Percentage of adults over age 25 with a high school diploma or equivalent
Adult education levels are closely related to individual economic opportunity, financial stability, and even health. Education levels are also a factor in business location and expansion decisions, as they indicate both the qualifications of the workforce and the potential market for certain goods and services. Educational attainment varies widely by age, family income, and race and ethnicity. At the neighborhood level, differences in educational attainment can persist across generations, as children living in neighborhoods with high adult educational attainment tend to have greater exposure to the world of work and higher expectations for their own education and employment prospects.
The percentage of adults in Mecklenburg County without a high school diploma or equivalent was 10% in 2019, down from 12% in 2010. Typical of urban areas, Mecklenburg County's percentage is slightly lower than North Carolina (14%) and the United States (13%).
Note: In order to make equal comparisons to the smaller areas, the values for Mecklenburg County, North Carolina and the United States in the previous paragraph are also from the American Community Survey 5-Year estimates. While more current 1-year estimates are available for the larger areas, it is important to use the most precise and most comparable 5-year estimates. Click here to learn more on the difference between 1-and 5-year estimates.
The unemployment rate drops significantly for each level of education attained. Nationally, the unemployment rate in 2015 was 8% for those without a high school diploma; 3.8% for those with an Associate's degree; and 2.8% for those with a Bachelor's degree or higher.
The number of people age 25 or older with a high school diploma or equivalent divided by the total number of people age 25 or older.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey. The Census collects ACS data from only a small sample of households every month. For reliable small-area estimates, the Census compiles five years of ACS data, which are used in the Quality of Life Explorer. ACS 5-Year Estimates: Table B15003
| Resource | Learn More and Take Action |
|---|---|
| GED Prep | CPCC offers classes to prepare people to take the General Educational Development test. |
| Fill My Cup | Helping individuals reach their full potential by offering adult literacy, adult basic education, GED preparation, and life skills. |
| Urban League of Central Carolinas | Programs designed to provide economic empowerment and educational opportunities for those in need of help. |
| Goodwill Industries | Career development services and employment skills training to help prepare individuals for the world of work. |
| Education Statistics | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report on employment status by education level. |