to -1.7 percentage points

-2.5 percentage points or more
171 

TRENDS IN VETERAN STATUS 

• In Appalachia, the share of adult civilians who were military veterans declined almost two percentage 

points between 2008-2012 and 2013-2017, falling to just under 9 percent (see Tables 12.1 and 12.3). 

There was little difference in the decrease among the county types, and the Appalachian versus nonAppalachian portions of the 13 states. Virginia was a notable exception: The veteran prevalence rate 

fell two percentage points in that state’s Appalachian portion, compared to a decrease of 1.3 points in 

the rest of the state. And among the subregions, the decline in veteran prevalence ranged from two 

percentage points in Northern Appalachia to 1.2 points in Central Appalachia.

• The decrease in veteran status was more pronounced among middle-aged and older civilians than 

among younger ones. While the share of veterans fell less than half a percentage point among 

younger civilians ages 18 to 34, it declined nearly three percentage points among civilians ages 35 

and over. As veteran status is more prevalent among older residents than younger ones, the 

movement of cohorts with lower prevalence rates into older ages accounts for much of the decline. 

(Mortality among the oldest veterans also is a factor, particularly in the decline among persons ages 

65 and over.)

• Not surprisingly, the decreased share in veteran status among men has fueled the overall decrease. 

The share of adult men in the Appalachian Region who were veterans fell more than three 

percentage points between 2008-2012 and 2013-2017, while the share among women remained 

unchanged. Of course, men remain far more likely than women to be military veterans—the 

respective rates in Appalachia were 17 percent and 1 percent (see Table 12.2).

 
172 

APPENDIX A: REFERENCE MAPS 

Figure A.1: Appalachian Subregions 

The Appalachian Region covers 205,000 square miles and includes all of West Virginia and portions of 12 other 

states from New York to Mississippi. The 420 counties of the Region are grouped into five subregions, based on 

similarities in economic and demographic characteristics and geographic location. 

Map Title: Appalachian Subregions

Data Source: Appalachian Regional Commission.

Appalachian Subregions 

Northern Appalachia

North Central Appalachia

Central Appalachia

South Central Appalachia

Southern Appalachia

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK
173 

Figure A.2: Rural-Urban County Types in the Appalachian Region 

While Appalachia is a distinct part of the United States, the Region is far from homogeneous, including both rural 

counties and major metropolitan areas such as Pittsburgh, Birmingham, and parts of suburban Atlanta. This map 

shows the rural-urban type for each Appalachian county. 

Map Title: Rural-Urban County Types in the Appalachian Region

Data Source: USDA, Economic Research Service, 2013 Urban Influence Codes condensed by ARC.

Rural-Urban County Types

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +)

Small Metros (pop. <1 million)

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro)

0 50 100

Miles

VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH

CAROLINA

SOUTH

CAROLINA

PENNSYLVANIA

GEORGIA

ALABAMA

MISSISSIPPI

WEST

VIRGINIA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

OHIO

NEW YORK