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The release of the 2013-2014 Opportunity Index findings show positive trends overall, with a modest improvement in the average opportunity score of 2.6 percent since 2010. Other significant highlights include: 26 states and Washington, DC improved their opportunity scores, a decline in the unemployment rate nationwide, increased access to internet in all 50 states and Washington, DC, and a decrease in violent crime in 44 states. However, only two states, Connecticut and New Mexico, saw statistically significant declines in their opportunity scores between 2011 and 2013. Most states improved or maintained their scores in the “jobs and local economy” and “education” categories, while the weakest progress was found within the “community health” and “civic life” categories.

Overall, states with the highest scores have demonstrated strong investments in their residents through education and job attainment and have maintained a strong commitment to improving opportunity for all.

 Among state rankings:

• In opportunity score, Vermont ranked highest at 65.9, while Nevada ranked lowest at 37.9
• In economy, North Dakota ranked highest at 64.86, while Mississippi ranked lowest at 37.47
• In education, New Jersey ranked highest at 63.39, while Nevada ranked lowest at 25.91
• In community, Vermont ranked highest at 74.88, while Nevada ranked lowest at 42.81

 The District of Columbia experienced the most significant changes in terms of positive growth in jobs and local economy and education. DC experienced consistent improvements in variables within these categories, including an increase in wages and a significant improvement of 3.9 percent in preschool attendance. Most importantly, DC experienced a decrease in income inequality over the past three years and is the only state to do so. Additionally, DC demonstrated a 4.2 percent increase in the percentage of the population with an associate’s degree or higher, which is almost double the increase of any other state. One notable finding in DC however, shows that the percentage of 3 and 4-year olds enrolled in preschool is greater than the percentage of students who graduate high school in four years.

 The Opportunity Index provides policymakers and community leaders with information to advance opportunity-related issues, to advocate for positive change, and to track progress over time. It allows policymakers and leaders to identify areas for improvement and to gauge progress over time. Developed by Measure of America and Opportunity Nation, the Opportunity Index was created in an effort to redefine the national conversation regarding the definition of “opportunity” and the American Dream.

 Additionally, the Index highlights the increasing importance of geography and its impact on individual opportunity as it relates to poverty and mobility. The general consensus maintains that through hard work and ambition, anyone can succeed in the United States and obtain the American dream. However, the opportunity index demonstrates why that is no longer the case. “Personal responsibility” is weighing in at a smaller amount than it used to. Enrolling in college or finding a job can be difficult if there are no affordable colleges or available jobs nearby. Increasingly, a person’s zip code can predetermine opportunity and success, and the index is a step towards proving that it shouldn’t have to. 

 For a more in-depth analysis of the findings, please click here.