This map shows ARC’s economic classification of the 423 counties in the Appalachian Region for FY 2023 (October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023).
The Appalachian Regional Commission uses an index-based county economic classification system to identify and monitor the economic status of Appalachian counties. See the methodology for a description of each economic level.
In fiscal year 2023, 82 counties are classified as distressed, 109 are classified as at-risk, 218 are classified as transitional, 10 are classified as competitive, and 4 are classified as attainment. The current number of distressed counties is the fourth-lowest count since pre-recession in 2007. For a list of county classifications, see the downloadable Excel file.
Related Links