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1 

THE APPALACHIAN REGION: A DATA OVERVIEW FROM THE 2009-2013 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PAGE 

FOREWORD 3 

CHAPTER 1. POPULATION BASICS 

Table 1.1: Population, Land Area, and Population Density in the Appalachian Region, 2009-2013 4 

Figure 1.1: Population Distribution in the Appalachian Region, 2009-2013 5 

Figure 1.2: Population per Square Mile of Land Area in the Appalachian Region, 2009-2013 6 

CHAPTER 2. AGE 

Table 2.1: Population in the Appalachian Region by Age Group, 2009-2013 7 

Figure 2.1: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region Under Age 18, 2009-2013 8 

Figure 2.2: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region Ages 18 to 24, 2009-2013 9 

Figure 2.3: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region Ages 25 to 64, 2009-2013 10 

Figure 2.4: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region Ages 65 and Over, 2009-2013 11 

Figure 2.5: Median Age of Persons in the Appalachian Region, 2009-2013 12 

CHAPTER 3. RACE AND HISPANIC ORIGIN 

Table 3.1: Population in the Appalachian Region by Race and Hispanic Origin, 2009-2013 13 

Figure 3.1: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region That Is Minority, 2009-2013 14 

Figure 3.2: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region That Is Black Alone, not Hispanic, 2009-2013 15 

Figure 3.3: Percent of Population in the Appalachian Region That Is Hispanic or Latino, 2009-2013 16 

CHAPTER 4. HOUSING OCCUPANCY AND TENURE 

Table 4.1: Occupancy and Tenure of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, 2009-2013 17 

Figure 4.1: Percent of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are Occupied, 2009-2013 18 

Figure 4.2: Percent of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region That Are Vacant, 2009-2013 19 

Figure 4.3: Percent Owner-Occupied Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, 2009-2013 20 

Figure 4.4: Percent Renter-Occupied Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, 2009-2013 21 

CHAPTER 5. EDUCATION 

Table 5.1: Educational Attainment of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 2009-2013 22 

Table 5.2: Educational Attainment of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region, 2009-2013 23 

Table 5.3: Educational Attainment of Persons Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 2009-2013 24 

Table 5.4: Bachelor’s Degree Field (First Major) for Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a Bachelor’s 

Degree or More, 2009-2013 

25 

Figure 5.1: Percent of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a High School Diploma or More, 2009-2013 26 

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

Postsecondary Degree, 2009-2013 

27 

Figure 5.3: Percent of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a Bachelor’s Degree or More, 2009-2013 28 

Figure 5.4: Percent of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region With a High School Diploma or More, 2009-2013 29 

Figure 5.5: Percent of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region With a Bachelor’s Degree or More, 2009-2013 30 

Figure 5.6: Percent of Persons Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a Bachelor’s Degree or More, 2009-2013 31 

Figure 5.7: 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, 2009-2013 

32 

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, 2009-2013 

33 

Figure 6.1: Percent of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region Who Are In the Labor Force, 2009-2013 34 

Figure 6.2: Employment Rate for Civilian Labor Force Participants Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region, 2009-2013 35 

Figure 6.3: Unemployment Rate for Civilian Labor Force Participants Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region, 2009-2013 36 
2 

PAGE 

CHAPTER 7. INCOME AND POVERTY 

Table 7.1: Household, Family, and Per Capita Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2013 Dollars), 2009-2013 37 

Table 7.2: Number of Persons in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, by Age Group, 2009-2013 38 

Table 7.3: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, by Age Group, 2009-2013 39 

Figure 7.1: Mean Household Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2013 Dollars), 2009-2013 40 

Figure 7.2: Median Household Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2013 Dollars), 2009-2013 41 

Figure 7.3: Mean Family Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2013 Dollars), 2009-2013 42 

Figure 7.4: Median Family Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2013 Dollars), 2009-2013 43 

Figure 7.5: Per Capita Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2013 Dollars), 2009-2013 44 

Figure 7.6: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, 2009-2013 45 

Figure 7.7: Percent of Persons Under Age 18 in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, 2009-2013 46 

Figure 7.8: Percent of Persons Ages 18 to 64 in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, 2009-2013 47 

Figure 7.9: Percent of Persons Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, 2009-2013 48 

CHAPTER 8. HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE

Table 8.1: Number of Persons in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, by Age Group, 2009-2013 49 

Table 8.2: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, by Age Group, 2009-2013 50 

Figure 8.1: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 2009-2013 51 

Figure 8.2: Percent of Persons Under Age 18 in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 2009-2013 52 

Figure 8.3: Percent of Persons Ages 18 to 24 in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 2009-2013 53 

Figure 8.4: Percent of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, 2009-2013 54 

CHAPTER 9. DISABILITY STATUS

Table 9.1: Number of Persons in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, by Age Group, 2009-2013 55 

Table 9.2: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, by Age Group, 2009-2013 56 

Figure 9.1: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, 2009-2013 57 

Figure 9.2: Percent of Persons Under Age 18 in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, 2009-2013 58 

Figure 9.3: Percent of Persons Ages 18 to 64 in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, 2009-2013 59 

Figure 9.4: Percent of Persons Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, 2009-2013 60 

CHAPTER 10. MIGRATION 

Table 10.1: Mobility Status of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 2009-2013 61 

Figure 10.1: Percent of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Had Moved in the Past Year, 2009-2013 62 

Figure 10.2: Percent of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Had Migrated From Outside Their 

County of Residence in the Past Year, 2009-2013 

63 

Figure 10.3: Percent of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Had Migrated From Outside Their 

State of Residence in the Past Year, 2009-2013 

64 

CHAPTER 11. VETERAN STATUS

Table 11.1: Veteran Status of Adult Civilians in the Appalachian Region by Age Group, 2009-2013 65 

Table 11.2: Veteran Status of Adult Civilians in the Appalachian Region by Gender, 2009-2013 66 

Figure 11.1: Percent of Adult Civilians in the Appalachian Region Who Are Veterans, 2009-2013 67 

Figure 11.2: Percent of Civilians Ages 18 to 34 in the Appalachian Region Who Are Veterans, 2009-2013 68 

Figure 11.3: Percent of Civilians Ages 35 to 64 in the Appalachian Region Who Are Veterans, 2009-2013 69 

Figure 11.4: Percent of Civilians Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region Who Are Veterans, 2009-2013 70 
3 

FOREWORD 

The data contained in this chartbook come from the 2009-2013 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 11 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 a number of counties in the 

Appalachian Region have fewer than 20,000 residents, we must use the 2009-2013 ACS data to have comparable 

statistics for all 420 counties in the Region. 

The five-year ACS estimates for 2009-2013 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 2009 through December 

2013. 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 the decennial census point-in-time estimate from April 1. 

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

difficult to track trends in these areas. The 2009-2013 ACS data illustrate this problem. The 2009-2013 time period 

covers two distinct periods of economic activity: the last six months of the “Great Recession” of December 2007 through 

June 2009; and the four years of economic recovery that immediately followed the downturn. Since the 2009-2013 ACS 

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

annual data from this recent period. 

In this year’s chartbook, Chapter 5, which covers education, contains a new table (Table 5.4) and figure (Figure 5.7). 

These items focus on the major degree field for adults ages 25 and over who have attained a bachelor’s degree or more. 

The ACS introduced a “field of degree” question in 2009, which means that the 2009-2013 time period is the first for 

which five-year data on this particular topic are available. 
4 

CHAPTER 1: POPULATION BASICS 

Table 1.1: Population, Land Area, and Population Density in the Appalachian Region, 2009-2013 

Population, Land Area, and Density Population, 

2009-2013 

 Land Area 

(Square Miles) 

 Population per 

Square Mile of Land 

Area, 2009-2013 

United States 311,536,594 3,531,905 88.2 

Appalachian Region 25,305,488 204,452 123.8 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 8,367,896 56,980 146.9 

North Central Appalachia 2,425,370 29,337 82.7 

Central Appalachia 1,912,621 29,773 64.2 

South Central Appalachia 4,738,508 34,997 135.4 

Southern Appalachia 7,861,093 53,365 147.3 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 5,889,508 18,815 313.0 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 10,669,524 54,302 196.5 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 2,207,937 25,382 87.0 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 3,989,453 58,591 68.1 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 2,549,066 47,363 53.8 

Alabama 4,799,277 50,645 94.8 

Appalachian Alabama 3,074,826 25,763 119.4 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 1,724,451 24,882 69.3 

Georgia 9,810,417 57,513 170.6 

Appalachian Georgia 2,972,456 11,378 261.2 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 6,837,961 46,135 148.2 

Kentucky 4,361,333 39,486 110.5 

Appalachian Kentucky 1,182,515 18,231 64.9 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 3,178,818 21,256 149.5 

Maryland 5,834,299 9,707 601.0 

Appalachian Maryland 252,843 1,529 165.4 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 5,581,456 8,178 682.5 

Mississippi 2,976,872 46,923 63.4 

Appalachian Mississippi 629,196 12,400 50.7 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 2,347,676 34,523 68.0 

New York 19,487,053 47,126 413.5 

Appalachian New York 1,062,441 11,681 91.0 

Non-Appalachian New York 18,424,612 35,445 519.8 

North Carolina 9,651,380 48,618 198.5 

Appalachian North Carolina 1,704,390 11,887 143.4 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 7,946,990 36,731 216.4 

Ohio 11,549,590 40,861 282.7 

Appalachian Ohio 2,034,561 15,978 127.3 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 9,515,029 24,882 382.4 

Pennsylvania 12,731,381 44,743 284.5 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 5,786,018 36,444 158.8 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 6,945,363 8,298 837.0 

South Carolina 4,679,602 30,061 155.7 

Appalachian South Carolina 1,184,615 3,824 309.8 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 3,494,987 26,237 133.2 

Tennessee 6,402,387 41,235 155.3 

Appalachian Tennessee 2,800,546 20,119 139.2 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 3,601,841 21,116 170.6 

Virginia 8,100,653 39,490 205.1 

Appalachian Virginia 767,462 11,179 68.7 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 7,333,191 28,311 259.0 

West Virginia (entire state) 1,853,619 24,038 77.1 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 American Community Survey.
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7 

CHAPTER 2: AGE 

Table 2.1: Population in the Appalachian Region by Age Group, 2009-2013 

Population by Age Group 

 Total 

Population, 

2009-2013 

Percent of Population Median Age

(Years) Under 

Age 18 

 Ages 

18-24 

Ages 

25-64 

Ages 65 

and over 

United States 311,536,594 23.7 10.0 52.9 13.4 37.3 

Appalachian Region 25,305,488 22.2 9.8 52.5 15.5 40.1 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 8,367,896 20.6 10.1 52.2 17.1 41.9 

North Central Appalachia 2,425,370 21.6 9.7 53.0 15.7 40.6 

Central Appalachia 1,912,621 22.1 8.8 53.6 15.5 40.7 

South Central Appalachia 4,738,508 21.2 9.9 52.1 16.9 41.1 

Southern Appalachia 7,861,093 24.6 9.6 52.7 13.1 37.4 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 5,889,508 23.6 8.8 53.9 13.7 38.8 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 10,669,524 21.7 10.5 52.3 15.6 39.9 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 2,207,937 22.3 9.9 51.8 16.1 40.5 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 3,989,453 21.4 9.0 52.1 17.5 42.0 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 2,549,066 21.9 9.9 51.8 16.4 40.7 

Alabama 4,799,277 23.4 10.1 52.4 14.2 38.1 

Appalachian Alabama 3,074,826 23.1 9.8 52.9 14.2 38.4 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 1,724,451 23.9 10.6 51.4 14.1 37.3 

Georgia 9,810,417 25.4 10.2 53.3 11.1 35.6 

Appalachian Georgia 2,972,456 26.7 8.8 53.4 11.1 36.2 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 6,837,961 24.8 10.8 53.3 11.1 35.2 

Kentucky 4,361,333 23.4 9.6 53.3 13.7 38.2 

Appalachian Kentucky 1,182,515 22.6 9.3 53.3 14.9 39.9 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 3,178,818 23.7 9.8 53.2 13.3 37.5 

Maryland 5,834,299 23.1 9.6 54.6 12.7 38.0 

Appalachian Maryland 252,843 21.1 9.7 53.1 16.1 40.7 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 5,581,456 23.2 9.6 54.6 12.5 37.9 

Mississippi 2,976,872 25.1 10.4 51.2 13.2 36.2 

Appalachian Mississippi 629,196 24.3 11.0 50.2 14.5 37.2 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 2,347,676 25.4 10.3 51.5 12.9 35.9 

New York 19,487,053 22.0 10.2 54.0 13.8 38.1 

Appalachian New York 1,062,441 20.7 13.0 50.3 16.0 40.1 

Non-Appalachian New York 18,424,612 22.1 10.0 54.2 13.7 37.9 

North Carolina 9,651,380 23.6 10.0 53.0 13.4 37.6 

Appalachian North Carolina 1,704,390 21.2 9.3 52.1 17.4 41.6 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 7,946,990 24.2 10.1 53.2 12.6 36.8 

Ohio 11,549,590 23.3 9.6 52.6 14.4 39.0 

Appalachian Ohio 2,034,561 22.7 9.0 52.3 16.0 40.8 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 9,515,029 23.5 9.7 52.7 14.1 38.5 

Pennsylvania 12,731,381 21.7 9.9 52.7 15.7 40.3 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 5,786,018 20.2 10.0 52.5 17.3 42.1 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 6,945,363 22.9 9.8 52.8 14.4 38.7 

South Carolina 4,679,602 23.1 10.3 52.4 14.2 38.1 

Appalachian South Carolina 1,184,615 23.4 10.3 52.0 14.3 38.2 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 3,494,987 22.9 10.3 52.5 14.2 38.1 

Tennessee 6,402,387 23.3 9.6 53.2 13.9 38.2 

Appalachian Tennessee 2,800,546 21.6 9.3 52.6 16.4 40.8 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 3,601,841 24.6 9.9 53.6 11.9 36.1 

Virginia 8,100,653 22.9 10.1 54.4 12.6 37.5 

Appalachian Virginia 767,462 19.3 11.9 51.5 17.3 41.6 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 7,333,191 23.3 9.9 54.7 12.1 37.1 

West Virginia (entire state) 1,853,619 20.8 9.3 53.5 16.5 41.5 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 American Community Survey.
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F

I

U

h

A

4

S

t

R

Figure 2.5: M

n the 2009-20

United States 

half is younge

Appalachian c

45 years. Of t

Southern App

he aging of th

Region’s coun

Median Age o

013 period, th

as a whole. I

er) exceeded 4

counties. In 5

he 37 countie

palachia—the 

he population

nties. 

of Persons in

he median ag

Indeed, the m

40 years in th

2 counties—a

es with popula

only subregio

 in both Appa

n the Appalac

e of the Appa

median age of

he Region as 

all but eight o

ations whose 

on where the 

alachia and th

12 

chian Region

alachian popu

f the populatio

a whole—an

f which were 

median age w

overall age s

he nation, med

n, 2009-2013

ulation was ne

on (the point a

d was at leas

outside metro

was younger 

structure roug

dian age will 

early three ye

at which half 

st 40 years in 

o areas—the 

than the nati

ghly resemble

likely continu

ears older tha

the populatio

nearly three-

 median age 

onal median,

ed that of the 

e to rise in m

n that of the 

on is older and

-fourths of 

was at least 

 24 were in 

nation. With 

most of the 

d
13 

CHAPTER 3: RACE AND HISPANIC ORIGIN 

Table 3.1: Population in the Appalachian Region by Race and Hispanic Origin, 2009-2013 

Population by Race and Hispanic Origin 

 Total 

Population, 

2009-2013 

Percent of Population 

 White Alone, 

Not Hispanic 

Minority 

 Total Black Alone, 

Not Hispanic 

Hispanic or 

Latino 

Other, Not 

Hispanic 

United States 311,536,594 63.3 36.7 12.2 16.6 7.9 

Appalachian Region 25,305,488 83.2 16.8 9.2 4.3 3.2 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 8,367,896 89.3 10.7 5.1 2.6 3.0 

North Central Appalachia 2,425,370 93.1 6.9 2.7 1.3 2.9 

Central Appalachia 1,912,621 95.3 4.7 1.9 1.3 1.6 

South Central Appalachia 4,738,508 85.2 14.8 7.0 4.7 3.1 

Southern Appalachia 7,861,093 69.5 30.5 18.7 7.7 4.1 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 5,889,508 74.5 25.5 14.8 5.8 4.8 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 10,669,524 82.8 17.2 9.1 4.8 3.3 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 2,207,937 89.1 10.9 5.2 3.3 2.5 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 3,989,453 90.2 9.8 4.5 3.0 2.2 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 2,549,066 89.0 11.0 7.5 1.8 1.7 

Alabama 4,799,277 66.8 33.2 26.2 3.9 3.1 

Appalachian Alabama 3,074,826 70.8 29.2 21.9 4.4 2.9 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 1,724,451 59.7 40.3 33.8 3.0 3.5 

Georgia 9,810,417 55.4 44.6 30.3 8.9 5.4 

Appalachian Georgia 2,972,456 67.4 32.6 13.6 12.9 6.1 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 6,837,961 50.2 49.8 37.5 7.2 5.1 

Kentucky 4,361,333 86.1 13.9 7.7 3.1 3.1 

Appalachian Kentucky 1,182,515 95.3 4.7 1.8 1.3 1.6 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 3,178,818 82.6 17.4 9.9 3.8 3.7 

Maryland 5,834,299 54.1 45.9 29.0 8.5 8.4 

Appalachian Maryland 252,843 85.9 14.1 8.0 2.7 3.4 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 5,581,456 52.7 47.3 30.0 8.7 8.6 

Mississippi 2,976,872 57.8 42.2 37.0 2.7 2.4 

Appalachian Mississippi 629,196 64.6 35.4 31.6 2.3 1.6 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 2,347,676 56.0 44.0 38.5 2.9 2.6 

New York 19,487,053 57.8 42.2 14.4 17.9 9.9 

Appalachian New York 1,062,441 89.7 10.3 2.7 3.2 4.4 

Non-Appalachian New York 18,424,612 56.0 44.0 15.1 18.7 10.2 

North Carolina 9,651,380 64.9 35.1 21.1 8.5 5.4 

Appalachian North Carolina 1,704,390 80.9 19.1 8.7 7.0 3.5 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 7,946,990 61.5 38.5 23.8 8.9 5.9 

Ohio 11,549,590 80.8 19.2 12.0 3.2 4.0 

Appalachian Ohio 2,034,561 91.6 8.4 4.2 1.7 2.5 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 9,515,029 78.5 21.5 13.7 3.5 4.3 

Pennsylvania 12,731,381 79.0 21.0 10.5 5.9 4.6 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 5,786,018 89.2 10.8 5.3 2.5 2.9 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 6,945,363 70.5 29.5 14.8 8.7 6.0 

South Carolina 4,679,602 64.0 36.0 27.6 5.2 3.3 

Appalachian South Carolina 1,184,615 74.1 25.9 16.5 5.9 3.4 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 3,494,987 60.6 39.4 31.3 4.9 3.2 

Tennessee 6,402,387 75.3 24.7 16.7 4.7 3.4 

Appalachian Tennessee 2,800,546 88.4 11.6 5.4 3.4 2.8 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 3,601,841 65.1 34.9 25.4 5.7 3.8 

Virginia 8,100,653 64.3 35.7 19.0 8.1 8.5 

Appalachian Virginia 767,462 90.1 9.9 5.3 2.0 2.5 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 7,333,191 61.6 38.4 20.4 8.8 9.1 

West Virginia (entire state) 1,853,619 92.9 7.1 3.1 1.3 2.8 

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

Islander alone; (d) Some other race alone; and (e) Two or more races. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 American Community Survey.
F

T

m

A

a

c

n

Figure 3.1: P

The Appalach

most parts of 

Appalachian c

alone, not His

counties—all 

national avera

ercent of Po

hian Region is

the Region h

counties, mino

spanic”) made

but one in So

age.

pulation in t

s significantly 

ave remained

orities (define

e up less than

outhern Appal

he Appalach

less racially a

d far below th

ed as anyone 

n 10 percent o

lachia—where

14 

hian Region T

and ethnically

e national av

who identifie

of the populat

e minorities’ s

That Is Mino

y diverse than

verage in their

es with a racia

tion during the

share of the p

rity, 2009-20

n the United S

r minority pop

al or ethnic gr

e 2009-2013 

population ma

013

States as a w

pulations. In tw

roup other tha

period. There

atched or exc

whole, and 

wo-thirds of 

an “white 

e were just 22

eeded the 

2
F

A

2

t

p

b

fo

a

Figure 3.2: Pe

Although non2013 period, t

he Region, th

population exc

black share of

four residents

accounted for

ercent of Pop

-Hispanic Afri

their share of 

he largest pro

ceeded the n

f the populatio

 was African 

r less than 5 p

pulation in the

ican American

the Region’s

portions were

ational avera

on matched o

American. At

percent of the

e Appalachia

ns remained t

 total populat

e in Southern 

ge. Southern 

or surpassed 

t the other end

e residents in 

15 

n Region Tha

the largest sin

tion was still lo

Appalachia—

Appalachia a

that of the na

d of the spect

nearly three-f

at Is Black Al

ngle minority 

ower than in t

—the only sub

also had 52 o

ation—as well

trum, persons

fourths of App

lone, not Hisp

group in App

the United St

bregion where

of the Region’

l as 27 of the 

s who were “b

palachian cou

panic, 2009-2

palachia durin

tates as a who

e blacks’ shar

s 59 counties

29 where at 

black alone, n

unties.

2013 

ng the 2009-

ole. Within 

re of the 

s where the 

least one in 

not Hispanic” 
F

A

t

5

(

a

Figure 3.3: P

Although Hisp

he Appalachi

5 percent of th

Gwinnett, Ha

average.

ercent of Po

panics have b

an Region du

he population

all, and Whitfie

pulation in t

become the U

uring the 2009

n in just 60 of 

eld—all in Ge

he Appalach

nited States’ 

9-2013 period

Appalachia’s 

eorgia) had La

16 

hian Region T

largest minor

d. The county

420 counties

atino populatio

That Is Hispa

rity group, the

y patterns refle

s. Moreover, j

on shares tha

anic or Latin

ey made up o

ect this fact, a

just three App

at matched or

no, 2009-2013

only one in 25

as Hispanics 

palachian cou

r exceeded th

3

 residents in 

were at least

unties 

he national 
17 

CHAPTER 4: HOUSING OCCUPANCY AND TENURE 

Table 4.1: Occupancy and Tenure of Housing Units in the Appalachian Region, 2009-2013 

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 132,057,804 115,610,216 87.5 12.5 64.9 35.1 

Appalachian Region 11,528,040 9,860,201 85.5 14.5 71.4 28.6 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 3,915,964 3,365,360 85.9 14.1 71.3 28.7 

North Central Appalachia 1,115,235 948,315 85.0 15.0 72.8 27.2 

Central Appalachia 880,623 743,782 84.5 15.5 73.1 26.9 

South Central Appalachia 2,260,656 1,909,720 84.5 15.5 70.2 29.8 

Southern Appalachia 3,355,562 2,893,024 86.2 13.8 71.2 28.8 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 2,532,289 2,246,318 88.7 11.3 71.5 28.5 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 4,781,000 4,190,922 87.7 12.3 69.8 30.2 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 1,023,414 856,488 83.7 16.3 72.1 27.9 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 1,944,554 1,574,587 81.0 19.0 73.8 26.2 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 1,246,783 991,886 79.6 20.4 73.1 26.9 

Alabama 2,178,116 1,838,683 84.4 15.6 69.7 30.3 

Appalachian Alabama 1,381,526 1,180,947 85.5 14.5 71.1 28.9 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 796,590 657,736 82.6 17.4 67.3 32.7 

Georgia 4,094,812 3,518,097 85.9 14.1 65.1 34.9 

Appalachian Georgia 1,177,946 1,024,305 87.0 13.0 72.2 27.8 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 2,916,866 2,493,792 85.5 14.5 62.3 37.7 

Kentucky 1,930,158 1,694,996 87.8 12.2 68.4 31.6 

Appalachian Kentucky 538,262 455,783 84.7 15.3 71.7 28.3 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 1,391,896 1,239,213 89.0 11.0 67.2 32.8 

Maryland 2,387,285 2,146,240 89.9 10.1 67.6 32.4 

Appalachian Maryland 112,964 96,367 85.3 14.7 67.7 32.3 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 2,274,321 2,049,873 90.1 9.9 67.6 32.4 

Mississippi 1,277,522 1,088,073 85.2 14.8 69.4 30.6 

Appalachian Mississippi 278,474 237,138 85.2 14.8 71.3 28.7 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 999,048 850,935 85.2 14.8 68.9 31.1 

New York 8,113,270 7,234,743 89.2 10.8 54.2 45.8 

Appalachian New York 508,376 423,718 83.3 16.7 69.5 30.5 

Non-Appalachian New York 7,604,894 6,811,025 89.6 10.4 53.3 46.7 

North Carolina 4,349,023 3,715,565 85.4 14.6 66.4 33.6 

Appalachian North Carolina 856,625 689,691 80.5 19.5 70.4 29.6 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 3,492,398 3,025,874 86.6 13.4 65.5 34.5 

Ohio 5,124,221 4,557,655 88.9 11.1 67.5 32.5 

Appalachian Ohio 902,334 792,192 87.8 12.2 72.4 27.6 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 4,221,887 3,765,463 89.2 10.8 66.4 33.6 

Pennsylvania 5,565,653 4,958,427 89.1 10.9 69.8 30.2 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 2,718,203 2,337,394 86.0 14.0 71.6 28.4 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 2,847,450 2,621,033 92.0 8.0 68.2 31.8 

South Carolina 2,143,464 1,780,251 83.1 16.9 69.1 30.9 

Appalachian South Carolina 517,616 450,634 87.1 12.9 69.4 30.6 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 1,625,848 1,329,617 81.8 18.2 69.0 31.0 

Tennessee 2,821,797 2,475,195 87.7 12.3 67.8 32.2 

Appalachian Tennessee 1,290,506 1,123,423 87.1 12.9 70.4 29.6 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 1,531,291 1,351,772 88.3 11.7 65.5 34.5 

Virginia 3,381,332 3,022,739 89.4 10.6 67.3 32.7 

Appalachian Virginia 364,257 307,219 84.3 15.7 71.7 28.3 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 3,017,075 2,715,520 90.0 10.0 66.8 33.2 

West Virginia (entire state) 880,951 741,390 84.2 15.8 73.4 26.6 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 American Community Survey. 
F

A

S

n

a

w

r

s

Figure 4.1: P

Although the h

States as a w

national avera

areas. Conver

which lay outs

rates in the 20

suggesting tha

ercent of Ho

home occupa

hole, there w

age. And whil

rsely, less tha

side metropol

009-2013 per

at housing oc

ousing Units 

ancy rate durin

ere 116 coun

e they were s

an four-fifths o

itan areas. It 

iod were abo

ccupancy has

in the Appal

ng the 2009-2

nties in the Re

scattered thro

of housing un

is important t

ut three perce

 not yet return

18 

achian Regio

2013 period w

egion that had

oughout the R

nits were occu

to note that fo

entage points

ned to pre-rec

on That Are 

was slightly lo

d occupancy r

Region, 79 of t

upied in 113 A

or both Appala

s lower than th

cession levels

Occupied, 2

ower in Appala

rates matchin

these countie

Appalachian c

achia and the

hey were in th

s.

2009-2013 

achia than in 

ng or exceedi

es were in me

counties—all 

e nation, the o

he 2000 Cens

the United 

ng the 

etropolitan 

but 17 of 

occupancy 

sus, 
F

O

n

a

h

r

s

Figure 4.2: P

One in seven 

nation as a wh

all outside me

had rates belo

rates of 12.5 p

suggesting sig

ercent of Ho

Appalachian 

hole. Vacancy

etropolitan are

ow the nation

percent or mo

gnificant recre

ousing Units 

housing units

y rates varied

eas) had vaca

al average. It

ore, at least o

eational, reso

in the Appal

s were vacan

d within the R

ancy rates at 

t is important 

ne-third of the

ort, or retireme

19 

achian Regio

t during the 2

egion, howev

or above 20 p

to note that in

e vacant units

ent activity in 

on That Are 

2009-2013 pe

ver. While one

percent, anot

n 158 of the 3

s were design

the commun

Vacant, 2009

eriod, compare

e-fourth of Ap

her one-fourt

309 Appalach

nated for seas

ity.

9-2013 

ed to one in e

ppalachian co

h (mostly in m

hian counties 

sonal or occa

eight for the 

ounties (nearly

metro areas) 

with vacancy

asional use—

y
F

I

c

I

t

r

e

Figure 4.3: P

n the 2009-20

country. In all 

ndeed, the ho

hat for some 

residential mo

extent, the old

ercent Owne

013 period, h

but 20 count

omeownershi

parts of the R

obility, the rise

der age struct

er-Occupied 

omeownersh

ies, the share

p rate was at

Region, the hi

e in the numb

ture of the Ap

Housing Un

ip was more c

e of owner-oc

t least 75 perc

igh homeown

ber and share 

ppalachian po

20 

its in the Ap

common in th

ccupied housin

cent in 199 of

nership rates m

of mobile ho

pulation. 

palachian Re

he Appalachia

ng units matc

f Appalachia’s

might be relat

mes among t

egion, 2009-2

an Region tha

ched or excee

s 420 countie

ted to low lev

the housing s

2013 

an in the rest 

eded the natio

es. It is import

vels of econom

stock, and to a

of the 

onal average.

tant to note 

mic and 

a lesser 
F

T

t

A

h

r

a

Figure 4.4: P

The share of r

hroughout Ap

Appalachian c

home to colleg

renter-occupie

associated wit

ercent Rente

renter-occupi

ppalachia; in f

counties wher

ges or univer

ed units in Ap

th the recess

er-Occupied 

ed housing u

fact, it was les

re the share o

sities, where 

ppalachia was

ion and the h

Housing Un

nits during th

ss than 25 pe

of renter-occu

students mak

s two percenta

ousing crisis.

21 

its in the Ap

e 2009-2013

ercent in 194 

upied units ma

ke up a fairly 

age points hig

ppalachian Re

period was w

of the Region

atched or exc

sizeable shar

gher than it w

egion, 2009-

well below the

n’s 420 count

ceeded the na

re of the popu

was in the 200

-2013 

e national ave

ies. Among th

ational averag

ulation. The s

00 Census, w

erage 

he 22 

ge, most are 

share of 

which may be 
22 

CHAPTER 5: EDUCATION 

Table 5.1: Educational Attainment of Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 2009-2013 

Education (Highest Level Attained) 

 Total 

Population 

Ages 25 and 

Over, 

2009-2013 

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 

Bachelor's 

Degree or 

More 

United States 206,587,852 14.0 86.0 49.4 7.8 28.8 

Appalachian Region 17,227,705 15.4 84.6 55.0 7.8 21.7 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 5,800,330 11.0 89.0 57.6 8.8 22.6 

North Central Appalachia 1,666,039 15.3 84.7 59.3 7.0 18.4 

Central Appalachia 1,322,449 25.1 74.9 56.2 6.1 12.7 

South Central Appalachia 3,267,409 16.6 83.4 53.5 7.7 22.2 

Southern Appalachia 5,171,478 17.3 82.7 51.4 7.6 23.6 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 3,979,809 11.5 88.5 51.6 8.3 28.6 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 7,235,000 14.4 85.6 54.5 7.9 23.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 1,497,669 16.9 83.1 58.9 8.2 16.0 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 2,776,907 18.5 81.5 58.8 7.4 15.3 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 1,738,320 22.3 77.7 55.6 7.1 15.0 

Alabama 3,193,338 16.9 83.1 53.1 7.4 22.6 

Appalachian Alabama 2,062,954 16.9 83.1 52.6 7.3 23.2 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 1,130,384 16.9 83.1 53.9 7.5 21.6 

Georgia 6,323,120 15.3 84.7 49.8 6.9 28.0 

Appalachian Georgia 1,916,301 16.9 83.1 50.6 7.3 25.2 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 4,406,819 14.5 85.5 49.5 6.8 29.2 

Kentucky 2,920,579 17.0 83.0 54.4 7.1 21.5 

Appalachian Kentucky 805,911 25.2 74.8 55.4 6.2 13.3 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 2,114,668 13.9 86.1 54.0 7.4 24.7 

Maryland 3,922,827 11.3 88.7 45.6 6.3 36.8 

Appalachian Maryland 175,109 13.6 86.4 60.0 7.8 18.6 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 3,747,718 11.2 88.8 45.0 6.2 37.7 

Mississippi 1,918,110 18.5 81.5 53.2 8.1 20.1 

Appalachian Mississippi 406,936 22.1 77.9 53.2 7.9 16.9 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 1,511,174 17.6 82.4 53.2 8.2 21.0 

New York 13,211,060 14.8 85.2 43.5 8.4 33.2 

Appalachian New York 704,768 11.1 88.9 53.0 11.8 24.1 

Non-Appalachian New York 12,506,292 15.1 84.9 43.0 8.2 33.7 

North Carolina 6,408,022 15.1 84.9 49.0 8.7 27.3 

Appalachian North Carolina 1,183,722 16.3 83.7 51.0 8.8 23.9 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 5,224,300 14.8 85.2 48.5 8.7 28.0 

Ohio 7,746,520 11.5 88.5 55.5 7.8 25.2 

Appalachian Ohio 1,389,454 14.5 85.5 61.7 7.8 16.0 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 6,357,066 10.9 89.1 54.1 7.9 27.1 

Pennsylvania 8,712,762 11.3 88.7 53.5 7.6 27.5 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 4,039,586 10.3 89.7 57.1 8.6 24.0 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 4,673,176 12.2 87.8 50.4 6.7 30.6 

South Carolina 3,118,029 15.5 84.5 50.8 8.7 25.1 

Appalachian South Carolina 785,287 16.8 83.2 49.4 9.1 24.7 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 2,332,742 15.0 85.0 51.3 8.5 25.2 

Tennessee 4,292,718 15.6 84.4 54.2 6.3 23.8 

Appalachian Tennessee 1,933,170 17.3 82.7 55.6 6.6 20.5 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 2,359,548 14.2 85.8 53.0 6.2 26.6 

Virginia 5,427,938 12.5 87.5 45.3 7.0 35.2 

Appalachian Virginia 527,915 20.1 79.9 53.6 8.3 18.0 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 4,900,023 11.7 88.3 44.4 6.8 37.1 

West Virginia (entire state) 1,296,592 16.1 83.9 59.2 6.3 18.3 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 American Community Survey.
23 

Table 5.2: Educational Attainment of Persons Ages 25 to 64 in the Appalachian Region, 2009-2013 

Education (Highest Level Attained) 

 Total 

Population 

Ages 25-64, 

2009-2013 

Percent of Population Ages 25-64 

 Less than 

High School 

Diploma 

High School Diploma or More 

 Total 

 H.S. Grad, No 

Postsecondary 

Degree 

Associate's 

Degree 

Bachelor's 

Degree or 

More 

United States 164,736,810 12.2 87.8 48.7 8.6 30.5 

Appalachian Region 13,293,435 12.5 87.5 55.0 9.1 23.5 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 4,368,476 8.1 91.9 56.2 10.5 25.2 

North Central Appalachia 1,285,024 11.9 88.1 59.8 8.2 20.1 

Central Appalachia 1,025,548 19.8 80.2 59.5 7.1 13.6 

South Central Appalachia 2,468,957 13.3 86.7 54.2 8.9 23.6 

Southern Appalachia 4,145,430 15.0 85.0 51.4 8.5 25.1 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 3,174,273 9.3 90.7 50.0 9.4 31.3 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 5,575,780 11.7 88.3 54.3 9.1 24.9 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 1,142,764 13.8 86.2 59.4 9.6 17.2 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 2,079,261 14.8 85.2 60.1 8.8 16.2 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 1,321,357 18.2 81.8 57.6 8.3 15.8 

Alabama 2,512,764 14.4 85.6 53.2 8.4 24.0 

Appalachian Alabama 1,626,176 14.4 85.6 52.5 8.3 24.7 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 886,588 14.5 85.5 54.4 8.5 22.6 

Georgia 5,233,103 13.3 86.7 49.7 7.6 29.4 

Appalachian Georgia 1,587,005 15.1 84.9 50.4 7.9 26.6 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 3,646,098 12.5 87.5 49.4 7.4 30.7 

Kentucky 2,322,704 13.4 86.6 55.2 8.1 23.3 

Appalachian Kentucky 630,085 19.9 80.1 58.5 7.3 14.3 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 1,692,619 11.0 89.0 54.0 8.4 26.6 

Maryland 3,184,155 9.4 90.6 45.1 6.8 38.6 

Appalachian Maryland 134,373 10.6 89.4 60.0 9.0 20.3 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 3,049,782 9.4 90.6 44.5 6.7 39.5 

Mississippi 1,525,277 15.8 84.2 53.9 9.3 21.0 

Appalachian Mississippi 315,923 18.8 81.2 54.4 9.1 17.7 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 1,209,354 15.1 84.9 53.7 9.3 21.9 

New York 10,515,677 12.6 87.4 42.3 9.4 35.7 

Appalachian New York 534,481 8.8 91.2 51.9 13.5 25.7 

Non-Appalachian New York 9,981,196 12.8 87.2 41.8 9.2 36.2 

North Carolina 5,112,862 12.8 87.2 48.6 9.6 28.9 

Appalachian North Carolina 887,868 13.7 86.3 51.3 10.1 24.8 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 4,224,994 12.6 87.4 48.1 9.5 29.8 

Ohio 6,079,874 9.1 90.9 54.6 9.0 27.2 

Appalachian Ohio 1,063,612 11.6 88.4 61.5 9.4 17.5 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 5,016,262 8.6 91.4 53.1 9.0 29.3 

Pennsylvania 6,707,961 8.5 91.5 52.2 8.8 30.4 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 3,037,705 7.3 92.7 55.4 10.3 27.0 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 3,670,256 9.6 90.4 49.6 7.6 33.3 

South Carolina 2,451,814 13.0 87.0 51.3 9.6 26.0 

Appalachian South Carolina 616,326 14.0 86.0 49.7 10.1 26.1 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 1,835,488 12.7 87.3 51.9 9.4 26.0 

Tennessee 3,404,782 12.6 87.4 54.7 7.1 25.6 

Appalachian Tennessee 1,473,132 13.7 86.3 56.8 7.5 22.0 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 1,931,650 11.8 88.2 53.1 6.9 28.3 

Virginia 4,404,652 10.2 89.8 44.8 7.6 37.3 

Appalachian Virginia 395,126 14.6 85.4 55.8 9.8 19.8 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 4,009,526 9.8 90.2 43.8 7.4 39.1 

West Virginia (entire state) 991,623 12.5 87.5 60.0 7.4 20.1 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 American Community Survey. 
24 

Table 5.3: Educational Attainment of Persons Ages 65 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 2009-2013 

Education (Highest Level Attained) 

 Total 

Population 

Ages 65 and 

Over, 

2009-2013 

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 

Bachelor's 

Degree or 

More 

United States 41,851,042 21.0 79.0 52.1 4.6 22.3 

Appalachian Region 3,934,270 25.5 74.5 55.3 3.7 15.5 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 1,431,854 19.8 80.2 61.8 3.7 14.7 

North Central Appalachia 381,015 26.9 73.1 57.7 2.9 12.5 

Central Appalachia 296,901 43.5 56.5 44.7 2.3 9.6 

South Central Appalachia 798,452 26.8 73.2 51.2 4.2 17.9 

Southern Appalachia 1,026,048 26.6 73.4 51.5 4.1 17.7 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 805,536 20.3 79.7 57.6 3.9 18.2 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 1,659,220 23.5 76.5 55.5 4.0 17.0 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 354,905 27.1 72.9 57.2 3.6 12.2 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 697,646 29.3 70.7 54.9 3.3 12.4 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 416,963 35.5 64.5 49.0 3.3 12.2 

Alabama 680,574 25.9 74.1 52.7 3.7 17.6 

Appalachian Alabama 436,778 26.0 74.0 53.0 3.7 17.4 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 243,796 25.9 74.1 52.3 3.8 18.0 

Georgia 1,090,017 24.7 75.3 50.5 4.0 20.9 

Appalachian Georgia 329,296 25.5 74.5 52.1 4.1 18.3 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 760,721 24.3 75.7 49.8 3.9 22.0 

Kentucky 597,875 31.0 69.0 51.2 3.0 14.8 

Appalachian Kentucky 175,826 44.0 56.0 44.0 2.2 9.7 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 422,049 25.5 74.5 54.2 3.4 16.9 

Maryland 738,672 19.2 80.8 47.8 4.1 28.9 

Appalachian Maryland 40,736 23.5 76.5 60.1 3.6 12.9 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 697,936 19.0 81.0 47.1 4.1 29.8 

Mississippi 392,833 28.9 71.1 50.8 3.7 16.6 

Appalachian Mississippi 91,013 33.4 66.6 48.8 3.6 14.2 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 301,820 27.6 72.4 51.3 3.8 17.3 

New York 2,695,383 23.6 76.4 48.2 4.6 23.6 

Appalachian New York 170,287 18.2 81.8 56.4 6.4 19.0 

Non-Appalachian New York 2,525,096 23.9 76.1 47.7 4.5 23.9 

North Carolina 1,295,160 24.0 76.0 50.4 5.0 20.6 

Appalachian North Carolina 295,854 24.0 76.0 50.2 4.8 21.0 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 999,306 23.9 76.1 50.5 5.1 20.5 

Ohio 1,666,646 20.1 79.9 58.8 3.5 17.6 

Appalachian Ohio 325,842 23.9 76.1 62.2 2.8 11.2 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 1,340,804 19.2 80.8 58.0 3.7 19.1 

Pennsylvania 2,004,801 20.7 79.3 57.9 3.5 17.9 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 1,001,881 19.6 80.4 62.1 3.5 14.8 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 1,002,920 21.8 78.2 53.7 3.6 20.9 

South Carolina 666,215 24.4 75.6 48.9 5.2 21.5 

Appalachian South Carolina 168,961 26.7 73.3 48.3 5.5 19.5 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 497,254 23.6 76.4 49.1 5.2 22.1 

Tennessee 887,936 27.1 72.9 52.4 3.3 17.2 

Appalachian Tennessee 460,038 28.8 71.2 51.8 3.5 15.9 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 427,898 25.4 74.6 53.0 3.0 18.6 

Virginia 1,023,286 22.6 77.4 47.2 4.2 26.0 

Appalachian Virginia 132,789 36.4 63.6 47.1 3.9 12.6 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 890,497 20.6 79.4 47.2 4.2 28.0 

West Virginia (entire state) 304,969 27.9 72.1 56.9 2.8 12.4 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 American Community Survey.
25 

Table 5.4: Bachelor’s Degree Field (First Major) for Persons Ages 25 and Over in the Appalachian Region With a 

Bachelor’s Degree or More, 2009-2013 

Bachelor's Degree Field (First Major) 

 Total 

Population 

Ages 25 and 

Over With a 

Bachelor's 

Degree or More,

2009-2013 

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 59,583,138 34.7 9.0 20.4 13.6 22.4 

Appalachian Region 3,735,689 30.7 10.4 20.1 18.8 20.0 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 1,311,915 31.6 11.0 17.9 19.2 20.2 

North Central Appalachia 306,397 28.5 12.0 18.4 21.7 19.3 

Central Appalachia 167,820 26.5 11.3 16.0 27.6 18.6 

South Central Appalachia 726,569 31.7 10.2 19.0 17.1 22.1 

Southern Appalachia 1,222,988 30.2 9.3 24.2 17.3 19.0 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 1,139,394 31.7 9.9 23.6 15.0 19.8 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 1,672,265 32.1 10.3 19.5 17.7 20.5 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 240,037 26.5 11.2 17.6 25.5 19.2 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 423,542 27.7 11.3 17.0 24.4 19.7 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 260,451 25.8 10.9 17.1 26.8 19.4 

Alabama 722,692 29.4 9.9 23.3 18.6 18.8 

Appalachian Alabama 478,174 30.2 9.8 23.7 17.7 18.6 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 244,518 27.9 10.2 22.3 20.4 19.2 

Georgia 1,767,834 31.7 8.7 24.7 14.1 20.8 

Appalachian Georgia 482,222 30.3 9.1 25.8 16.0 18.8 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 1,285,612 32.3 8.5 24.2 13.4 21.6 

Kentucky 628,673 29.6 10.8 19.8 17.9 21.9 

Appalachian Kentucky 107,083 24.9 11.8 15.2 28.0 20.2 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 521,590 30.6 10.6 20.7 15.8 22.2 

Maryland 1,443,918 41.2 8.2 18.0 10.5 22.1 

Appalachian Maryland 32,536 33.6 8.8 17.7 18.8 21.1 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 1,411,382 41.4 8.2 18.0 10.3 22.1 

Mississippi 385,985 25.3 11.4 22.1 22.2 18.9 

Appalachian Mississippi 68,705 22.8 10.4 21.8 26.9 18.1 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 317,280 25.8 11.7 22.2 21.2 19.1 

New York 4,386,500 34.3 8.5 18.7 12.0 26.4 

Appalachian New York 169,915 36.9 9.2 12.2 19.3 22.4 

Non-Appalachian New York 4,216,585 34.2 8.5 19.0 11.7 26.6 

North Carolina 1,747,409 34.1 8.8 20.3 14.1 22.7 

Appalachian North Carolina 282,771 31.1 10.4 17.3 16.4 24.8 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 1,464,638 34.7 8.5 20.9 13.6 22.3 

Ohio 1,948,460 30.6 10.2 21.5 17.4 20.2 

Appalachian Ohio 222,625 26.0 12.5 18.3 24.3 18.9 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 1,725,835 31.2 9.9 21.9 16.5 20.4 

Pennsylvania 2,399,664 33.6 9.8 19.5 16.0 21.1 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 968,596 31.6 11.1 18.7 18.5 20.1 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 1,431,068 34.9 9.0 20.0 14.3 21.8 

South Carolina 781,282 31.8 8.5 22.4 16.2 21.1 

Appalachian South Carolina 193,887 32.3 8.4 22.3 16.2 20.8 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 587,395 31.7 8.5 22.4 16.2 21.3 

Tennessee 1,023,548 29.7 9.7 22.7 16.3 21.7 

Appalachian Tennessee 396,834 31.1 10.2 20.8 18.3 19.7 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 626,714 28.8 9.3 23.9 15.0 23.0 

Virginia 1,911,033 40.2 7.4 18.9 10.4 23.1 

Appalachian Virginia 94,844 35.8 9.2 16.1 17.8 21.1 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 1,816,189 40.4 7.3 19.0 10.1 23.2 

West Virginia (entire state) 237,497 28.3 12.0 19.1 21.8 18.8 

Note: Examples of "Science- and Engineering-Related Fields" include nursing, architecture, and mathematics teacher education. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 American Community Survey.
F

M

A

o

w

p

Y

C

Figure 5.1: P

More, 2009-2

Although the s

over the 2009

were either in 

points higher t

Yet in 86 coun

Central, South

ercent of Pe

013 

share of Appa

9-2013 period

Northern App

than it was in

nties, less tha

h Central, and

rsons Ages 2

alachian adult

, it matched o

palachia or in

n the 2000 Ce

an three-fourth

d Southern Ap

25 and Over 

ts with at leas

or exceeded t

n metropolitan

ensus, sugges

hs of adults h

ppalachia.

26 

in the Appa

st a high scho

the national s

n areas. And t

sting a continu

had completed

lachian Regi

ool diploma w

hare in 113 c

the regional s

ued trend tow

d high school

ion With a H

was slightly be

counties in the

share was nea

ward increase

l; all but three

igh School D

elow the natio

e Region—10

arly eight per

ed high schoo

e of those cou

Diploma or 

onal average 

00 of which 

rcentage 

ol completion.

unties were in
F

W

D

p

4

t

o

Figure 5.2: P

With No Post

During the 20

postsecondary

420 counties. 

raining. Conv

others never e

ercent of Pe

tsecondary D

09-2013 perio

y degree (inc

Many of thes

versely, many

even finished 

rsons Ages 2

Degree, 2009

od, 55 percen

cluding an ass

se adults had 

y of the adults

high school. 

25 and Over 

9-2013 

nt of adults in 

sociate’s degr

attended coll

s outside of th

27 

in the Appa

the Appalach

ree). And the 

lege but did n

his group did e

lachian Regi

hian Region h

share was at

not graduate, 

earn an assoc

ion With a H

had a high sc

t least 60 perc

while others 

ciate’s or bac

igh School D

hool diploma,

cent in 131 of

acquired voc

chelor’s degre

Diploma but 

, but no 

f the Region’s

cational 

ee, while 

s
F

M

T

2

R

c

m

p

c

A

2

Figure 5.3: P

More, 2009-2

The share of a

2009-2013 pe

Region’s 420 

college or univ

metropolitan a

percentage of

college or univ

Appalachia an

2000, suggest

ercent of Pe

013 

adults with a 

eriod than in th

counties. In f

versity in 333

areas or in Ce

f college grad

versity; many

nd nationwide

ting a continu

rsons Ages 2

bachelor’s de

he nation as a

fact, fewer tha

3 Appalachian

entral Appalac

duates matche

y also had hig

e) with a fourued trend tow

25 and Over 

egree or more

a whole. Inde

an one in five 

n counties. An

chia—the sha

ed or surpass

h residential 

year degree w

ard greater e

28 

in the Appa

e was seven p

eed, the rate w

residents ag

nd in 53 count

are was less t

sed the nation

mobility rates

was four perc

ducational att

lachian Regi

percentage po

was lower tha

es 25 and ov

ties—nearly a

than one in 10

nal average w

s. On a positiv

centage point

tainment amo

ion With a B

oints lower in

an the nationa

ver were grad

all of which w

0. The 20 cou

were either in 

ve note, the s

ts higher in 20

ong cohorts e

achelor’s De

 Appalachia d

al average in

uates of a fou

were either out

unties where 

metro areas o

share of adults

009-2013 tha

entering this a

egree or 

during the 

400 of the 

ur-year 

tside 

the 

or home to a 

s (both in 

n it was in 

age group.
F

2

T

w

r

c

fo

o

Figure 5.4: P

2009-2013 

The percentag

was almost at

rate in 138 co

counties, and 

fourths of wor

outside metro

ercent of Pe

ge of working

t the national 

unties. These

most were in

rking-age adu

politan areas

rsons Ages 2

g-age adults (a

average of ne

e counties we

n Northern or 

ults had finishe

, and more th

25 to 64 in th

ages 25 to 64

early 88 perc

ere almost equ

North Centra

ed high schoo

han half were 

29 

he Appalach

4) in the Appa

ent in 2009-2

ually divided 

l Appalachia.

ol in 24 Appa

in Central Ap

ian Region W

alachian Regi

2013, and the 

between met

At the other 

lachian count

ppalachia.

With a High S

on with at lea

share did ma

tropolitan and

end of the sp

ties. Almost a

School Diplo

ast a high sch

atch or excee

d non-metropo

pectrum, less 

all of these co

oma or More,

hool diploma 

ed the nationa

olitan 

than threeounties were 

al 
F

2

T

p

e

h

m

c

o

w

Figure 5.5: P

2009-2013 

The share of A

percentage po

educational le

had a bachelo

metro areas. T

college or univ

or exceeded t

which were ou

ercent of Pe

Appalachia’s 

oints lower th

evel of the Ap

or’s degree, a

There were o

versity—wher

the national a

utside metrop

rsons Ages 2

working age 

an the U.S. a

palachian wo

as did only 16 

nly 20 Appala

re the share o

verage. In co

politan areas. 

25 to 64 in th

population wi

average of nea

orkforce. Indee

percent of re

achian counti

of working-ag

ontrast, less th

30 

he Appalach

ith a bachelor

arly 31 perce

ed, just 14 pe

esidents of rur

es—all either

ge adults ages

han one in 10

ian Region W

r’s degree or 

nt. This is a s

ercent of work

ral Appalachi

r in metropolit

s 25 to 64 wit

0 adults had a

With a Bache

more in 2009

striking indica

king-age adul

an counties t

tan areas or h

th at least a b

a four-year de

elor’s Degree

9-2013 was se

ator of the low

ts in Central A

hat were not 

home to a fou

achelor’s deg

egree in 43 co

e or More, 

even 

wer 

Appalachia 

adjacent to 

ur-year 

gree matched

ounties, 33 of 
F

M

I

d

t

C

w

c

s

Figure 5.6: P

More, 2009-2

n the 2009-20

degree, while 

hese counties

Central Appal

with a four-ye

counties that h

suggested by 

ercent of Pe

013 

013 period, m

less than one

s were outsid

achia’s older 

ar degree wa

had a college

the fact that 

rsons Ages 

more than one

e in 10 older a

de metropolita

adults were c

as at or above

e or university

much, if not m

65 and Over 

e in five older 

adults had do

an areas, and 

college gradu

e the national 

y, or counties 

most, of their 

31 

in the Appa

Americans (a

one so in 164

two-fifths we

uates.) Yet in 

average. The

with significa

vacant housin

lachian Regi

ages 65 and o

of Appalachi

ere in Central 

36 Appalachi

ese were eith

ant retirement 

ng is for seas

ion With a B

over) had atta

a’s 420 coun

Appalachia. (

ian counties, 

er counties in

or seasonal 

sonal or occas

achelor’s De

ained at least 

ties. Three-fo

(Just under 1

the share of o

n metropolitan

activity (the la

sional use).

egree or 

a bachelor’s 

ourths of 

0 percent of 

older adults 

n areas, 

atter 
F

P

A

t

w

d

a

in

e

a

Figure 5.7: A

Percent Who

Among the 3.7

he science an

within the Reg

degrees matc

adult college g

ncreasingly im

engineering in

agricultural, a

Among Perso

ose Bachelor

7 million adul

nd engineerin

gion. In 35 Ap

ched or excee

graduates ha

mportant in ke

ncludes the fo

nd environme

ons Ages 25 a

r’s Degree Fi

ts in the Appa

ng field—sligh

ppalachian co

eded the natio

d a science a

eeping the Un

ollowing detai

ental sciences

and Over in t

eld (First Ma

alachian Reg

htly lower than

ounties, for ex

onal average.

and engineerin

nited States c

led fields and

s; physical an

32 

the Appalach

ajor) Was Sci

ion with a bac

n the national

xample, the sh

Yet in anothe

ng degree. Sc

competitive in 

d majors: com

nd related scie

hian Region 

ience and En

chelor’s degre

l share of 35 

hare of BA/BS

er 65 counties

cience and en

 the global ec

mputers, math

ence; psycho

With a Bach

ngineering, 2

ee or more, 3

percent. But t

S holders with

s in the Regio

ngineering jo

conomy. The 

ematics, and 

ology; social s

helor’s Degre

2009-2013 

31 percent he

there was mu

h science and

on, less than 

bs are becom

field of scienc

 statistics; bio

sciences; and

ee or More, 

ld a degree in

uch variation 

d engineering

one-fifth of 

ming 

ce and 

ological, 

 engineering.

n
33 

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, 2009-2013 

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 164,062,598 127,671,680 77.8 91.9 8.1 

Appalachian Region 13,278,773 9,727,677 73.3 91.9 8.1 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 4,365,217 3,312,951 75.9 92.9 7.1 

North Central Appalachia 1,283,839 895,712 69.8 92.3 7.7 

Central Appalachia 1,025,025 614,561 60.0 90.9 9.1 

South Central Appalachia 2,466,121 1,816,193 73.6 91.6 8.4 

Southern Appalachia 4,138,571 3,088,260 74.6 91.1 8.9 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 3,170,990 2,472,001 78.0 92.2 7.8 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 5,568,329 4,137,693 74.3 92.1 7.9 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 1,141,926 815,671 71.4 91.1 8.9 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 2,077,704 1,444,629 69.5 91.5 8.5 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 1,319,824 857,683 65.0 91.3 8.7 

Alabama 2,500,707 1,808,095 72.3 91.3 8.7 

Appalachian Alabama 1,622,635 1,177,663 72.6 91.5 8.5 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 878,072 630,432 71.8 90.8 9.2 

Georgia 5,200,158 3,960,680 76.2 90.6 9.4 

Appalachian Georgia 1,585,169 1,227,245 77.4 91.0 9.0 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 3,614,989 2,733,435 75.6 90.4 9.6 

Kentucky 2,312,726 1,658,436 71.7 91.8 8.2 

Appalachian Kentucky 629,781 380,372 60.4 90.6 9.4 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 1,682,945 1,278,064 75.9 92.2 7.8 

Maryland 3,163,996 2,609,505 82.5 93.4 6.6 

Appalachian Maryland 134,050 98,006 73.1 92.4 7.6 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 3,029,946 2,511,499 82.9 93.4 6.6 

Mississippi 1,518,073 1,088,419 71.7 91.4 8.6 

Appalachian Mississippi 314,935 222,233 70.6 90.6 9.4 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 1,203,138 866,186 72.0 91.5 8.5 

New York 10,501,357 8,233,899 78.4 92.3 7.7 

Appalachian New York 534,175 408,242 76.4 93.1 6.9 

Non-Appalachian New York 9,967,182 7,825,657 78.5 92.2 7.8 

North Carolina 5,061,397 3,892,934 76.9 90.7 9.3 

Appalachian North Carolina 886,853 658,738 74.3 90.9 9.1 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 4,174,544 3,234,196 77.5 90.7 9.3 

Ohio 6,071,992 4,718,733 77.7 91.7 8.3 

Appalachian Ohio 1,063,037 765,578 72.0 91.1 8.9 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 5,008,955 3,953,155 78.9 91.8 8.2 

Pennsylvania 6,701,782 5,250,784 78.3 92.6 7.4 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 3,035,434 2,320,557 76.4 93.1 6.9 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 3,666,348 2,930,227 79.9 92.2 7.8 

South Carolina 2,434,378 1,825,473 75.0 90.4 9.6 

Appalachian South Carolina 615,832 461,119 74.9 90.9 9.1 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 1,818,546 1,364,354 75.0 90.3 9.7 

Tennessee 3,391,663 2,532,578 74.7 91.5 8.5 

Appalachian Tennessee 1,471,605 1,062,023 72.2 91.5 8.5 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 1,920,058 1,470,555 76.6 91.5 8.5 

Virginia 4,328,883 3,438,487 79.4 94.3 5.7 

Appalachian Virginia 394,623 271,811 68.9 93.1 6.9 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 3,934,260 3,166,676 80.5 94.4 5.6 

West Virginia (entire state) 990,644 674,090 68.0 93.1 6.9 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 American Community Survey.
F

I

p

7

a

N

ju

fo

F

s

Figure 6.1: Pe

n the 2009-20

population in t

78 percent. In 

average, yet th

Nearly all the c

ust 60 percen

force. And the

For example, 

share of worki

ercent of Pers

013 period (w

the prime wor

38 Appalach

here were 52 

counties in th

nt of working-a

ere are indicat

in nearly all of

ng-age adults

sons Ages 25 

hich includes 

king ages (ag

ian counties (

counties whe

e latter group 

age residents 

ions of a poss

f the counties

s with at least 

to 64 in the A

the last six m

ges 25 to 64) w

26 of which w

ere less than 6

were outside

in Central Ap

sible connectio

s where labor f

a high schoo

34 

Appalachian R

months of the r

were in the civ

were in metrop

60 percent of 2

e of metropolit

ppalachia and 

on between e

force participa

ol diploma also

Region Who A

recent recess

vilian labor for

politan areas)

25-to-64-year

tan areas, and

65 percent of

educational at

ation levels w

o matched or 

Are In the Lab

ion), 73 perce

rce, slightly be

, the share wa

r-olds were in

d 41 were in C

f those in rura

ttainment and 

were at or abov

exceeded the

bor Force, 20

ent of Appalac

elow the U.S.

as at or above

 the civilian la

Central Appala

al areas were 

labor force pa

ve the nationa

e U.S. average

009-2013 

chia’s civilian 

 average of 

e the national 

abor force. 

achia. Indeed

in the labor 

articipation. 

al rate, the 

e. 

, 
F

2

T

n

u

e

o

s

c

Figure 6.2: E

2009-2013 

The employm

national rate d

urban/rural co

employment r

or greater. Ye

suggests that 

counties in the

mployment R

ent rate in Ap

during the 200

ounty types, th

rate matched 

et in 98 counti

they have no

e latter group

Rate for Civi

ppalachia amo

09-2013 perio

here was som

or exceeded 

es in the Reg

ot fully recove

 were outside

lian Labor Fo

ong members

od. Although t

me variation a

the national a

gion, employm

ered economic

e metropolitan

35 

orce Particip

s of the civilia

there were on

t the county l

average, with

ment among 2

cally from the

n areas. 

pants Ages 2

an labor force 

nly slight diffe

evel. In nearl

h 19 counties 

25-to-64-year

e recent reces

25 to 64 in th

ages 25 to 6

erences amon

y half of Appa

having emplo

r-olds was les

ssion. Almost 

he Appalachi

64 was identic

ng subregions

alachian coun

oyment rates 

ss than 90 per

three-fourths

an Region, 

cal to the 

s and 

nties, the 

of 95 percent

rcent, which 

s of the 

t
F

R

A

d

w

w

e

y

t

Figure 6.3: U

Region, 2009

Among person

during the 200

were outside m

was less than 

educational at

year-olds with

han four-fifths

nemploymen

9-2013 

ns ages 25 to 

09-2013 perio

metropolitan a

5 percent in 1

ttainment: In 9

at least a hig

s.

nt Rate for C

64, unemploy

d. Within App

areas and 88 

19 other coun

97 of the 102 A

h school diplo

Civilian Labor

yment in the A

palachia, unem

in Central, So

nties. There ar

Appalachian c

oma was belo

36 

r Force Parti

Appalachian R

mployment wa

outh Central, a

re indications 

counties with 

ow the nationa

icipants Age

Region match

as at least 10 

and Southern 

of a connectio

double-digit u

al average; in 

es 25 to 64 in

hed the nation

percent in 10

Appalachia. C

on between u

unemploymen

41 of these c

n the Appalac

al average of

2 counties—7

Conversely, u

unemploymen

nt, the share o

ounties, the s

chian 

f 8.1 percent 

72 of which 

unemploymen

t and 

of 25-to-64-

share was less

t 

s
37 

CHAPTER 7: INCOME AND POVERTY 

Table 7.1: Household, Family, and Per Capita Income in the Appalachian Region (In Adjusted 2013 Dollars), 2009-2013

Income 

Household Income, 2009-2013 

(2013 Dollars) 

Family Income, 2009-2013 

(2013 Dollars) 

 Per Capita 

Income, 

2009-2013 

(2013 Dollars) 

 Mean HH 

Income 

 Median HH 

Income 

 Mean Family 

Income 

 Median Family 

Income 

United States 73,487 53,046 85,588 64,719 28,155 

Appalachian Region 59,006 43,897 69,816 55,205 23,670 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 61,088 46,518 73,379 59,141 25,192 

North Central Appalachia 56,408 42,253 66,990 53,508 22,869 

Central Appalachia 46,562 33,630 54,854 42,903 18,722 

South Central Appalachia 56,322 41,143 67,150 52,184 23,273 

Southern Appalachia 62,408 46,356 72,326 56,550 23,739 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 70,133 53,044 82,488 65,555 27,473 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 59,935 44,554 71,558 56,649 24,236 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 52,579 40,469 61,797 50,437 20,949 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 51,309 39,231 60,204 48,852 20,878 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 47,654 34,926 56,224 44,474 19,236 

Alabama 59,631 43,253 70,661 54,362 23,680 

Appalachian Alabama 61,486 44,456 72,710 55,978 24,421 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 56,300 41,296 66,881 52,299 22,359 

Georgia 67,572 49,179 77,878 58,755 25,182 

Appalachian Georgia 67,716 52,428 75,808 60,310 24,098 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 67,513 47,763 78,841 58,143 25,653 

Kentucky 58,621 43,036 69,402 54,279 23,462 

Appalachian Kentucky 46,147 32,854 54,586 42,172 18,405 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 63,208 47,182 75,077 59,611 25,343 

Maryland 96,072 73,538 111,740 88,738 36,354 

Appalachian Maryland 63,241 49,138 74,250 61,956 24,776 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 97,615 75,057 113,466 91,062 36,879 

Mississippi 54,132 39,031 63,155 48,471 20,618 

Appalachian Mississippi 48,161 35,182 56,730 44,690 18,876 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 55,796 40,194 64,947 49,643 21,085 

New York 84,432 58,003 97,941 70,670 32,382 

Appalachian New York 59,864 46,401 71,742 58,742 24,312 

Non-Appalachian New York 85,961 59,153 99,522 71,883 32,847 

North Carolina 63,707 46,334 74,863 56,928 25,284 

Appalachian North Carolina 55,773 40,882 66,426 51,720 23,176 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 65,515 47,757 76,749 58,493 25,736 

Ohio 64,449 48,308 77,195 61,371 26,046 

Appalachian Ohio 54,949 42,379 64,571 53,345 22,007 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 66,448 49,713 79,978 63,672 26,909 

Pennsylvania 71,088 52,548 85,586 66,646 28,502 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 62,773 47,621 75,754 60,693 26,026 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 78,503 57,882 94,205 73,271 30,564 

South Carolina 60,601 44,779 70,910 55,058 23,943 

Appalachian South Carolina 60,255 44,344 70,977 55,661 23,649 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 60,719 44,935 70,887 55,241 24,043 

Tennessee 61,291 44,298 72,143 54,779 24,409 

Appalachian Tennessee 55,978 40,566 66,387 51,310 22,983 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 65,707 47,830 76,941 58,658 25,518 

Virginia 87,094 63,907 100,723 76,754 33,493 

Appalachian Virginia 52,603 39,188 63,070 50,055 21,763 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 90,996 68,061 104,892 81,363 34,721 

West Virginia (entire state) 55,308 41,043 66,206 52,165 22,966 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 American Community Survey. 
38 

Table 7.2: Number of Persons in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, by Age Group, 2009-2013 

Poverty Status All Ages Under 

Age 18 

Ages 18-64 

Ages 65 

Total and Over Ages 

18-24 

Ages 

25-64 

United States 46,663,433 15,701,799 27,168,057 7,069,458 20,098,599 3,793,577 

Appalachian Region 4,176,072 1,329,276 2,474,828 616,739 1,858,089 371,968 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 1,159,369 357,225 689,477 193,803 495,674 112,667 

North Central Appalachia 414,256 123,467 255,760 66,470 189,290 35,029 

Central Appalachia 445,067 134,430 266,828 48,242 218,586 43,809 

South Central Appalachia 836,670 252,745 507,830 135,450 372,380 76,095 

Southern Appalachia 1,320,710 461,409 754,933 172,774 582,159 104,368 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 779,462 259,747 452,862 104,703 348,159 66,853 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 1,721,383 540,361 1,038,882 289,889 748,993 142,140 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 411,412 132,514 242,879 61,379 181,500 36,019 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 710,527 226,738 410,731 86,567 324,164 73,058 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 553,288 169,916 329,474 74,201 255,273 53,898 

Alabama 870,631 298,929 500,092 126,522 373,570 71,610 

Appalachian Alabama 520,640 177,978 298,995 70,566 228,429 43,667 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 349,991 120,951 201,097 55,956 145,141 27,943 

Georgia 1,736,680 621,328 996,903 248,172 748,731 118,449 

Appalachian Georgia 457,080 166,834 258,567 50,616 207,951 31,679 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 1,279,600 454,494 738,336 197,556 540,780 86,770 

Kentucky 796,202 260,542 468,388 110,026 358,362 67,272 

Appalachian Kentucky 287,655 87,400 172,208 32,697 139,511 28,047 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 508,547 173,142 296,180 77,329 218,851 39,225 

Maryland 558,329 171,260 332,517 83,826 248,691 54,552 

Appalachian Maryland 33,102 10,567 19,102 4,913 14,189 3,433 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 525,227 160,693 313,415 78,913 234,502 51,119 

Mississippi 653,321 238,337 361,802 90,339 271,463 53,182 

Appalachian Mississippi 143,637 49,150 81,912 22,508 59,404 12,575 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 509,684 189,187 279,890 67,831 212,059 40,607 

New York 2,903,982 915,655 1,694,407 401,232 1,293,175 293,920 

Appalachian New York 164,632 48,314 103,708 35,557 68,151 12,610 

Non-Appalachian New York 2,739,350 867,341 1,590,699 365,675 1,225,024 281,310 

North Carolina 1,643,389 560,247 957,819 248,057 709,762 125,323 

Appalachian North Carolina 312,569 98,074 186,662 47,107 139,555 27,833 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 1,330,820 462,173 771,157 200,950 570,207 97,490 

Ohio 1,773,853 605,140 1,040,213 273,236 766,977 128,500 

Appalachian Ohio 345,713 117,070 201,058 46,155 154,903 27,585 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 1,428,140 488,070 839,155 227,081 612,074 100,915 

Pennsylvania 1,638,820 509,623 969,967 264,310 705,657 159,230 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 753,500 224,223 449,652 129,457 320,195 79,625 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 885,320 285,400 520,315 134,853 385,462 79,605 

South Carolina 820,308 280,163 473,645 119,962 353,683 66,500 

Appalachian South Carolina 199,353 67,447 115,459 29,084 86,375 16,447 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 620,955 212,716 358,186 90,878 267,308 50,053 

Tennessee 1,101,732 372,139 641,931 153,106 488,825 87,662 

Appalachian Tennessee 500,654 153,184 301,218 70,664 230,554 46,252 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 601,078 218,955 340,713 82,442 258,271 41,410 

Virginia 887,595 271,958 538,970 153,898 385,072 76,667 

Appalachian Virginia 135,991 35,045 87,137 28,846 58,291 13,809 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 751,604 236,913 451,833 125,052 326,781 62,858 

West Virginia (entire state) 321,546 93,990 199,150 48,569 150,581 28,406 

Note: Poverty status is determined by a series of income thresholds that are determined by family size and composition. In 2013, the poverty 

threshold for a family of two adults and two children was $23,624. 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, 2009-2013 American Community Survey.
39 

Table 7.3: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region in Poverty, by Age Group, 2009-2013 

Poverty Status All Ages Under 

Age 18 

Ages 18-64 

Ages 65 

Total and Over Ages 

18-24 

Ages 

25-64 

United States 15.4 21.6 14.3 25.3 12.4 9.4 

Appalachian Region 17.0 24.1 16.3 28.8 14.2 9.8 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 14.4 21.2 13.9 27.8 11.6 8.2 

North Central Appalachia 17.7 24.1 17.4 32.2 15.0 9.5 

Central Appalachia 24.0 32.6 23.1 31.6 21.8 15.3 

South Central Appalachia 18.2 25.6 17.8 33.6 15.2 9.8 

Southern Appalachia 17.2 24.1 15.8 25.2 14.2 10.5 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 13.5 18.9 12.5 21.8 11.1 8.5 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 16.7 23.8 16.1 30.6 13.6 8.9 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 19.3 27.5 18.6 32.5 16.3 10.5 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 18.4 27.1 17.5 27.7 15.9 10.9 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 22.5 31.0 21.9 34.5 19.8 13.4 

Alabama 18.6 26.9 17.2 28.8 15.1 10.8 

Appalachian Alabama 17.3 25.3 15.9 25.9 14.3 10.3 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 20.8 29.7 19.4 33.7 16.7 11.8 

Georgia 18.2 25.3 16.5 27.8 14.6 11.2 

Appalachian Georgia 15.6 21.3 14.2 20.4 13.2 9.8 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 19.3 27.2 17.5 30.7 15.2 11.8 

Kentucky 18.8 26.1 17.6 29.4 15.7 11.7 

Appalachian Kentucky 25.2 33.5 24.1 33.6 22.7 16.6 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 16.5 23.4 15.2 28.0 13.1 9.7 

Maryland 9.8 12.9 9.1 16.8 7.9 7.6 

Appalachian Maryland 14.0 20.5 13.1 23.4 11.4 8.9 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 9.6 12.6 8.9 16.5 7.8 7.6 

Mississippi 22.7 32.4 20.5 33.0 18.2 14.0 

Appalachian Mississippi 23.5 32.6 21.9 36.4 19.1 14.3 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 22.5 32.3 20.1 31.9 18.0 13.9 

New York 15.3 21.7 13.9 23.0 12.4 11.3 

Appalachian New York 16.4 22.6 16.5 36.0 12.9 7.7 

Non-Appalachian New York 15.2 21.6 13.8 22.2 12.4 11.6 

North Carolina 17.5 24.9 16.3 29.4 14.1 10.0 

Appalachian North Carolina 18.8 27.6 18.3 34.1 15.9 9.7 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 17.2 24.4 15.8 28.5 13.7 10.1 

Ohio 15.8 22.8 14.9 27.9 12.8 8.0 

Appalachian Ohio 17.6 25.9 16.7 27.9 14.9 8.9 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 15.4 22.2 14.5 27.9 12.3 7.8 

Pennsylvania 13.3 18.8 12.6 24.8 10.7 8.3 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 13.5 19.5 13.0 27.0 10.8 8.3 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 13.1 18.2 12.3 23.1 10.6 8.3 

South Carolina 18.1 26.4 16.8 29.0 14.7 10.3 

Appalachian South Carolina 17.3 24.7 16.2 28.2 14.1 10.0 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 18.3 26.9 17.0 29.2 14.8 10.3 

Tennessee 17.6 25.3 16.4 27.6 14.6 10.2 

Appalachian Tennessee 18.3 25.8 17.8 30.2 15.8 10.4 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 17.1 25.0 15.3 25.7 13.6 10.0 

Virginia 11.3 14.9 10.7 22.2 8.9 7.7 

Appalachian Virginia 18.5 24.0 19.0 39.9 15.1 10.7 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 10.6 14.1 9.9 20.1 8.3 7.2 

West Virginia (entire state) 17.9 25.0 17.6 31.7 15.4 9.6 

Note: Poverty status is determined by a series of income thresholds that are determined by family size and composition. In 2013, the poverty 

threshold for a family of two adults and two children was $23,624. 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, 2009-2013 American Community Survey.
F

I

in

R

t

o

2

Figure 7.1: Me

n the 2009-20

ncome of App

Region’s coun

he nation as 

or surpassed 

24 of which w

ean Househo

013 period (w

palachian hou

nties (all of wh

a whole. And

the Appalach

were outside m

ld Income in t

which includes

useholds was

hich were in m

 in only 61 ot

hian average. 

metro areas, a

the Appalach

s the final six 

s $59,006, jus

metropolitan a

her counties 

In contrast, m

and 20 of whic

40 

hian Region (I

months of the

st 80 percent o

areas), avera

(49 of which w

mean househ

ch were in Ce

In Adjusted 2

e economic re

of the U.S. av

ge household

were in metro

hold income w

entral Appala

2013 Dollars), 

ecession of 2

verage ($73,4

d income mat

os), mean hou

was less than 

chia. 

2009-2013 

2007-2009), th

487). In just n

tched or exce

usehold incom

$40,000 in 25

he mean 

nine of the 

eeded that of 

me matched 

5 counties—
F

A

t

T

o

c

o

m

r

Figure 7.2: Me

At $43,897, m

he other half 

There were 23

or above the n

counties in the

of which were

most rural cou

reflect income

edian Househ

median househ

have lower in

3 counties in 

national medi

e Region had

e in Central Ap

unties and $3

e received bot

hold Income i

hold income i

ncomes) was 

the Region (a

an, while ano

d median hous

ppalachia. Th

3,630 for Cen

th at the end 

n the Appalac

in Appalachia

83 percent th

all but one of 

other 74 had i

sehold incom

his distribution

ntral Appalach

of the 2007-2

41 

chian Region

a (the level at 

hat of the Unit

which were in

ncomes at or

es below $30

n is not surpri

hia. It is usefu

2009 econom

n (In Adjusted

which half th

ted States ($5

n metropolitan

r above the re

0,000—37 of w

sing: median 

ul to note that

ic downturn a

d 2013 Dollars

e households

53,046) durin

n areas) that 

egional media

which were o

household in

t the income 

and in the yea

s), 2009-2013

s have higher

ng the 2009-2

had househo

an. On the oth

outside metro 

ncome was $3

levels display

ars after it end

r incomes and

013 period. 

old incomes a

her hand, 39 

areas and 30

34,926 for the

yed here 

ded.

d

t 

0

e
F

I

U

m

I

e

t

fo

Figure 7.3: Me

n just 13 Appa

U.S. mean of $

metro areas) w

n contrast, me

either in the m

ime frame tha

followed) was 

ean Family In

alachian coun

$85,588 for th

where mean f

ean family inc

most remote ru

at includes the

well below $6

come in the A

nties (all in me

he 2009-2013

family income 

come was less

ural areas or in

e last six mont

60,000 for bot

Appalachian R

etropolitan are

 period. And t

was equal to

s than $50,00

n Central App

ths of the Gre

th of these are

42 

Region (In Ad

eas), the avera

there were on

 or greater tha

00 in 51 Appal

palachia. Indee

eat Recession

eas.

djusted 2013 D

rage income o

nly an addition

an the averag

lachian counti

ed, mean fam

n of 2007-2009

Dollars), 2009

of families mat

nal 55 countie

ge for the App

ies. All but nin

mily income ov

9, as well as t

9-2013 

tched or surpa

s (45 of which

palachian Reg

ne of these co

ver the 2009-2

the economic 

assed the 

h were part of

gion ($69,816)

ounties were 

2013 period (a

recovery that

f

). 

a

t
F

I

f

$

a

$

m

in

r

Figure 7.4: Me

n 25 Appalac

families have 

$64,719 durin

above the me

$40,000 in 47

metro area (m

ncome was $

recession and

edian Family 

chian counties

higher incom

ng the 2009-2

dian for famil

 counties. Of 

median family 

$42,903). It is 

d the relatively

Income in the

s—all of which

mes while the o

013 period. In

ies in the App

the counties 

income in tho

important to 

y slow econom

e Appalachian

h were in met

other half hav

n another 69 

palachian Reg

in this latter g

ose counties w

note that the 

mic recovery

43 

n Region (In A

tro areas—m

ve lower incom

counties (42 

gion ($55,205

group, virtuall

was $44,474)

2009-2013 p

that followed

Adjusted 201

edian family i

mes) matched

of which were

5). In contrast

ly all were eit

) and/or in Ce

eriod includes

.

3 Dollars), 20

income (the le

d or exceede

e in metros), 

t, median fam

her rural coun

entral Appalac

s the last six 

009-2013 

evel where ha

ed the U.S. me

median incom

mily income w

nties not adja

chia (where m

months of a m

alf of all 

edian of 

me was at or 

was less than 

acent to a 

median family

major 

y
F

A

t

t

1

c

p

t

w

Figure 7.5: Pe

At $23,670, pe

he 2009-2013

han the natio

13 Appalachia

counties with 

particularly in 

he recession 

whole, and jus

er Capita Inco

er capita inco

3 period. And

nal average i

an counties, p

the highest p

Central Appa

and the first f

st $18,722 in 

ome in the Ap

ome in the Ap

d there was gr

n 13 Appalac

per capita inco

er capita inco

alachia. Indee

four years of 

Central Appa

palachian Re

palachian Re

reater variatio

chian counties

ome was less

omes were in 

ed, per capita 

the economic

alachia. 

44 

egion (In Adju

egion was 84

on within the R

s and was at 

s than $15,00

metro areas,

income in the

c recovery) w

usted 2013 Do

percent that o

Region. Per c

or above the 

00. As with oth

, while the on

e 2009-2013

was only $19,2

ollars), 2009-2

of the U.S. av

capita income

regional aver

her income m

es with the lo

period (which

236 in rural A

2013

verage of $28

e was the sam

rage in 65 oth

measures, mo

owest were in

h includes bo

ppalachian co

8,155 during 

me or higher 

hers. Yet in 

st of the 

 rural areas, 

th the end of 

ounties as a 
F

O

r

c

li

t

a

u

a

w

Figure 7.6: Pe

Over the 2009

residents lived

close to two p

ikely the resu

here is a grea

another 93 co

urban/rural pa

areas, and the

where poverty

ercent of Pers

9-2013 period

d below the p

percentage po

ult of the inabi

at deal of vari

ounties the po

attern: Four-fif

ey were overw

y stood below

sons in the Ap

d (which inclu

overty level (

oints above th

lity of income

iation within th

overty rate wa

fths of the cou

whelmingly in

w the U.S. rate

ppalachian Re

des the last s

income below

he U.S. avera

es in the posthe Region: In

as lower than

unties with po

n Central, Sou

e were mostly

45 

egion in Pove

six months of 

w $23,624 for 

ge. Both rate

-recovery per

n 168 counties

the national a

overty rates a

uth Central, an

y in metropolit

erty, 2009-201

the economic

r a family of tw

s are higher t

riod to comple

s, at least 20 

average. And

at or above 20

nd Southern A

tan areas and

13 

c recession), 

wo adults and

than they wer

etely return to

percent of pe

 there was a 

0 percent wer

Appalachia. I

d/or in Northe

17 percent of

d two children

re in the 2000

o pre-recessio

ersons were p

geographic a

re outside me

n contrast, th

ern Appalachi

f Appalachian

n in 2013)—

0 Census, 

on levels. But

poor, yet in 

and 

etropolitan 

he counties 

a. 

n
F

C

fo

p

li

c

A

C

n

le

Figure 7.7: P

Child poverty 

followed by a 

problem is eve

ived below th

counties were

Appalachia wa

Central and S

national avera

ess than 15 p

ercent of Pe

in the Appala

slow econom

en more acut

e poverty lev

e primarily out

as home to tw

Southern Appa

age. Most of t

percent. 

rsons Under

achian Region

mic recovery); 

te in some pa

el (income be

tside metropo

wo-fifths of the

alachia. Howe

these were in 

r Age 18 in th

n was 24 perc

that is more t

rts of Appalac

elow $23,624

olitan areas, a

e counties wit

ever, there we

metropolitan

46 

he Appalach

cent in 2009-2

than two perc

chia. In 142 c

for a family o

and many wer

th the highest

ere 101 count

 areas—inclu

ian Region i

2013 (a perio

centage point

counties, at le

of two adults a

re in the most

t rates, while 

ties where ch

uding 16 of the

n Poverty, 20

od that include

ts above the n

east 30 perce

and two child

t isolated rura

nearly all of t

hild poverty ra

e 18 counties

009-2013 

es six months

national rate. 

nt of children 

ren in 2013). 

al areas. Cen

the rest were 

ates were belo

s where child 

s of recession

And the 

under age 18

These 

tral 

in South 

ow the 

poverty was 

8
F

T

t

g

r

p

w

b

A

Figure 7.8: P

The poverty p

he 2009-2013

group were be

rate was two p

patterns of po

were outside m

but a handful 

Appalachia. 

ercent of Pe

pattern among

3 period—alth

elow poverty 

percentage p

overty concen

metropolitan 

of the countie

rsons Ages 

g adults ages 

hough at sligh

(income of le

oints above th

tration. Of the

areas, and 12

es with rates b

18 to 64 in th

18 to 64 in th

htly lower leve

ss than $23,6

he U.S. avera

e 150 countie

28 were in Ce

below the nat

47 

he Appalach

he Appalachia

els. Just over 

624 for a fami

age. Within th

es where at le

entral, South C

tional average

ian Region i

an Region mi

r 16 percent o

ily of two adu

he Region, the

east one in five

Central, and 

e were either 

n Poverty, 20

rrored that fo

of Appalachia

lts and two ch

ere were rura

e 18-to-64-ye

Southern App

r in metro area

009-2013 

r the overall p

n residents in

hildren in 201

al/urban and g

ear-olds was p

palachia. Con

as or in North

population in 

n this age 

13), and this 

geographic 

poor, 126 

nversely, all 

hern 
F

T

la

t

a

in

w

o

Figure 7.9: P

The poverty ra

ast six month

han the natio

age groups, p

n six older res

where the pov

on family size

ercent of Pe

ate for older r

hs of the 2007

nal average i

poverty was e

sidents was p

verty rate amo

 and compos

rsons Ages 

residents of A

7-2009 recess

n 139 countie

specially prev

poor in 2009-2

ong seniors w

ition, the pov

65 and Over 

Appalachia wa

sion), only slig

es, almost ha

valent among

2013. Moreov

was at least 1

erty level for 

48 

in the Appa

as just under 

ghtly above th

lf of which we

g the senior po

ver, this subre

5 percent. (D

a family of tw

lachian Regi

10 percent in

he national av

ere in Norther

opulation in C

egion had mo

Determined by

wo adults and 

ion in Povert

n 2009-2013 (

verage. Yet th

rn Appalachia

Central Appala

ore than half o

y a series of in

two children 

ty, 2009-2013

(a period that 

he rate was a

a alone. But a

achia, where 

of Appalachia

ncome thresh

was $23,624

3

includes the 

ctually lower 

as with other 

roughly one 

a’s 84 counties

holds based 

 in 2013.) 

s
49 

CHAPTER 8: HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE 

Table 8.1: Number of Persons in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, by Age Group, 2009-2013

Health Insurance Status All Ages Under 

Age 18 

Ages 

18-24 

Ages 

25-64 

Ages 65 

and Over 

United States 45,569,665 5,614,174 7,980,481 31,582,382 392,628 

Appalachian Region 3,399,036 363,770 594,081 2,425,148 16,037 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 812,660 95,222 142,473 569,675 5,290 

North Central Appalachia 329,758 28,358 60,682 239,540 1,178 

Central Appalachia 300,516 24,247 55,719 219,697 853 

South Central Appalachia 687,256 64,022 115,632 505,522 2,080 

Southern Appalachia 1,268,846 151,921 219,575 890,714 6,636 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 742,070 87,270 124,906 524,763 5,131 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 1,376,394 136,071 245,124 989,621 5,578 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 297,386 36,196 52,065 207,812 1,313 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 576,393 60,636 97,435 416,120 2,202 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 406,793 43,597 74,551 286,832 1,813 

Alabama 655,394 57,347 125,234 470,143 2,670 

Appalachian Alabama 405,958 34,925 75,086 294,262 1,685 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 249,436 22,422 50,148 175,881 985 

Georgia 1,822,057 238,594 323,557 1,247,891 12,015 

Appalachian Georgia 567,433 82,084 91,582 389,800 3,967 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 1,254,624 156,510 231,975 858,091 8,048 

Kentucky 614,786 60,540 116,032 436,201 2,013 

Appalachian Kentucky 197,722 16,951 37,883 142,297 591 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 417,064 43,589 78,149 293,904 1,422 

Maryland 602,791 59,489 101,351 432,966 8,985 

Appalachian Maryland 23,415 2,167 3,855 17,101 292 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 579,376 57,322 97,496 415,865 8,693 

Mississippi 507,514 61,638 97,509 347,158 1,209 

Appalachian Mississippi 101,889 10,393 20,617 70,652 227 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 405,625 51,245 76,892 276,506 982 

New York 2,143,603 184,979 365,300 1,566,244 27,080 

Appalachian New York 95,617 13,318 18,475 63,371 453 

Non-Appalachian New York 2,047,986 171,661 346,825 1,502,873 26,627 

North Carolina 1,529,230 168,752 258,233 1,095,143 7,102 

Appalachian North Carolina 279,503 27,639 45,948 205,068 848 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 1,249,727 141,113 212,285 890,075 6,254 

Ohio 1,317,967 153,098 228,901 928,297 7,671 

Appalachian Ohio 265,638 35,908 44,390 183,341 1,999 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 1,052,329 117,190 184,511 744,956 5,672 

Pennsylvania 1,229,005 145,138 220,055 853,882 9,930 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 526,189 55,824 93,794 373,601 2,970 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 702,816 89,314 126,261 480,281 6,960 

South Carolina 761,843 91,316 131,992 535,007 3,528 

Appalachian South Carolina 193,566 24,519 32,290 136,000 757 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 568,277 66,797 99,702 399,007 2,771 

Tennessee 887,807 84,265 149,280 650,170 4,092 

Appalachian Tennessee 382,034 33,226 63,455 284,163 1,190 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 505,773 51,039 85,825 366,007 2,902 

Virginia 973,047 110,620 170,366 682,669 9,392 

Appalachian Virginia 98,552 8,290 18,761 71,253 248 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 874,495 102,330 151,605 611,416 9,144 

West Virginia (entire state) 261,520 18,526 47,945 194,239 810 

Note: The health insurance universe consists of the civilian noninstitutional population. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 American Community Survey.
50 

Table 8.2: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region Not Covered by Health Insurance, by Age Group, 2009-2013

Health Insurance Status All Ages Under 

Age 18 

Ages 

18-24 

Ages 

25-64 

Ages 65 

and Over 

United States 14.9 7.6 26.4 19.5 1.0 

Appalachian Region 13.7 6.5 24.5 18.6 0.4 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 9.9 5.5 17.2 13.3 0.4 

North Central Appalachia 13.9 5.4 26.3 19.0 0.3 

Central Appalachia 16.0 5.8 33.8 21.9 0.3 

South Central Appalachia 14.7 6.4 25.1 20.7 0.3 

Southern Appalachia 16.3 7.9 29.6 21.8 0.7 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 12.7 6.3 24.3 16.7 0.7 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 13.1 5.9 22.3 18.0 0.3 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 13.8 7.4 24.3 18.6 0.4 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 14.7 7.1 27.9 20.5 0.3 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 16.3 7.8 30.3 22.2 0.5 

Alabama 13.9 5.1 26.5 19.1 0.4 

Appalachian Alabama 13.4 4.9 25.4 18.4 0.4 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 14.8 5.5 28.3 20.4 0.4 

Georgia 19.0 9.6 33.8 24.4 1.1 

Appalachian Georgia 19.3 10.3 35.5 24.8 1.2 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 18.8 9.3 33.2 24.3 1.1 

Kentucky 14.4 5.9 28.6 19.2 0.4 

Appalachian Kentucky 17.1 6.4 35.2 23.1 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 13.4 5.8 26.2 17.7 0.4 

Maryland 10.5 4.4 18.6 13.8 1.3 

Appalachian Maryland 9.8 4.1 16.9 13.7 0.8 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 10.5 4.4 18.7 13.8 1.3 

Mississippi 17.4 8.3 32.7 23.4 0.3 

Appalachian Mississippi 16.5 6.8 30.3 22.7 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 17.7 8.6 33.4 23.5 0.3 

New York 11.1 4.3 18.7 15.1 1.0 

Appalachian New York 9.1 6.1 13.6 12.0 0.3 

Non-Appalachian New York 11.3 4.2 19.1 15.2 1.1 

North Carolina 16.2 7.4 28.3 21.9 0.6 

Appalachian North Carolina 16.6 7.7 29.4 23.3 0.3 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 16.1 7.4 28.0 21.6 0.6 

Ohio 11.6 5.7 21.0 15.5 0.5 

Appalachian Ohio 13.3 7.8 24.8 17.6 0.6 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 11.2 5.3 20.3 15.0 0.4 

Pennsylvania 9.8 5.3 17.8 12.9 0.5 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 9.3 4.8 16.6 12.6 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 10.2 5.6 18.8 13.2 0.7 

South Carolina 16.6 8.5 28.9 22.3 0.5 

Appalachian South Carolina 16.5 8.9 26.8 22.3 0.5 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 16.7 8.4 29.7 22.3 0.6 

Tennessee 14.1 5.7 24.7 19.4 0.5 

Appalachian Tennessee 13.8 5.5 24.6 19.5 0.3 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 14.3 5.8 24.9 19.3 0.7 

Virginia 12.3 6.0 22.3 16.0 0.9 

Appalachian Virginia 13.1 5.6 21.2 18.4 0.2 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 12.3 6.0 22.5 15.8 1.1 

West Virginia (entire state) 14.3 4.8 28.3 19.9 0.3 

Note: The health insurance universe consists of the civilian noninstitutional population. 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 American Community Survey.
F

N

2

R

c

r

C

p

Figure 8.1: P

Nearly 3.4 mil

2013 period—

Region is sligh

coverage rate

residents were

Central, and S

percent, and 3

ercent of Pe

llion persons 

—a figure repre

htly lower tha

es that matche

e not covered

South Central

36 of these w

rsons in the 

in the Appala

esenting almo

an the U.S. rat

ed or exceede

d by insurance

l Appalachia. 

were in Northe

Appalachian

achian Region

ost 14 percen

te of 15 perce

ed the nationa

e; all but one 

At the other e

ern Appalachia

51 

n Region Not

n were withou

nt of Appalach

ent, almost ha

al average. In

of these were

end of the spe

a. 

t Covered by

ut any kind of 

hia’s residents

alf of the 420 

n 34 Appalach

e either outsid

ectrum, 39 co

y Health Insu

health insura

s. Although th

Appalachian 

hian counties

de metropolit

ounties had u

urance, 2009

ance coverage

he percentage

 counties had

s, at least one

tan areas or in

ninsured rate

9-2013 

e in the 2009-

e for the 

d none in five 

n Southern, 

es below 10 

-
F

2

L

b

r

c

m

Figure 8.2: P

2009-2013 

Less than 7 p

below the nati

rates under 5 

children lacke

metropolitan a

ercent of Pe

ercent of App

ional average

percent; thes

ed health insu

areas, and mo

rsons Under

palachia’s chil

e. Still, the rat

se were sprea

rance in 61 o

ost were in So

r Age 18 in th

ldren under a

te varied throu

ad geographic

other counties

outhern or So

52 

he Appalach

age 18 were u

ughout the Re

cally througho

s. All but a han

outh Central A

ian Region N

uninsured dur

egion. On one

out the Regio

ndful of count

Appalachia. 

Not Covered 

ring 2009-201

e hand, 166 c

on. Conversely

ties in the latt

by Health In

3, a full perce

counties had 

y, at least one

ter group wer

nsurance, 

entage point 

non-coverage

e in 10 

re outside 

e
F

2

L

2

n

a

a

c

S

A

m

Figure 8.3: P

2009-2013 

Lack of health

24 were unins

national avera

as well as in t

and the share

coverage rate

South Central

Appalachian c

metro areas a

ercent of Pe

h insurance co

sured during t

age, the non-c

he Region’s m

e was nearly a

es among 18-t

l, and Central

counties wher

and/or had a f

rsons Ages 

overage was 

the 2009-201

coverage pro

most rural cou

as large in the

to-24-year-old

l Appalachia, 

re less than 2

four-year colle

18 to 24 in th

highest amon

3 period. Alth

blem was esp

unties: One-th

e other two ar

ds were 40 pe

and 63 were 

20 percent of y

ege or univers

53 

he Appalach

ng young adu

hough Appala

pecially preva

hird of young 

reas. This situ

ercent or high

outside metr

young adults 

sity within the

ian Region N

ults—one in fo

achia’s rate as

alent in much 

adults in Cen

uation was es

her. Among th

ropolitan area

had no healt

eir boundaries

Not Covered 

our Appalach

s a whole was

of Central an

ntral Appalach

specially dire 

hese counties

as. In contrast

th insurance; 

s. 

by Health In

ian residents

s slightly lowe

nd Southern A

hia were with

in 68 counties

s, 53 were in S

t, there were 6

most of these

nsurance, 

ages 18 to 

er than the 

Appalachia, 

out coverage

s, where non

Southern, 

65 

e were in 

e, 

-
F

2

J

2

e

u

t

w

Figure 8.4: P

2009-2013 

Just under 19

2013 period. W

example, mor

uninsured; the

his age group

working-age r

ercent of Pe

 percent of A

While this rate

re than one-fif

ese subregion

p. By compari

residents were

rsons Ages 2

ppalachia’s w

e was slightly

fth of 25-to-64

ns accounted 

ison, Northern

e not insured

25 to 64 in th

working-age p

y below that fo

4-year-olds in

for 76 of the 

n Appalachia

. 

54 

he Appalach

population we

or the nation, 

n Central, Sou

82 counties w

had 50 of the

ian Region N

re not covere

there was gre

uthern, and S

with non-cove

e 59 counties

Not Covered 

ed by health in

eat variation w

outh Central 

erage rates of

s where less t

by Health In

nsurance dur

within the Re

Appalachia w

f 25 percent o

than 15 perce

nsurance, 

ing the 2009-

egion. For 

were 

or greater for 

ent of the 

-
55 

CHAPTER 9: DISABILITY STATUS 

Table 9.1: Number of Persons in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, by Age Group, 2009-2013

Disability Status All Ages Under 

Age 18 

Ages 18-64 

Ages 65 

Total and Over Ages 

18-34 

Ages 

35-64 

United States 37,168,880 2,972,823 19,403,946 3,958,549 15,445,397 14,792,111 

Appalachian Region 3,913,226 274,112 2,131,130 389,614 1,741,516 1,507,984 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 1,197,511 91,518 610,029 121,034 488,995 495,964 

North Central Appalachia 421,695 28,366 236,934 43,672 193,262 156,395 

Central Appalachia 432,851 25,531 264,105 41,991 222,114 143,215 

South Central Appalachia 765,948 49,174 412,683 71,777 340,906 304,091 

Southern Appalachia 1,095,221 79,523 607,379 111,140 496,239 408,319 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 739,720 58,096 393,743 76,654 317,089 287,881 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 1,602,506 112,028 867,542 164,989 702,553 622,936 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 354,217 26,371 191,768 33,880 157,888 136,078 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 715,981 47,351 390,326 66,240 324,086 278,304 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 500,802 30,266 287,751 47,851 239,900 182,785 

Alabama 766,399 54,595 427,513 78,666 348,847 284,291 

Appalachian Alabama 482,379 32,320 269,697 48,342 221,355 180,362 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 284,020 22,275 157,816 30,324 127,492 103,929 

Georgia 1,147,708 97,412 639,843 127,911 511,932 410,453 

Appalachian Georgia 339,128 29,029 186,062 35,725 150,337 124,037 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 808,580 68,383 453,781 92,186 361,595 286,416 

Kentucky 717,889 56,566 417,332 79,892 337,440 243,991 

Appalachian Kentucky 261,857 17,212 161,019 27,325 133,694 83,626 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 456,032 39,354 256,313 52,567 203,746 160,365 

Maryland 588,940 49,771 302,772 62,712 240,060 236,397 

Appalachian Maryland 37,560 3,349 20,066 4,472 15,594 14,145 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 551,380 46,422 282,706 58,240 224,466 222,252 

Mississippi 474,886 35,497 266,622 49,684 216,938 172,767 

Appalachian Mississippi 109,434 6,714 61,686 10,777 50,909 41,034 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 365,452 28,783 204,936 38,907 166,029 131,733 

New York 2,090,781 156,991 1,047,508 214,209 833,299 886,282 

Appalachian New York 143,867 12,514 74,913 16,155 58,758 56,440 

Non-Appalachian New York 1,946,914 144,477 972,595 198,054 774,541 829,842 

North Carolina 1,253,681 100,359 674,893 126,529 548,364 478,429 

Appalachian North Carolina 254,573 16,540 131,935 22,711 109,224 106,098 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 999,108 83,819 542,958 103,818 439,140 372,331 

Ohio 1,515,538 129,675 811,763 165,358 646,405 574,100 

Appalachian Ohio 315,355 24,176 173,065 32,102 140,963 118,114 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 1,200,183 105,499 638,698 133,256 505,442 455,986 

Pennsylvania 1,651,733 136,833 839,281 172,896 666,385 675,619 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 828,154 62,340 415,892 82,410 333,482 349,922 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 823,579 74,493 423,389 90,486 332,903 325,697 

South Carolina 637,041 43,233 348,831 62,773 286,058 244,977 

Appalachian South Carolina 164,280 11,460 89,934 16,296 73,638 62,886 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 472,761 31,773 258,897 46,477 212,420 182,091 

Tennessee 953,492 67,713 535,421 97,739 437,682 350,358 

Appalachian Tennessee 487,447 31,725 271,545 46,522 225,023 184,177 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 466,045 35,988 263,876 51,217 212,659 166,181 

Virginia 864,380 66,472 453,544 91,636 361,908 344,364 

Appalachian Virginia 140,726 6,468 78,202 12,524 65,678 56,056 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 723,654 60,004 375,342 79,112 296,230 288,308 

West Virginia (entire state) 348,466 20,265 197,114 34,253 162,861 131,087 

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, 2009-2013 American Community Survey.
56 

Table 9.2: Percent of Persons in the Appalachian Region With a Disability, by Age Group, 2009-2013

Disability Status All Ages Under 

Age 18 

Ages 18-64 

Ages 65 

Total and Over Ages 

18-34 

Ages 

35-64 

United States 12.1 4.0 10.1 5.6 12.7 36.5 

Appalachian Region 15.7 4.9 13.8 7.3 17.1 39.7 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 14.6 5.3 12.0 7.0 14.5 36.1 

North Central Appalachia 17.7 5.4 15.9 8.6 19.7 42.5 

Central Appalachia 23.1 6.1 22.6 11.0 28.3 50.0 

South Central Appalachia 16.4 4.9 14.2 7.2 17.8 39.3 

Southern Appalachia 14.1 4.1 12.6 6.5 15.9 40.9 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 12.7 4.2 10.8 6.1 13.1 36.8 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 15.3 4.9 13.2 7.1 16.5 38.9 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 16.4 5.4 14.4 7.5 18.0 39.8 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 18.3 5.6 16.4 8.6 20.1 41.4 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 20.1 5.4 18.7 9.1 23.7 45.5 

Alabama 16.2 4.9 14.6 7.4 18.7 43.0 

Appalachian Alabama 15.9 4.6 14.2 7.1 18.2 42.6 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 16.8 5.4 15.2 7.8 19.5 43.8 

Georgia 11.9 3.9 10.5 5.7 13.4 38.7 

Appalachian Georgia 11.5 3.7 10.2 5.7 12.5 38.5 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 12.1 4.0 10.7 5.7 13.8 38.8 

Kentucky 16.8 5.6 15.6 8.4 19.5 42.5 

Appalachian Kentucky 22.6 6.5 22.3 11.2 27.9 49.5 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 14.6 5.2 13.1 7.5 16.3 39.5 

Maryland 10.3 3.7 8.2 4.8 10.1 33.1 

Appalachian Maryland 15.7 6.3 13.6 9.0 16.0 36.7 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 10.0 3.6 8.0 4.6 9.9 32.9 

Mississippi 16.3 4.8 14.9 7.4 19.5 45.6 

Appalachian Mississippi 17.7 4.4 16.3 7.6 21.5 46.7 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 16.0 4.8 14.6 7.4 18.9 45.2 

New York 10.9 3.7 8.5 4.6 10.8 34.2 

Appalachian New York 13.8 5.7 11.3 6.5 14.2 34.6 

Non-Appalachian New York 10.7 3.6 8.3 4.5 10.6 34.1 

North Carolina 13.3 4.4 11.4 6.0 14.4 38.1 

Appalachian North Carolina 15.1 4.6 12.7 6.6 15.8 37.1 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 12.9 4.4 11.1 5.9 14.1 38.4 

Ohio 13.3 4.8 11.5 6.7 14.1 35.9 

Appalachian Ohio 15.8 5.2 14.2 8.0 17.2 38.0 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 12.8 4.7 10.9 6.4 13.4 35.5 

Pennsylvania 13.2 5.0 10.7 6.3 13.1 35.1 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 14.6 5.3 11.8 6.9 14.3 36.3 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 12.0 4.7 9.8 5.8 12.1 33.9 

South Carolina 13.9 4.0 12.2 6.1 15.7 37.8 

Appalachian South Carolina 14.0 4.1 12.3 6.2 15.8 38.2 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 13.9 4.0 12.2 6.1 15.6 37.6 

Tennessee 15.1 4.5 13.6 6.9 17.2 40.7 

Appalachian Tennessee 17.6 5.2 15.8 8.0 19.8 41.3 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 13.2 4.1 11.8 6.2 15.1 40.1 

Virginia 11.0 3.6 9.0 5.0 11.3 34.6 

Appalachian Virginia 18.7 4.4 16.4 7.4 21.4 43.4 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 10.2 3.5 8.2 4.8 10.2 33.2 

West Virginia (entire state) 19.1 5.3 17.2 9.0 21.4 44.3 

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, 2009-2013 American Community Survey.
F

I

a

o

R

R

t

Figure 9.1: P

n the 2009-20

as having diffi

or attending to

Region; the ra

Region’s relat

he highest dis

ercent of Pe

013 period, a

iculty in at lea

o the function

ate was 20 pe

tively high dis

sability preva

rsons in the 

bout one in s

ast one of the 

ns of independ

ercent or more

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lence levels, 

Appalachian

ix Appalachia

following six 

dent living. Di

e in 136 coun

orresponds to

at least 15 pe

57 

n Region Wit

an residents r

areas: hearin

isability preva

nties, nearly h

o the populatio

ercent of the r

th a Disabilit

reported havin

ng, vision, cog

alence is parti

half of which w

on’s older age

residents wer

ty, 2009-2013

ng a disability

gnition, walki

icularly high i

were in Centra

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re age 65 or o

3

y, which the A

ng or climbing

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older. 

ACS defines 

g, self-care, 

s of the 

a. The 

counties with 
F

A

t

w

c

t

Figure 9.2: P

At nearly 5 pe

he national av

was at least 7

counties, how

hroughout the

ercent of Pe

ercent, the pre

verage during

7.5 percent in 

wever, the disa

e Appalachian

rsons Under

evalence of d

g the 2009-20

58 counties, 

ability prevale

n Region. 

r Age 18 in th

isability amon

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all but a hand

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58 

he Appalach

ng children un

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With a Disab

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nd these were

013 

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e scattered 
F

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A

o

Figure 9.3: P

n the 2009-20

compared with

Region: In Ce

Appalachia ha

or higher.

ercent of Pe

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h one in 10 in

entral Appalac

ad 58 of the 9

rsons Ages 

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94 Appalachia

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he Appalach

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18 to 64 in A

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With a Disab

Appalachia rep

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e adults had a

mong 18-to-64

ility, 2009-20

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bility, 

rts of the 

deed, Centra

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al 

t
F

T

h

o

A

a

Figure 9.4: P

Two-fifths of a

higher than th

older resident

Appalachian c

all of these low

ercent of Pe

adults ages 65

he national sh

ts in 70 count

counties, the 

w-prevalence

rsons Ages 

5 and over in 

are. And the 

ies (44 of whi

disability rate

e counties wer

65 and Over 

the Appalach

prevalence w

ich were in C

e for the older 

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lachian Regi

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ater in some p

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tral, and Sout

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sability in the 

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ower than the

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2009-2013 pe

Region: At leas

ability. Yet in 

e national ave

chia. 

09-2013 

eriod, slightly

st half of the 

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rage. Nearly 
61 

CHAPTER 10: MIGRATION 

Table 10.1: Mobility Status of Persons Ages 1 and Over in the Appalachian Region, 2009-2013

Mobility Status in the Last Year 

 Total Population 

Ages 1 and Over, 

2009-2013 

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 307,797,122 84.9 15.1 9.1 6.0 3.2 2.9 

Appalachian Region 25,036,307 86.8 13.2 7.7 5.5 3.2 2.3 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 8,288,536 87.6 12.4 7.4 4.9 2.8 2.1 

North Central Appalachia 2,399,939 87.4 12.6 7.1 5.6 3.0 2.5 

Central Appalachia 1,892,225 87.9 12.1 7.0 5.1 3.2 1.9 

South Central Appalachia 4,689,241 86.2 13.8 7.9 5.9 3.3 2.6 

Southern Appalachia 7,766,366 85.6 14.4 8.4 6.0 3.6 2.4 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 5,823,217 86.9 13.1 7.8 5.4 3.2 2.2 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 10,557,672 86.0 14.0 8.2 5.8 3.1 2.7 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 2,185,028 86.6 13.4 8.1 5.3 3.5 1.7 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 3,948,754 88.1 11.9 6.8 5.1 3.1 2.0 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 2,521,636 87.6 12.4 6.9 5.5 3.6 1.9 

Alabama 4,744,420 85.0 15.0 9.1 5.9 3.3 2.6 

Appalachian Alabama 3,040,393 85.6 14.4 8.8 5.6 3.4 2.2 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 1,704,027 83.9 16.1 9.6 6.5 3.0 3.5 

Georgia 9,685,706 83.6 16.4 8.4 8.0 4.7 3.3 

Appalachian Georgia 2,934,780 86.0 14.0 7.6 6.4 4.0 2.4 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 6,750,926 82.6 17.4 8.8 8.6 5.0 3.7 

Kentucky 4,309,798 84.8 15.2 8.7 6.5 3.5 3.0 

Appalachian Kentucky 1,169,433 87.0 13.0 7.6 5.4 3.4 1.9 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 3,140,365 84.0 16.0 9.1 6.9 3.5 3.4 

Maryland 5,763,751 86.7 13.3 7.2 6.1 2.6 3.5 

Appalachian Maryland 250,203 86.0 14.0 8.2 5.9 3.0 2.9 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 5,513,548 86.7 13.3 7.2 6.1 2.6 3.5 

Mississippi 2,939,062 85.8 14.2 7.8 6.4 3.8 2.6 

Appalachian Mississippi 621,307 86.1 13.9 8.0 5.9 4.0 1.9 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 2,317,755 85.7 14.3 7.8 6.5 3.7 2.8 

New York 19,265,730 88.8 11.2 6.6 4.6 2.4 2.2 

Appalachian New York 1,052,377 85.3 14.7 8.4 6.3 3.7 2.6 

Non-Appalachian New York 18,213,353 89.0 11.0 6.5 4.5 2.4 2.2 

North Carolina 9,535,230 84.7 15.3 8.5 6.8 3.5 3.3 

Appalachian North Carolina 1,687,034 87.2 12.8 7.3 5.5 3.2 2.3 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 7,848,196 84.2 15.8 8.7 7.1 3.6 3.5 

Ohio 11,418,877 85.5 14.5 9.4 5.1 3.2 1.9 

Appalachian Ohio 2,013,688 87.8 12.2 7.6 4.6 3.0 1.7 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 9,405,189 85.0 15.0 9.8 5.2 3.2 2.0 

Pennsylvania 12,597,683 88.0 12.0 7.2 4.8 2.5 2.3 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 5,731,766 87.9 12.1 7.2 4.8 2.7 2.1 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 6,865,917 88.0 12.0 7.3 4.8 2.4 2.4 

South Carolina 4,623,852 84.7 15.3 8.4 6.9 3.2 3.8 

Appalachian South Carolina 1,169,886 84.6 15.4 9.2 6.2 3.0 3.2 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 3,453,966 84.7 15.3 8.1 7.2 3.2 4.0 

Tennessee 6,326,649 84.6 15.4 9.4 6.0 3.0 3.1 

Appalachian Tennessee 2,771,008 86.2 13.8 8.2 5.6 3.0 2.6 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 3,555,641 83.3 16.7 10.3 6.3 2.9 3.4 

Virginia 8,002,371 84.7 15.3 6.6 8.7 4.8 3.9 

Appalachian Virginia 759,620 86.2 13.8 6.6 7.2 4.5 2.7 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 7,242,751 84.6 15.4 6.5 8.9 4.8 4.1 

West Virginia (entire state) 1,834,812 88.1 11.9 6.5 5.3 2.5 2.8 

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 American Community Survey.
F

2

A

t

w

h

in

fo

Figure 10.1: P

2009-2013 

Although resid

he past year 

were in South

housed a four

n 122 Appala

fourths of thes

Percent of P

dential mobilit

matched or e

hern or South 

r-year college

achian countie

se counties w

ersons Ages

ty in Appalach

exceeded the 

Central Appa

e or university

es, less than 1

were outside m

s 1 and Over 

hia was below

U.S. average

alachia. Most 

y, or rural coun

10 percent of

metro areas.

62 

in the Appa

w the nationa

e in 60 of the 

also were eit

nties that wer

f the residents

lachian Regi

l average, the

Region’s cou

ther counties 

re likely retire

s had moved 

ion Who Had

e percentage 

unties. Threein metropolita

ement or recre

in the previou

d Moved in th

of residents w

-fifths of these

an areas, cou

eational desti

us 12 months

he Past Year

who moved in

e counties 

unties that 

nations. Yet 

s; threer, 

n
F

T

A

2

a

a

c

c

Figure 10.2: P

Their County

Although peop

2009-2013 pe

above the nat

across all urba

county. More 

counties were

Percent of P

y of Residenc

ple in Appalac

eriod than Am

tional average

an/rural types

than two-third

e rural countie

ersons Ages

ce in the Pas

chia were slig

mericans as a 

e. These coun

s. In 211 coun

ds of these co

es not adjacen

s 1 and Over 

st Year, 2009

ghtly less likel

whole, reside

nties were sca

nties, howeve

ounties were 

nt to a metro

63 

in the Appa

-2013 

ly to have mig

ents in 129 of 

attered throug

er, less than 5

outside metro

area.

lachian Regi

grated from o

the Region’s

ghout the App

5 percent of th

opolitan areas

ion Who Had

outside their c

s counties had

palachian Re

he residents h

s, and two-fift

d Migrated Fr

county of resid

d migration ra

gion and wer

had migrated 

ths of those n

rom Outside

dence in the 

ates at or 

re distributed 

from another

nonmetro 

e

r
F

T

T

p

o

t

p

a

Figure 10.3: P

Their State o

The share of p

percent in the

out-of-state m

hroughout the

percent of res

areas. 

Percent of P

f Residence 

people in the 

 2009-2013 p

migration level

e Region, with

sidents had co

ersons Ages

in the Past Y

Appalachian 

period, compa

s were at or a

h almost half 

ome from out 

s 1 and Over

Year, 2009-20

Region who 

ared with 2.9 

above the U.S

of them in me

of state, and 

64 

in the Appa

013 

had migrated

percent of all 

S. average. T

etropolitan ar

more than tw

lachian Regi

d from outside

 Americans. Y

These countie

reas. In 240 c

wo-thirds of th

ion Who Had

e their state o

Yet in 73 of A

s were fairly e

counties, on th

hese counties

d Migrated Fr

of residence w

Appalachia’s 4

evenly distrib

he other hand

s were outside

rom Outside

was 2.3 

420 counties, 

buted 

d, less than 2 

e metropolitan

e

n
65 

CHAPTER 11: VETERAN STATUS 

Table 11.1: Veteran Status of Adult Civilians in the Appalachian Region by Age Group, 2009-2013

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 236,576,902 71,976,195 122,749,665 41,851,042 9.0 2.4 8.4 22.2 

Appalachian Region 19,677,415 5,450,287 10,292,858 3,934,270 10.1 2.3 9.3 22.8 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 6,640,709 1,786,764 3,422,091 1,431,854 10.7 2.4 9.4 24.3 

North Central Appalachia 1,899,240 522,981 995,244 381,015 10.8 2.7 10.3 23.4 

Central Appalachia 1,489,834 393,308 799,625 296,901 8.5 2.0 7.7 19.0 

South Central Appalachia 3,731,998 1,007,344 1,926,202 798,452 10.2 2.2 9.3 22.5 

Southern Appalachia 5,915,634 1,739,890 3,149,696 1,026,048 9.4 2.3 9.2 22.0 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 4,496,704 1,261,704 2,429,464 805,536 9.5 2.2 8.7 23.4 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 8,344,994 2,386,097 4,299,677 1,659,220 10.3 2.3 9.7 23.3 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 1,715,342 466,223 894,214 354,905 10.4 2.3 9.7 22.6 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 3,132,362 794,439 1,640,277 697,646 10.6 2.5 9.4 22.7 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 1,988,013 541,824 1,029,226 416,963 9.1 2.3 8.0 20.4 

Alabama 3,660,703 1,085,924 1,894,205 680,574 10.6 2.9 10.7 22.6 

Appalachian Alabama 2,358,822 690,963 1,231,081 436,778 10.2 2.4 10.3 22.2 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 1,301,881 394,961 663,124 243,796 11.4 3.8 11.6 23.2 

Georgia 7,269,336 2,303,945 3,875,374 1,090,017 9.5 2.7 9.9 22.2 

Appalachian Georgia 2,175,812 637,893 1,208,623 329,296 8.7 2.1 8.4 22.3 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 5,093,524 1,666,052 2,666,751 760,721 9.8 2.9 10.6 22.2 

Kentucky 3,323,981 971,460 1,754,646 597,875 9.4 2.5 9.2 21.2 

Appalachian Kentucky 915,148 251,398 487,924 175,826 8.1 2.0 7.5 18.3 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 2,408,833 720,062 1,266,722 422,049 9.9 2.7 9.8 22.3 

Maryland 4,457,690 1,328,709 2,390,309 738,672 9.6 3.0 9.3 22.3 

Appalachian Maryland 199,249 55,251 103,262 40,736 10.7 2.4 10.2 22.9 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 4,258,441 1,273,458 2,287,047 697,936 9.5 3.0 9.3 22.2 

Mississippi 2,216,273 687,968 1,135,472 392,833 9.1 2.7 8.9 20.6 

Appalachian Mississippi 474,512 143,876 239,623 91,013 8.1 2.4 7.4 18.8 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 1,741,761 544,092 895,849 301,820 9.3 2.8 9.3 21.1 

New York 15,171,222 4,682,212 7,793,627 2,695,383 6.0 1.3 5.0 17.2 

Appalachian New York 842,290 253,592 418,411 170,287 10.2 2.4 9.4 23.5 

Non-Appalachian New York 14,328,932 4,428,620 7,375,216 2,525,096 5.8 1.3 4.7 16.7 

North Carolina 7,282,130 2,145,372 3,841,598 1,295,160 9.9 2.9 9.9 21.9 

Appalachian North Carolina 1,341,610 349,554 696,202 295,854 10.1 1.9 9.0 22.4 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 5,940,520 1,795,818 3,145,396 999,306 9.9 3.1 10.0 21.7 

Ohio 8,843,597 2,528,595 4,648,356 1,666,646 9.8 2.1 9.2 22.9 

Appalachian Ohio 1,572,209 413,782 832,585 325,842 10.8 2.3 10.0 23.7 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 7,271,388 2,114,813 3,815,771 1,340,804 9.6 2.1 9.0 22.8 

Pennsylvania 9,963,649 2,805,135 5,153,713 2,004,801 9.5 2.1 8.1 23.3 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 4,612,887 1,233,642 2,377,364 1,001,881 10.7 2.4 9.2 24.5 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 5,350,762 1,571,493 2,776,349 1,002,920 8.4 1.8 7.2 22.0 

South Carolina 3,566,687 1,053,163 1,847,309 666,215 11.0 3.3 10.9 23.4 

Appalachian South Carolina 906,488 267,158 470,369 168,961 9.6 2.3 9.2 22.6 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 2,660,199 786,005 1,376,940 497,254 11.4 3.6 11.5 23.7 

Tennessee 4,892,602 1,438,025 2,566,641 887,936 9.9 2.6 9.7 22.2 

Appalachian Tennessee 2,192,816 588,294 1,144,484 460,038 10.3 2.3 9.5 22.5 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 2,699,786 849,731 1,422,157 427,898 9.6 2.8 9.9 21.9 

Virginia 6,129,622 1,853,420 3,252,916 1,023,286 11.9 4.6 12.2 23.8 

Appalachian Virginia 618,358 174,085 311,484 132,789 9.3 2.1 8.4 20.8 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 5,511,264 1,679,335 2,941,432 890,497 12.1 4.8 12.7 24.2 

West Virginia (entire state) 1,467,214 390,799 771,446 304,969 10.9 2.7 10.1 23.2 

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, 2009-2013 American Community Survey. 
66 

Table 11.2: Veteran Status of Adult Civilians in the Appalachian Region by Gender, 2009-2013 

Veteran Status 

Civilian Population Ages 18 and Over Percent Who Are Veterans 

Both Sexes Males Females Both Sexes Males Females 

United States 236,576,902 114,530,194 122,046,708 9.0 17.2 1.3 

Appalachian Region 19,677,415 9,532,939 10,144,476 10.1 19.6 1.1 

Subregions 

Northern Appalachia 6,640,709 3,234,511 3,406,198 10.7 20.8 1.1 

North Central Appalachia 1,899,240 931,501 967,739 10.8 20.9 1.1 

Central Appalachia 1,489,834 730,271 759,563 8.5 16.5 0.8 

South Central Appalachia 3,731,998 1,795,815 1,936,183 10.2 20.0 1.2 

Southern Appalachia 5,915,634 2,840,841 3,074,793 9.4 18.2 1.2 

County Types 

Large Metros (pop. 1 million +) 4,496,704 2,155,085 2,341,619 9.5 18.6 1.1 

Small Metros (pop. <1 million) 8,344,994 4,031,408 4,313,586 10.3 20.1 1.2 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Large Metros 1,715,342 842,660 872,682 10.4 20.0 1.1 

Nonmetro, Adjacent to Small Metros 3,132,362 1,531,856 1,600,506 10.6 20.5 1.1 

Rural (nonmetro, not adj. to a metro) 1,988,013 971,930 1,016,083 9.1 17.6 0.9 

Alabama 3,660,703 1,741,559 1,919,144 10.6 20.6 1.6 

Appalachian Alabama 2,358,822 1,126,814 1,232,008 10.2 19.9 1.4 

Non-Appalachian Alabama 1,301,881 614,745 687,136 11.4 22.0 1.9 

Georgia 7,269,336 3,476,099 3,793,237 9.5 17.8 1.9 

Appalachian Georgia 2,175,812 1,054,483 1,121,329 8.7 16.7 1.2 

Non-Appalachian Georgia 5,093,524 2,421,616 2,671,908 9.8 18.3 2.1 

Kentucky 3,323,981 1,606,476 1,717,505 9.4 18.2 1.2 

Appalachian Kentucky 915,148 447,524 467,624 8.1 15.7 0.8 

Non-Appalachian Kentucky 2,408,833 1,158,952 1,249,881 9.9 19.1 1.4 

Maryland 4,457,690 2,115,043 2,342,647 9.6 18.0 2.0 

Appalachian Maryland 199,249 101,389 97,860 10.7 19.5 1.5 

Non-Appalachian Maryland 4,258,441 2,013,654 2,244,787 9.5 17.9 2.0 

Mississippi 2,216,273 1,053,640 1,162,633 9.1 17.6 1.3 

Appalachian Mississippi 474,512 225,140 249,372 8.1 16.0 0.9 

Non-Appalachian Mississippi 1,741,761 828,500 913,261 9.3 18.0 1.5 

New York 15,171,222 7,225,670 7,945,552 6.0 11.9 0.6 

Appalachian New York 842,290 411,894 430,396 10.2 19.6 1.1 

Non-Appalachian New York 14,328,932 6,813,776 7,515,156 5.8 11.5 0.6 

North Carolina 7,282,130 3,457,259 3,824,871 9.9 19.1 1.7 

Appalachian North Carolina 1,341,610 642,773 698,837 10.1 19.9 1.2 

Non-Appalachian North Carolina 5,940,520 2,814,486 3,126,034 9.9 18.9 1.8 

Ohio 8,843,597 4,255,235 4,588,362 9.8 19.1 1.1 

Appalachian Ohio 1,572,209 768,192 804,017 10.8 21.1 1.0 

Non-Appalachian Ohio 7,271,388 3,487,043 3,784,345 9.6 18.7 1.2 

Pennsylvania 9,963,649 4,791,937 5,171,712 9.5 18.6 1.0 

Appalachian Pennsylvania 4,612,887 2,243,937 2,368,950 10.7 20.9 1.1 

Non-Appalachian Pennsylvania 5,350,762 2,548,000 2,802,762 8.4 16.6 1.0 

South Carolina 3,566,687 1,698,750 1,867,937 11.0 21.1 1.8 

Appalachian South Carolina 906,488 434,404 472,084 9.6 18.8 1.2 

Non-Appalachian South Carolina 2,660,199 1,264,346 1,395,853 11.4 21.9 2.0 

Tennessee 4,892,602 2,342,643 2,549,959 9.9 19.2 1.4 

Appalachian Tennessee 2,192,816 1,056,278 1,136,538 10.3 20.1 1.2 

Non-Appalachian Tennessee 2,699,786 1,286,365 1,413,421 9.6 18.4 1.6 

Virginia 6,129,622 2,934,532 3,195,090 11.9 21.8 2.7 

Appalachian Virginia 618,358 304,735 313,623 9.3 17.8 0.9 

Non-Appalachian Virginia 5,511,264 2,629,797 2,881,467 12.1 22.3 2.9 

West Virginia (entire state) 1,467,214 715,376 751,838 10.9 21.1 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, 2009-2013 American Community Survey.
F

I

w

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v

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Figure 11.1: P

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Merchant Mar

variation throu

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ughout the reg

ontrast, the v

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alachian Reg

civilians in the

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re Veterans, 

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ast one in eig

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n the U.S. 

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F

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p

1

igure 11.2: P

Military vetera

2009-2013 pe

prevalence wa

18-to-34-year

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ans accounted

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ivilians Ages

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e the nationa

were veteran

s 18 to 34 in 

percent of Ap

cent for the n

l rate. In fact,

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the Appalac

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ation as a wh

 there were 1

rans of the wa

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11 Appalachia

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early half of th

an counties w

d Afghanistan

eterans, 2009

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n fall in this ag

9-2013 

tion in the 

counties, the 

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F

I

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o

n

V

Figure 11.3: P

n the Appalac

U.S. rate of 8 

one-eighth of 

national avera

Vietnam veter

Percent of C

chian Region

percent. The

the 35-to-64-

age in 147 co

rans. 

ivilians Ages

, 9 percent of

 prevalence w

-year-old civili

unties. Most v

s 35 to 64 in 

f civilians age

was even high

ian residents.

veterans of th

69 

the Appalac

es 35 to 64 we

her in some c

. Conversely, 

he 1991 Gulf W

chian Region

ere military ve

counties: In 15

 the veteran p

War fall in thi

n Who Are Ve

eterans in 200

5 of them, ve

prevalence ra

is age group, 

eterans, 2009

09-2013, sligh

terans compr

ate was lower

as do the yo

9-2013 

htly above the

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F

I

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a

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r

S

Figure 11.4: P

n 2009-2013,

during World W

at least 25 pe

Appalachia. B

residents. Alm

South Central

Percent of C

, nearly one-f

War II and the

rcent of older

By contrast, th

most half the c

l and Souther

ivilians Ages

fourth of Appa

e wars in Kor

r civilians wer

here were 120

counties in thi

rn Appalachia

s 65 and Ove

alachia’s olde

rea and Vietna

re veterans in

0 counties wh

is latter group

a. 

70 

er in the App

r civilian resid

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 79 counties, 

here veterans 

p were in Cen

palachian Re

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 most of whic

comprised le

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military veteran

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ch were in No

ess than 20 pe

hia, while nea

re Veterans, 

ns—most of w

he Region. F

orthern and No

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arly all of the r

2009-2013 

whom served 

or example, 

orth Central 

older civilian 

rest were in