PRB

The Opportunity

Close to 26 million Americans live in the Appalachian Region—a 205,000 square-mile area that covers portions of 12 states and all of West Virginia. The region has experienced persistent economic disparities in comparison to the rest of the nation.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) was established in 1965 as a unique federal-state partnership to strengthen Appalachia’s economy and help the 13-state region achieve economic parity with the rest of the nation. PRB analyzes data from decennial censuses, the Census Bureau’s Population Estimates program, and the American Community Survey to track trends in economic and social well-being in the region.

Our Work

PRB has developed a series of reports and chartbooks with detailed tables and maps  showing short- and long-term trends in demographics, housing, education, employment, income, poverty, and other topics vital to the current and future well-being of the Appalachian Region and its people.