Research, Evaluations, Maps and Data

ARC’s economists, mapping specialists, evaluators and data analysts regularly publish research reports and maps, as well as maintain an updated county-specific searchable data report tool. Research reports address critical socioeconomic issues impacting the Appalachian Region, while evaluations assess ARC’s own investment portfolios. ARC’s research and data helps policymakers and our regional partners better understand Appalachia’s challenges and make informed, effective decisions to address them. These publications also provide valid data for external researchers who are studying Appalachia.

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ARC's Fiscal Year runs September 30 - October 1, and is named for the calendar year in which it closes. County Economic Status maps, investment data, and budget and performance documents are categorized by Fiscal Year.

Other ARC content, including research reports, evaluations and news updates, fall into the January 1- December 31 calendar year.

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Appalachian Development Highway System 2025 Cost-to-Complete Estimate

In cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration and the state departments of transportation (DOTs), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) regularly updates the cost-to-complete estimates for the unfinished Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) corridors. The 2025 ADHS cost-to-complete estimate is $15.2 billion (in 2025 dollars). In addition, state DOTs have expended…

Transportation Access in Appalachia – Maryland DOT Pilot Implementation Project

Author(s): Saumya Jain, Eric Lind, Andrew Owen, and Shirley Shiqin Liu  Author Organization(s): Accessibility Observatory, University of Minnesota   This research report, commissioned by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and led by the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration, explores transportation accessibility within the Appalachian Region. Building upon the foundational insights provided by…
Photo of highway in Haywood County, Tennessee

Traffic Safety in Appalachia

This research report, commissioned by the Appalachian Regional Commission, seeks to define the traffic safety culture in Appalachia and discusses the causes of the common safety problems in the Region. Drivers in Appalachia must contend with environmental concerns, including expansive rural regions, mountainous and curved terrain, and dense forests exposed…

Public Transportation in Appalachia – Inventory and Assessment

This research report, commissioned by the Appalachian Regional Commission, documents the extent to which existing transit services are adequately creating or enhancing access for disadvantaged populations in Appalachia, particularly those in rural Appalachia. The report also documents current best transportation practices across the Region and explores how transportation intersects with…
Appalachian Development Highlight System Corridor 8, Near Norton, VA

Access in Appalachia

This study, commissioned by the Appalachian Regional Commission, analyzes how transportation options, and lack thereof, can impact economic development and access to services across the Region. The report understands transportation accessibility as the ability of people and businesses to access desired and needed activities, services, and goods within existing transportation…