In 2021, about 37.7 percent of the U.S. population who were aged 25 and above had graduated from college or another higher education institution, a slight decline from 37.9 the previous year. However, this is a significant increase from 1960, when only 7.7 percent of the U.S. population had graduated from college.

Demographics

Educational attainment varies by gender, location, race, and age throughout the United States. Asian-American and Pacific Islanders had the highest level of education, on average, while Massachusetts and the District of Colombia are areas home to the highest rates of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher. However, education levels are correlated with wealth. While public education is free up until the 12th grade, the cost of university is out of reach for many Americans, making social mobility increasingly difficult.

Earnings

White Americans with a professional degree earned the most money on average, compared to other educational levels and races. However, regardless of educational attainment, males typically earned far more on average compared to females. Despite the decreasing wage gap over the years in the country, it remains an issue to this day. Not only is there a large wage gap between males and females, but there is also a large income gap linked to race as well.

School enrollment data are used to assess the socioeconomic condition of school-age children. Government agencies also require these data for funding allocations and program planning and implementation.

Data on school enrollment and grade or level attending were derived from answers to Question 10 in the 2015 American Community Survey (ACS). People were classified as enrolled in school if they were attending a public or private school or college at any time during the 3 months prior to the time of interview. The question included instructions to “include only nursery or preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, home school, and schooling which leads to a high school diploma, or a college degree.” Respondents who did not answer the enrollment question were assigned the enrollment status and type of school of a person with the same age, sex, race, and Hispanic or Latino origin whose residence was in the same or nearby area.

School enrollment is only recorded if the schooling advances a person toward an elementary school certificate, a high school diploma, or a college, university, or professional school (such as law or medicine) degree. Tutoring or correspondence schools are included if credit can be obtained from a public or private school or college. People enrolled in “vocational, technical, or business school” such as post secondary vocational, trade, hospital school, and on job training were not reported as enrolled in school. Field interviewers were instructed to classify individuals who were home schooled as enrolled in private school. The guide sent out with the mail questionnaire includes instructions for how to classify home schoolers.

Enrolled in Public and Private School – Includes people who attended school in the reference period and indicated they were enrolled by marking one of the questionnaire categories for “public school, public college,” or “private school, private college, home school.” The instruction guide defines a public school as “any school or college controlled and supported primarily by a local, county, state, or federal government.” Private schools are defined as schools supported and controlled primarily by religious organizations or other private groups. Home schools are defined as “parental-guided education outside of public or private school for grades 1-12.” Respondents who marked both the “public” and “private” boxes are edited to the first entry, “public.”

Grade in Which Enrolled – From 1999-2007, in the ACS, people reported to be enrolled in “public school, public college” or “private school, private college” were classified by grade or level according to responses to Question 10b, “What grade or level was this person attending?” Seven levels were identified: “nursery school, preschool;” “kindergarten;” elementary “grade 1 to grade 4” or “grade 5 to grade 8;” high school “grade 9 to grade 12;” “college undergraduate years (freshman to senior);” and “graduate or professional school (for example: medical, dental, or law school).”

In 2008, the school enrollment questions had several changes. “Home school” was explicitly included in the “private school, private college” category. For question 10b the categories changed to the following “Nursery school, preschool,” “Kindergarten,” “Grade 1 through grade 12,” “College undergraduate years (freshman to senior),” “Graduate or professional school beyond a bachelor’s degree (for example: MA or PhD program, or medical or law school).” The survey question allowed a write-in for the grades enrolled from 1-12.

Question/Concept History – Since 1999, the ACS enrollment status question (Question 10a) refers to “regular school or college,” while the 1996-1998 ACS did not restrict reporting to “regular” school, and contained an additional category for the “vocational, technical or business school.” The 1996-1998 ACS used the educational attainment question to estimate level of enrollment for those reported to be enrolled in school, and had a single year write-in for the attainment of grades 1 through 11. Grade levels estimated using the attainment question were not consistent with other estimates, so a new question specifically asking grade or level of enrollment was added starting with the 1999 ACS questionnaire.

Limitation of the Data – Beginning in 2006, the population universe in the ACS includes people living in group quarters. Data users may see slight differences in levels of school enrollment in any given geographic area due to the inclusion of this population. The extent of this difference, if any, depends on the type of group quarters present and whether the group quarters population makes up a large proportion of the total population. For example, in areas that are home to several colleges and universities, the percent of individuals 18 to 24 who were enrolled in college or graduate school would increase, as people living in college dormitories are now included in the universe.

The New York State calculation method was first adopted for the Cohort of 2001 (Class 2005). The cohort consists of al students who first entered 9th grade in a given school year (e.g., the cohort of 2006 entered 9th grade in 2006-2007 school year). Graduates are defined as those students earning either a local or regents diploma and exclude those earning either a special education (IEP) diploma for GED. "The NYSED defined English/Math Aspirational Performance Measure (APM) is the ercentage of students that after their fourth year in high school have met NYSED standards: Graduated by August with a Regents or Local diploma, AND Earned a 75 or higher on the English Regents, AND Earned an 80 or higher on one Math Regents." In order to comply with FERPA regulations on public reporting of education outcomes, rows with a cohort of 20 or fewer students are suppressed. Due to small number of students identified as Native American or Multi-Racial these ethnicities are not reported on the Ethnicity tab, however these students are included in the counts on all other tabs.

Our Demographics package in the USA offers data pertaining to the education of residents of the United States of America at Census Block Level. Each data variable is available as a sum, or as a percentage of the total population within each selected area.

What is included?

At the Census Block level, this dataset includes some of the following key features:

Highest Educational Attainment

• High-school Diploma
• College - No Degree
• GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree
• Professional School Degree

Schooling In Child Population

• No Schooling
• Nursery School
• Kindergarten
• Primary School

Bachelor's Degree Attained

• Arts/Humanities/Other
• Business
• Education
• Science/Engineering

• • Highest Educational Attainment: Marketers can use this data to tailor their campaigns based on the level of education achieved by their target audience. For instance, educational institutions may focus on promoting advanced degree programs to individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher, while brands offering products related to skill development might target those with a high-school diploma or college degree.
  • Schooling In Child Population: This data provides insights into the educational stages of the child population, allowing marketers to customize their strategies. For example, companies specializing in children's products can create targeted promotions for specific age groups, such as educational toys for those in nursery or kindergarten.
  • Bachelor's Degree Attained: Marketers can leverage this information to tailor campaigns based on the specific field of study for individuals with a bachelor's degree. For instance, businesses offering services aligned with certain disciplines, like technology or the arts, can refine their messaging to appeal to the interests and preferences associated with each academic field.

• This demographic data is typically available at the census block level. These blocks are smaller, more detailed units designed for statistical purposes, enabling a more precise analysis of population, housing, and demographic data. Census blocks may vary in size and shape but are generally more localized compared to ZIP codes.

  Still looking for demographic data at the postal code level? Contact sales.

• There are numerous other census data datasets available for the United States, covering a wide range of demographics. These include information on:

  • Commuting
  • Educational Attainment
  • Employment
  • Families
  • Finance
  • Housing

This statistic reports the percentages of Alberta students in public, separate, francophone, charter, and accredited private schools who, within three and five years of entering Grade 10, completed high school (2011-2012 to 2015-2016). The high school completion rate reports the percentages of Alberta students in public, separate, francophone, charter, and accredited private schools who, within three and five years of entering Grade 10, received an Alberta High School Diploma; an Alberta High School Equivalency Diploma (GED); a Certificate of High School Achievement for completing Knowledge and Employability courses and the certificate requirements; entered an Alberta post-secondary program or an apprenticeship program; or earned credits in five Grade 12 courses, including one language arts diploma examination course and three other diploma examination courses.

U.S. citizens with a professional degree had the highest median household income in 2023, at 172,100 U.S. dollars. In comparison, those with less than a 9th grade education made significantly less money, at 35,690 U.S. dollars. Household income The median household income in the United States has fluctuated since 1990, but rose to around 70,000 U.S. dollars in 2021. Maryland had the highest median household income in the United States in 2021. Maryland’s high levels of wealth is due to several reasons, and includes the state's proximity to the nation's capital. Household income and ethnicity The median income of white non-Hispanic households in the United States had been on the rise since 1990, but declining since 2019. While income has also been on the rise, the median income of Hispanic households was much lower than those of white, non-Hispanic private households. However, the median income of Black households is even lower than Hispanic households. Income inequality is a problem without an easy solution in the United States, especially since ethnicity is a contributing factor. Systemic racism contributes to the non-White population suffering from income inequality, which causes the opportunity for growth to stagnate.

Data SourcesAmerican Community Survey (ACS):Conducted by: U.S. Census BureauDescription: The ACS is an ongoing survey that provides detailed demographic and socio-economic data on the population and housing characteristics of the United States.Content: The survey collects information on various topics such as income, education, employment, health insurance coverage, and housing costs and conditions.Frequency: The ACS offers more frequent and up-to-date information compared to the decennial census, with annual estimates produced based on a rolling sample of households.Purpose: ACS data is essential for policymakers, researchers, and communities to make informed decisions and address the evolving needs of the population.CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index (SVI):Created by: ATSDR’s Geospatial Research, Analysis & Services Program (GRASP)Utilized by: CDCDescription: The SVI is designed to identify and map communities that are most likely to need support before, during, and after hazardous events.Content: SVI ranks U.S. Census tracts based on 15 social factors, including unemployment, minority status, and disability, and groups them into four related themes. Each tract receives rankings for each Census variable and for each theme, as well as an overall ranking, indicating its relative vulnerability.Purpose: SVI data provides insights into the social vulnerability of communities at the census tract level, helping public health officials and emergency response planners allocate resources effectively.Utilization and IntegrationBy integrating data from both the ACS and the SVI, this dataset enables an in-depth analysis and understanding of various socio-economic and demographic indicators at the census tract level. This integrated data is valuable for research, policymaking, and community planning purposes, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of social and economic dynamics across different geographical areas in the United States.ApplicationsLocalized Interventions: Facilitates the development of localized interventions to address the needs of vulnerable populations within specific census tracts.Resource Allocation: Assists emergency response planners in allocating resources more effectively based on community vulnerability at the census tract level.Research: Provides a detailed dataset for academic and applied research in socio-economic and demographic studies at a granular census tract level.Community Planning: Supports the planning and development of community programs and initiatives aimed at improving living conditions and reducing vulnerabilities within specific census tract areas.Note: Due to limitations in the data environment, variable names may be truncated. Refer to the provided table for a clear understanding of the variables.CSV Variable NameShapefile Variable NameDescriptionStateNameStateNameName of the stateStateFipsStateFipsState-level FIPS codeState nameStateNameName of the stateCountyNameCountyNameName of the countyCensusFipsCensusFipsCounty-level FIPS codeState abbreviationStateFipsState abbreviationCountyFipsCountyFipsCounty-level FIPS codeCensusFipsCensusFipsCounty-level FIPS codeCounty nameCountyNameName of the countyAREA_SQMIAREA_SQMITract area in square milesE_TOTPOPE_TOTPOPPopulation estimates, 2014-2018 ACSEP_POVEP_POVPercentage of persons below poverty estimateEP_UNEMPEP_UNEMPUnemployment Rate estimateEP_HBURDEP_HBURDHousing cost burdened occupied housing units with annual income less than $75,000EP_UNINSUREP_UNINSURUninsured in the total civilian noninstitutionalized population estimate, 2014-2018 ACSEP_PCIEP_PCIPer capita income estimate, 2014-2018 ACSEP_DISABLEP_DISABLPercentage of civilian noninstitutionalized population with a disability estimate, 2014-2018 ACSEP_SNGPNTEP_SNGPNTPercentage of single parent households with children under 18 estimate, 2014-2018 ACSEP_MINRTYEP_MINRTYPercentage minority (all persons except white, non-Hispanic) estimate, 2014-2018 ACSEP_LIMENGEP_LIMENGPercentage of persons (age 5+) who speak English "less than well" estimate, 2014-2018 ACSEP_MUNITEP_MUNITPercentage of housing in structures with 10 or more units estimateEP_MOBILEEP_MOBILEPercentage of mobile homes estimateEP_CROWDEP_CROWDPercentage of occupied housing units with more people than rooms estimateEP_NOVEHEP_NOVEHPercentage of households with no vehicle available estimateEP_GROUPQEP_GROUPQPercentage of persons in group quarters estimate, 2014-2018 ACSBelow_5_yrBelow_5_yrUnder 5 years: Percentage of Total populationBelow_18_yrBelow_18_yrUnder 18 years: Percentage of Total population18-39_yr18_39_yr18-39 years: Percentage of Total population40-64_yr40_64_yr40-64 years: Percentage of Total populationAbove_65_yrAbove_65_yrAbove 65 years: Percentage of Total populationPop_malePop_malePercentage of total population malePop_femalePop_femalePercentage of total population femaleWhitewhitePercentage population of white aloneBlackblackPercentage population of black or African American aloneAmerican_indianamerican_iPercentage population of American Indian and Alaska native aloneAsianasianPercentage population of Asian aloneHawaiian_pacific_islanderhawaiian_pPercentage population of Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander aloneSome_othersome_otherPercentage population of some other race aloneMedian_tot_householdsmedian_totMedian household income in the past 12 months (in 2019 inflation-adjusted dollars) by household size – total householdsLess_than_high_schoolLess_than_Percentage of Educational attainment for the population less than 9th grades and 9th to 12th grade, no diploma estimateHigh_schoolHigh_schooPercentage of Educational attainment for the population of High school graduate (includes equivalency)Some_collegeSome_collePercentage of Educational attainment for the population of Some college, no degreeAssociates_degreeAssociatesPercentage of Educational attainment for the population of associate degreeBachelor’s_degreeBachelor_sPercentage of Educational attainment for the population of Bachelor’s degreeMaster’s_degreeMaster_s_dPercentage of Educational attainment for the population of Graduate or professional degreecomp_devicescomp_devicPercentage of Household having one or more types of computing devicesInternetInternetPercentage of Household with an Internet subscriptionBroadbandBroadbandPercentage of Household having Broadband of any typeSatelite_internetSatelite_iPercentage of Household having Satellite Internet serviceNo_internetNo_internePercentage of Household having No Internet accessNo_computerNo_computePercentage of Household having No computer

Community resilience describes the capacity of individuals and households within a community to absorb a disaster’s external stressors. The standard Community Resilience Estimates (CRE) measures a community’s social vulnerability to natural disasters. However, the social vulnerabilities to extreme heat exposure differ from other natural disasters. As a result, the CRE Team created a new set of estimates called the Community Resilience Estimates for Heat (CRE for Heat).The CRE for Heat is an experimental data product from the U.S. Census Bureau. Experimental data products are innovative statistical products created using new data sources or methodologies that benefit data users in the absence of other relevant products. The Census Bureau is seeking feedback from data users and stakeholders on the quality and usefulness of these new products.In collaboration with Arizona State University’s Knowledge Exchange for Resilience (KER), the CRE Team produced the 2022 CRE for Heat using data on individuals and households. The data sources include the 2022 American Community Survey (ACS), the Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Program (PEP), and the 2020 Census. Based on feedback from data users, the CRE for Heat contains a new component of social vulnerability, “Households that potentially lack air conditioning”. This component of social vulnerability was created using data from the 2021 American Housing Survey, machine learning techniques, and auxiliary data. More information about this is found in the CRE for Heat Quick Guide.Local planners, policymakers, public health officials, and community stakeholders can use the CRE for Heat to assess their community’s vulnerability to extreme heat and plan cooling and intervention strategies. WHAT’S NEWComponents of Social Vulnerability (SV)The CRE adjusted terminology from “risk factors” to “components of social vulnerability” after discussions with stakeholders such as emergency managers and urban planners. In these fields, “risk” refers to the likelihood a disaster or event will occur. “Vulnerabilities” refer to the conditions people experience which may compound the impact of a disaster.The CRE Program is committed to providing a data product that is understandable and meets the needs of its users. To better explain the purpose of the estimates and how they were developed, the language was adjusted.“Components” highlights the combination of factors that define social vulnerability. “Social vulnerability” refers to the characteristics that could impede a community’s ability to deal with disasters and external stressors. The results of this assessment form the basis of a community’s Community Resilience Estimate.Extreme Heat ExposureThe CRE for Heat 2022 estimates contain an additional measure of exposure to extreme heat (PRED3EXP). Not all socially vulnerable communities are equally exposed to extreme heat. Pairing the CRE for Heat estimates with heat exposure data provides a more comprehensive look at social vulnerability to heat. In the 2022 CRE for Heat dataset, an area is considered exposed to extreme heat if it meets one of two criteria. The two heat exposure criteria are:Areas where the maximum air temperature has reached or exceeded 90 degrees Fahrenheit for two or more days in a row during 2022.Areas where estimated wet bulb temperature has reached or exceeded 80 degrees at any time during 2022.On the county and tract level files, these exposure variables are available as LONG_90_DAY and MAX_WBT.On the state and national file, the exposure variable, PRED3EXP_E, measures the estimated number of individuals with three plus components of social vulnerability who also live in a county exposed to an extreme heat event in 2022. Similarly, PREDEXP_PE, measures the rate of individuals with three plus components of social vulnerability who also live in a county exposed to an extreme heat event in 2022. These variables, and their accompanying margins of error, are available on the national and state files.Components of Social VulnerabilityComponents of Social Vulnerability (SV) for Households (HH) and Individuals (I)SV 1: Financial hardship defined as: Income-to-Poverty Ratio (IPR) < 130 percent (HH) or50% < for housing/rental costs (HH). SV 2: Single or zero caregiver household - only one or no individuals living in the household who are 18-64 (HH).SV 3: Housing quality described as:Unit-level crowding with > 0.75 persons per room (HH) orLive in mobile home, boat, RV, Van, or other (HH). SV 4: Communication barrier defined as either:Limited English-speaking households (HH) or No one in the household has a high school diploma (HH). SV 5: No one in the household is employed full-time, year-round. The flag is not applied if all residents of the household are aged 65 years or older (HH).SV 6: Disability posing constraint to significant life activity. Persons who report having any one of the six disability types (I): hearing difficulty, vision difficulty, cognitive difficulty, ambulatory difficulty, self-care difficulty, and independent living difficulty. SV 7: No health insurance coverage (I). SV 8: Being aged 65 years or older (I). SV 9: Transportation exposure described as:No vehicle access (HH) orWork commuting methods with increased exposure to heat (e.g., public transportation, bicycle, walking) (I). SV 10: Households without broadband Internet access (HH). SV 11: Households that potentially lack air conditioning (HH).