2013 Opportunity Index

FireShot Screen Capture #007 - 'Opportunity Nation - The Opportunity Index measures 16 key indicators to produce an overall opportunity score and grade for all 50 states, Washington

 

The Opportunity Index was unveiled in September 2011, ranking every state and over 2,400 counties. The updated 2013 Opportunity Index, which was launched in November 2013, reflects the status of opportunity in America now and offers comparisons with the last two years.

Some new findings of the 2013 Opportunity Index were:

  • 26 states and Washington, D.C. improved their Opportunity Scores
  • Unemployment rates declined, but 49 states saw an increase of those living below the poverty line
  • 46 states experienced a drop in median household income in 2013, and income inequality increased in 39 states over three years
  • Internet access improved in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. – yet 19 million Americans still lack internet access
  • 44 states saw a decrease in violent crime

About the Opportunity Index:

Geography should not determine destiny, but the sad reality is that for many Americans where you live has tangible effects on your ability to climb the ladder of opportunity. Restoring this key part of the American dream requires action, and action requires knowing where we stand. Analysis of the quilt of economic opportunity and upward mobility in America can reveal where the American dream thrives – and where it struggles.

In order to measure community opportunity, Measure of America and Opportunity Nation jointly developed the Opportunity Index, an interactive online tool. Focusing on three key dimensions, the Opportunity Index is a unique tool designed to provide a snapshot of what opportunity looks like in our communities.

The Index is designed to connect economic, educational, civic and community factors together to help identify obstacles to opportunity and mobility – and develop concrete solutions. This tool is needed since GDP and unemployment rates do not give the whole picture of opportunity; the Index reveals the interconnected conditions in American communities that impact upward mobility and access to opportunity.

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For media and all other inquiries, contact Eric J. Henderson: eric@measureofamerica.org | (718) 517-3606.

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