Prior to COVID-19, the Appalachian Region was seeing improvements in income and poverty. Median household income increased 9.5% between 2012-2016 and 2017-2021, with increases reaching at least 15% in 93 counties scattered throughout the Region. Despite these improvements, Appalachia’s figure is 82% of the national median household income.
The overall share of Appalachians in poverty declined 2.2 percentage points between 2012-2016 and 2017-2021. However, rates have stayed the same or increased in 77 counties. It remains to be seen whether these improvements helped buffer Appalachia from the economic impacts of COVID-19.
Learn more about Appalachia’s income and poverty trends below.
$56,780
Appalachia’s Median Household Income
$69,021
U.S. Median Household Income
14.5%
Poverty Rate in Appalachia
Median Income in Appalachia
During 2017-2021, the median family income in Appalachia was 85% of the U.S. median of $85,028. However, in 20 Appalachian counties – in metro areas – the median family income matched or exceeded the U.S. median. In another 64 counties, median income was at or above the median for families in the Appalachian Region. In contrast, median family income was less than $50,000 in 46 counties.
Poverty in Appalachia
Poverty Rate by Subregion
The share of Appalachian residents in poverty fell 2.2 percentage points in 2017-2021. Poverty decreased in all subregions, county types, and states. The decline was greatest in Appalachian Georgia, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Tennessee, where poverty fell by at least three percentage points.
Poverty Rate by Age Group
Poverty among both children and young adults (ages 18 to 24) fell noticeably since 2012-2016. Child poverty dropped almost four percentage points, to 19.8%, in 2017-2021, while poverty among young adults fell over four and a half points to 22.6%. Poverty rose 0.2 points for older residents (ages 65 and over), though in some areas stayed the same or decreased slightly.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Participation
Within the Region, 13.2% of households received payments from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, compared to 11.4% for the nation as a whole in 2017-2021.
SNAP for Households with Children
For households with children under the age of 18, Appalachia’s SNAP participation rate of 20.9% is higher than the national rate of 18.1%. Additionally, Appalachian households with income below the poverty level received SNAP benefits at a rate of 46.2% compared to 41.0% nationally.
As an expert in socioeconomic trends and regional disparities, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion on income and poverty in the Appalachian Region. My extensive understanding of economic indicators and statistical trends allows me to provide valuable insights into the dynamics at play in this region.
The article you provided outlines the income and poverty trends in Appalachia prior to the onset of COVID-19. Let's break down the key concepts and information presented in the article:
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Median Household Income Trends:
- Median household income in the Appalachian Region increased by 9.5% between 2012-2016 and 2017-2021.
- The increases were more significant, reaching at least 15%, in 93 counties scattered throughout the Region.
- Despite these improvements, the median household income in Appalachia is 82% of the national median household income.
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Poverty Rates:
- The overall share of Appalachians in poverty decreased by 2.2 percentage points between 2012-2016 and 2017-2021.
- However, poverty rates stayed the same or increased in 77 counties.
- Appalachia's poverty rate is 82% of the national median household income.
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Regional Disparities in Median Family Income:
- During 2017-2021, the median family income in Appalachia was 85% of the U.S. median.
- In 20 Appalachian counties (in metro areas), the median family income matched or exceeded the U.S. median.
- In contrast, median family income was less than $50,000 in 46 counties.
-
Poverty Rate by Subregion:
- The share of Appalachian residents in poverty fell by 2.2 percentage points in 2017-2021.
- Poverty decreased in all subregions, county types, and states.
- The most substantial decline occurred in Appalachian Georgia, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
-
Poverty Rate by Age Group:
- Poverty among children and young adults (ages 18 to 24) decreased noticeably.
- Child poverty dropped by almost four percentage points to 19.8%, and poverty among young adults fell by over four and a half points to 22.6%.
- Poverty for older residents (ages 65 and over) increased slightly in some areas.
-
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Participation:
- Within the Region, 13.2% of households received SNAP payments, compared to 11.4% for the nation as a whole in 2017-2021.
- For households with children under the age of 18, Appalachia's SNAP participation rate was 20.9%, higher than the national rate of 18.1%.
- Appalachian households with income below the poverty level received SNAP benefits at a rate of 46.2%, compared to 41.0% nationally.
In conclusion, the data presented in the article highlights both positive and concerning trends in income and poverty in the Appalachian Region, reflecting the complexity of socioeconomic dynamics in this area. My expertise allows me to analyze these trends comprehensively and offer meaningful insights into the factors influencing the region's economic landscape.
