WASHINGTON —
People living in a group of mostly Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic U.S. states are more likely than the average American to improve their economic status. But southerners are largely falling behind, according to a study released Thursday by the Pew Center on the States.
The study, which tracked economic mobility over a 10-year period in the 50 states and the District of Columbia, found that residents of Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Utah have “better” mobility. That means their earnings were more likely to grow over time and improve relative to their peers.
Meanwhile, people living across much of the South were less likely to earn more money over time, and in some cases, more likely to see their earnings shrink. States said to have “worse” mobility, according to the study, included Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas.
A wide range of factors influence economic mobility, the study’s researchers say, including a person’s savings and assets, access to higher education and neighborhood poverty during childhood. Such factors are often shaped by policy.
“When it comes to achieving the American Dream, it matters where you live,” Erin Currier, manager of Pew’s Economic Mobility Project, said in a statement. “Understanding that mobility rates differ by state is the first step towards helping policy makers pinpoint what enhances their residents’ mobility.”
The Pew Center on the States is Stateline’s parent organization.
National News
Study finds regional differences in improving economic status
- National News
-
-
Medical examiner: 24 dead in Oklahoma twister
Emergency crews searched the broken remnants of an Oklahoma City suburb Tuesday for survivors of a massive tornado that flattened homes and demolished an elementary school.
-
SLIDESHOW: Moore, Okla. rescue and recovery
Emergency crews searched the broken remnants of an Oklahoma City suburb Tuesday for survivors of a massive tornado that flattened homes and demolished an elementary school. At least 24 people were killed, including at least nine children, and those numbers were expected to climb.
-
SLIDESHOW: Moore, Okla. tornado
A monstrous tornado at least a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow as children and teachers huddled against winds up to 200 mph. At least 37 people were killed, and officials said the death toll was expected to rise.
-
Update: Oklahoma tornado had winds up to 200 mph
The National Weather Service says the tornado that hit Moore, Okla., had wind speeds up to 200 mph.
-
Inspector General: ex-US Attorney retaliated in Fast and Furious
The U.S. Attorney in Arizona violated Justice Department policy by providing Fox News with information apparently aimed at undercutting the credibility of a federal agent who helped reveal the botched arms-trafficking probe called Operation Fast and Furious, the Justice Department’s inspector general said Monday.
-
NYPD messages to Muslim informant: ’Get pictures’
A New York Police Department detective told a federal judge that he’s seen no evidence that one of his informants brought up the subject of jihad as a way to bait Muslims into making incriminating remarks. But text messages obtained by The Associated Press show otherwise.
-
Small Florida city anxious to learn jackpot winner
It could be an anxious wait of up to two months for people in a small Florida city to find out who won the highest Powerball jackpot in history: an estimated $590.5 million.
-
Yahoo takes big leap with $1.1B deal for Tumblr
Yahoo is buying online blogging forum Tumblr for $1.1 billion as CEO Marissa Mayer tries to rejuvenate an Internet icon that had fallen behind the times.
-
American will favor passengers without roller bags
If you’re traveling light, you can board earlier on American Airlines.
-
Senate panel considers labor board nominees
Senate Republicans said Thursday they would not support five nominees to the National Labor Relations Board, raising the possibility the troubled agency could be rendered mostly inoperable later this year.
- More National News Headlines
-
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
