What’s measured This indicator looks at the percentage of the working-age population (age 25 and older) with a bachelor’s degree or higher. This is calculated using 1990 and 2000 data from the U.S. Census. Estimates for ten of the region’s counties are available from the American Community Survey of the U.S. Census for 2005 (not included in that survey are Anson, Chester, Lancaster and Stanly counties). Why we measure it As the economy transitions away from manufacturing, the level of education in the working population will be critical to participating in emerging economic sectors, improving income levels and maintaining overall competitiveness. Indicator results: The region’s percentage of college-educated working adults (age 25 and older) rose from 17.2 percent in 1990 to 23.2 percent in 2000. This moved the region much closer to the national average (which rose from 20.3 percent in 1990 to 24.4 percent in 2000). Estimates from 2005 are only available for 10 of the 14 counties in the region. For those 10 counties, the average has risen to 27.1 percent, just under the U.S. estimate of 27.2 percent for 2005. Evaluation Levels of education in the working population are moving in a positive direction. However, except for Mecklenburg, counties in the region are all below the national average. Trend data from the last two censuses, as well as mid-decade numbers just becoming available, indicate that the fastest-growing counties are growing in college-educated population at a much faster rate than the country at large. Combined with the large percentage of population growth attributable to in-migration, this suggests migrants into the region tend to be better educated than the existing population of the region. Connections This indicator describes an important factor in the region’s competitiveness on national and international fronts. The level of education in the working population correlates with growth and types of jobs within a local economy. A strong link between education and income also means this indicator affects standard of living, health and other community concerns, such as support for the arts. |