The Upskilling of Appalachia: Earnings and the Improvement of Skill Levels, 1960 — 2000


Author(s): Dan A. Black, Kelvin M. Pollard, and Seth G. Sanders
Author Organization(s): University of Chicago, Population Reference Bureau, and University of Maryland at College Park

To what degree has the rise in overall skill levels among Appalachia’s adult population helped increase the relative prosperity of Appalachian families? This report examines the improvement of Appalachia’s economic fortunes relative to those in rest of the country since 1960—particularly among men and women of prime working age (ages 25 to 64). It also looks at the effect of various social and demographic factors on this convergence.