Description of Indicator
This indicator examines the post-high school educational attainment of the region’s population. It includes the percentages of populations aged 25 and older with associate’s and bachelor’s degrees or higher.
Why is it important?
Though it should not serve as a singular measure of success, educational attainment is an important indicator of an economy’s strength or wealth. Tracking the number of degrees, apprenticeships, certifications, and credentials acquired in a community helps inform projections relative to a region’s career pipeline and job market trends. Education is a driving force behind health and well-being, employment and earning potential, and overall quality of life.
How is the region performing?
The share of people with associate’s degrees in the region is on par with the Commonwealth’s measure and surpasses it slightly in all three counties. Overall, associate’s degree attainment has remained steady. The share of individuals with a bachelor’s degree dropped significantly across all three counties and the state between 2022 and 2023; these shares have fallen below proportions seen in 2000.