The United States Census Bureau released a new data tool in early October called The Opportunity Atlas, which interactively shows the outcomes of individuals based on where they are born. The tool uses data from individuals born between 1978 and 1983, then shows how they did later in life in categories such as income, educational attainment, incarceration rate, and mobility among others.
Data for Columbia County reveals a number of interesting trends over time for those born here. Those born in Columbia County during the time period studied now have a median income of about $47,000, which is slightly higher than the national average of $47,000. The highest current median income belongs to those born in Kinderhook at $62,000, with the lowest being those born in northern Hudson at about $30,000.
The tool also shows significant differences in outcomes for children that grow up in low-income families versus those that grow up in high-income families. Current household income for those that grew up in Columbia County in the bottom quartile of income current have a median income of $33,000, while those that grew up in the top quartile have a current median income of $56,000.
The interactive data tool can be accessed by entering – Columbia County, NY – in the search bar at www.opportunityatlas.org.