Youth in School or Working

Racial inequities lead to differences in access to school and employment for young people.

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In 2018, an average of 92.1% of youth and young adults were either in school or employed.

Photo courtesy of COO/BSK: Youth learn about career opportunities and pathways at the Diversity in Tech event at the SeaTac community center

 

From 2018-2022, 91.5% of youth and young adults in King County aged 16-24 were either employed or enrolled in school. Working or being in school may help to reinforce social connections among youth and young adults within their communities. 

  • Age: Youth between the ages of 16-18 (96.7%) were more likely to be employed or in school than young adults aged 19-24 (89.1%).  

  • Race: Black/African American (85.2%) youth and young adults were less likely than the King County average to be in school or employed. Asian (95.2%) youth and young adults were more likely to be in school or employed compared to the King County average.  

  • Place: Youth and young adults in Seattle (93.7%) were more likely to be in school or working than youth and young adults residing anywhere else in King County (90.1%). 

  • Trends: After increasing slightly from 89.4% in 2014 to 93.2% in 2016, the proportion of young people either in school or working has not changed meaningfully.

 

Notes & Sources

Source: American Community Survey, US Census Bureau

Youth or young adults ages 16-24 who were employed or enrolled in school in the last 3 months.

To learn more about the American Community Survey and view the data biography, click here.