Appalachian Cities at the Beginning of the Twenty-First Century

Abstract

Abstract This paper investigates the socio-demographic trends of Appalachia’s twenty-five most populous cities over the decade 2000 to 2010. Using indicators such as population and household changes, educational attainment, poverty, income, and economic sector employment, this paper examines whether Appalachian cities are participating in recent trends in America’s cities and urban life. Results show that Appalachian cities do not form a coherent subset of urban America with shared socio-demographic narratives and experiences. Instead, they display strong intra-regional divergence in several measures. This analysis contextualizes these demographic trends in Appalachia’s cities within current urban economic development strategies and discourse.