Appalachia is a distinctive region in the United States, characterized by its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and unique socio-economic landscape. But Where Is Appalachia exactly? Geographically, Appalachia encompasses a vast area of approximately 206,000 square miles, stretching across 13 states from Southern New York all the way to Northern Mississippi. This expansive region includes 423 counties and is home to around 26.4 million residents.
Delving deeper into the geographical boundaries, Appalachia includes parts of:
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- And the entirety of West Virginia.
This widespread area highlights the diverse nature of Appalachia, encompassing varied terrains, communities, and economies. To visualize this region more clearly, exploring a map of Appalachia is incredibly helpful.
Beyond its state and county divisions, Appalachia is further divided into subregions, each with its own distinct characteristics and developmental needs. These subregions are important for understanding the nuances within Appalachia.
Learn More About Subregions
Appalachia: A Region Shaped by Time and Investment
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) was established in 1965 to address the unique challenges and opportunities within this region. Since its inception, ARC has been instrumental in driving economic development in Appalachia. Over the years, ARC has invested over $6 billion in more than 34,000 projects, which has been matched by an impressive $12 billion from other federal, state, and local sources.
While Appalachia has witnessed significant progress since 1965, particularly in areas like poverty reduction, income growth, and high school graduation rates, disparities still persist when compared to the rest of the United States. Ongoing efforts are crucial to help Appalachia overcome economic disruptions, combat the substance use disorder crisis, and attract further private sector investment to ensure continued growth and prosperity.
Share of Population 25 Years and Over with a Bachelor’s Degree or More
Percent Population in Poverty
Per Capita Personal Income 2022 Dollars
The Appalachian Chartbook: Data-Driven Insights
For those seeking detailed data and comprehensive insights into the Appalachian region, “The Chartbook” is an invaluable resource. Formally titled The Appalachian Region: A Data Overview from the 2018-2022 American Community Survey, this report draws upon the most recent American Community Survey data and Census Population Estimates. It provides over 300,000 data points covering various aspects of Appalachia, including demographics, income, employment, education, computer access, and housing. Data is presented at regional, subregional, state, and county levels, offering a granular understanding of the region.
Learn More
Exploring Appalachia State by State
To further understand the diverse tapestry of Appalachia, exploring each state within the region is essential. The Appalachian Regional Commission provides resources and information specific to each of the 13 Appalachian states. This includes contact details, research, and data relevant to each state’s unique context within Appalachia.
Select a State
Appalachian Counties: The Local Level
Zooming in further, Appalachia is composed of 423 counties, each contributing to the region’s overall character. Examining the list of Appalachian counties offers a more granular view of the region’s geographical distribution and allows for a deeper understanding of local communities.
Learn More
Economic Status Across Appalachian Counties
The economic landscape within Appalachia is varied, and the Appalachian Regional Commission annually classifies each of the 423 counties based on their economic status. This classification system uses an index-based approach to identify economic distress levels across the region. These designations are critical for understanding economic trends and guide ARC’s grantmaking and investment strategies, ensuring resources are directed where they are most needed.
Learn More
Tribal Communities: An Integral Part of Appalachia
Appalachia’s rich heritage also includes a vibrant Native American presence. The region is home to three federally recognized and five state-recognized Native American tribal communities. Understanding and acknowledging these tribal entities is crucial for a complete picture of Appalachia’s diverse cultural fabric.
Learn More
Congressional Representation in Appalachia
Politically, Appalachia is represented by 26 U.S. Senators and 61 members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Understanding the congressional districts within Appalachia sheds light on the region’s political voice and representation at the national level.
Learn More
Local Development Districts: Driving Regional Growth
Local development districts (LDDs) play a vital role in fostering community-based economic development within Appalachia. These multi-county planning organizations, also known as area development districts (ADDs) or councils of governments (COGs), facilitate regional collaboration and strategic planning. With 74 LDDs operating within Appalachia, they are key drivers of regionally-focused economic progress.
Learn more
In conclusion, where is Appalachia? It’s a vast and multifaceted region extending across 13 states in the eastern United States. From the counties and states that comprise it, to its rich history and diverse communities, Appalachia is a region worthy of exploration and understanding. Resources from the Appalachian Regional Commission offer a wealth of information for anyone seeking to learn more about this unique and important part of America.
