ARC-Designated Distressed Counties, FY 2005: Methodology


Distressed counties have a three-year average unemployment rate that is at least 1.5 times the U.S. average of 4.8 percent; a per capita market income that is two-thirds or less of the U.S. average of $26,309; and a poverty rate that is at least 1.5 times the U.S. average of 12.4 percent; OR they have 2 times the U.S. poverty rate and qualify on the unemployment or income indicator.

The U.S. average and the distressed county level for each indicator are as follows:

U.S. Average Distressed County
Three-Year Average Unemployment Rate (2000-2002) 4.8% 7.3% or more
Per Capita Market Income (2001) $26,309 $17,627 or less
Poverty Rate (2000) 12.4% 18.6% or more

Data Sources:
Unemployment data: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2000-2002
Income data: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2001
Poverty data: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 2000