New ARC Data Shows Falling Poverty, Rising Income and Education in Appalachia—but Challenges Remain

Despite economic improvements, the region still lags behind the U.S. in population growth and broadband access. Washington, D.C., August 20, 2026 – New data released today by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in the 16th annual update of The Appalachian Region: A Data Overview from the 2020–2024 American Community Survey shows key improvements in Appalachia, including a decline in poverty rates and increased income levels and educational […] The post New ARC Data Shows Falling Poverty, Rising Income and Education in Appalachia—but Challenges Remain appeared first on Appalachian Regiona