Population Loss Counties

Population loss counties are those where the number of county residents declined between the 1990 and 2000 censuses and also between the 2000 and 2010 censuses.

Farming Dependent Counties

Farming dependent counties are those where 25% or more of the county’s average annual labor and proprietors’ earning were derived from farming, or 16% or more of jobs were in farming, as measured by 2010-12 Bureau of Economic Analysis, Local Area Personal Income and Employment data.

Retirement Destination Counties

Retirement destination counties are those where the number of residents age 60 and older grew by 15% or more between the 2000 and 2010 censuses due to net migration.

Persistent Child Poverty Counties

Persistent child poverty counties are those where 20% or more of county related children under 18 were poor, measured in the 1980, 1990, 2000 censuses, and the 2007-11 American Community Survey.

Low Employment Counties

Low employment counties are those where less than 65% of county residents age 25-64 were not employed, determined by the American Community Survey 5 Year average data for 2008-12.

Government Dependent Counties

Government dependent counties are those where 14% or more of the county’s average annual labor and proprietors’ earning were derived from federal or state government, or 9% or more of jobs were in federal or state government, as measured by 2010-12 Bureau of Economic Analysis, Local Area Personal Income and Employment data.

Low Education Counties

Low education counties are those where 20% or more of county residents age 25-64 did not have a high school diploma or equivalent, determined by the American Community Survey 5 Year average data for 2008-12.

Opportunity Index Score

The Opportunity Index is a composite measure that draws upon important economic, educational, health, and community-related indicators of opportunity. The Index was launched in 2011 and has since been updated regularly. It provides insight into the multidimensional nature of opportunity in the United States. The indicators are broken down geographically to measure opportunity for individual states and counties, as well as aid policymakers and other stakeholders as they work to increase opportunity in our nation

Gross Domestic Product

This layer displays the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) produced within each U.S. county and the percent change in GDP from the previous year. GDP is the monetary value of all the goods and service produced within a county and is a measure of economic activity. The growth rate of GDP is the most popular indicator of overall economic health.

Residential Vacancies – 2020 Q4

This layer displays residential vacancy rates and total residential vacancies in census tracts across the United States. Vacancy rates are reported quarterly.