Peer regions were chosen for their comparable size and composition. These same regions have been used for comparison in multiple other studies and reports.
Source: U.S. Cenus Bureau, 2016 American Community Survey PUMS Microdata 1-Year Estimates
Why It's Important
Opportunity Youth are defined as 16-24-year-olds who are unemployed or not in the labor, and not enrolled in school. As this demographic makes up a portion of our workforce, a decrease in OY will lead to a better economy.