Population Growth and Distribution in Appalachia: New Realities

Using data from the decennial census and selected other sources, this report examines Appalachia's population trends between 1990 and 2000. While the principal focus is on developments since 1990, the report also looks at the historical trends that helped shape current developments. This study compares Appalachia to the rest of the United States, and changes within the three major subregions, the 13 states that are part of the official Appalachian region, counties at different levels of economic development, and urban and rural Appalachia. Finally, the report examines the impact of natural increase and net migration on the Region, and look at what might lie ahead for Appalachia's demographics beyond 2000.