County Data on the State of the Economy in NC
A one-stop spot for all your local data needs. As possible, data at the county level will be posted here on a range of issues to help you document economic conditions in your community.
How do people fare where you live? New economic snapshots for all 100 counties
The economic picture of counties throughout North Carolina is clearer today with the release of our county-by-county Economic Snapshots. A quick guide to data is available for all 100 counties in North Carolina, including the numbers on:
- how many people are employed
- how many people are living in poverty
- how many people graduate from high school
- average life expectancy (by race)
- how many people have health insurance
- and many more data points about your county.
Economic Snapshots include indicators on employment, poverty and income, housing, health, education, and supports for working families—all of which come from a variety of sources. We selected indicators based on several factors including availability, reliability, and consistency.
It’s more apparent than ever that the economic reality for North Carolinians varies greatly depending on where you live and work; where you live can affect your ability to get ahead. This county-level data shows that inequality of opportunity persists across the state, and suggests that policymakers should target policies toward communities that continue to struggle and ensure that all of our communities are experiencing the benefits of growth.
Ways to Use the Snapshots
The snapshots are a way for everyday North Carolinians, advocates, service providers, and policymakers to track and evaluate important indicators of community well-being. In the past, our Economic Snapshots have been used in various ways among our partners and the public—including using the data to complete a grant to keep their organization funded, to write a blog post to lift up issues facing their communities, and to pen a letter to the editor of a local paper to lift up how policy can address gaps in economic opportunity.
Here are some other ideas to consider:
- Use the data for grant reports, strategic planning and organizational development
- Bring the information to community conversations about programing and planning for your county’s future
- Start a conversation with colleagues and neighbors about what your community faces and how public policy can help address the challenges and create opportunities
We have also created graphics about the state-level data for you to use. You can find them here. If you would like these graphics with your county-level data, please contact Brian Kennedy or Mel Umbarger .
How do you plan to use these economic snapshots? We would love to know and share how you are using this resource to complement your work and support policies that will advance positive change. Please email Brian Kennedy about your efforts—including questions—and please include your city and county in the email.
Read This Now ⇥
