1. The Socioeconomic Impact of
Coal in the Appalachian
Region of Kentucky
Laura Oxley, MPA, JD
University of Kentucky’s Martin School of Public Policy &
Administration
4. Research Question
What is the socioeconomic impact of coal in Eastern
Kentucky?
Measure
Median Household Income
Poverty
Age-adjusted Mortality
5. Background
Past studies show a relationship between coal mining
and socioeconomic standing in Appalachia by way of:
Mortality
Poverty & Unemployment
Health
Education
8. Results: Median Income
Fixed Effects Model
Median Income Coef. Std. Error P value
Coal Mining
Percent
-152.31 70.24 0.031
*For example, in Harlan County that is 95 additional jobs
9. Results: Poverty Rates
Between Effects Model
Poverty Rate Coef. Std. error P Value
Coal Mining
Percent
.003 .00086 0.001
For Example, in Pike County, an additional 118 mining jobs could
increase the number of people living in poverty by 4
10. Results: Age-Adjusted Mortality
Between Effects Model
Age-Adjusted
Mortality
Coef. Std. error P Value
Coal Mining
Percent
9.57 1.7600 0.000
For example, in Perry County, 103 additional jobs could increase
mortality by 9