GITNUXREPORT 2026

High School Drop Out Statistics

While improving nationally, high school dropout rates remain troublingly high and unequal across groups.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Poverty is the leading cause, with 70% of dropouts from low-income families.

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Teen pregnancy accounts for 15% of female dropouts annually.

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Suspension/expulsion precedes 25% of dropouts per NCES data.

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Lack of engagement/boredom cited by 45% of dropouts in surveys.

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Family obligations (work/caregiving) cause 20% of dropouts.

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Mental health issues contribute to 18% of high school dropouts.

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Bullying/harassment leads to dropout in 12% of cases per GLSEN.

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Transportation barriers affect 10% of rural dropouts.

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Substance abuse correlates with 14% higher dropout likelihood.

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Academic failure (F's in core subjects) causes 35% of dropouts.

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Mobility (school changes) increases dropout risk by 25%.

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Overcrowded classrooms correlate with 18% higher dropout.

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Parental education level: kids of dropouts 2x more likely to drop.

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Housing instability precedes 22% of urban dropouts.

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Gang involvement in 8% of male dropouts per surveys.

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Poor teacher-student relations cited in 30% of dropout stories.

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Food insecurity doubles dropout odds in low-SES groups.

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Video game addiction emerging factor in 5% recent dropouts.

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Undiagnosed ADHD increases dropout risk by 30%.

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Peer pressure/smoking/vaping in 11% of cases.

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Inadequate counseling access for 28% of at-risk students.

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Summer learning loss compounds to 15% dropout contributor.

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Domestic violence exposure in 9% of female dropouts.

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Curriculum irrelevance per 40% surveyed dropouts.

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Siblings dropout doubles individual odds by 22%.

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Homelessness directly causes 4% of dropouts yearly.

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In 2021, the U.S. high school dropout rate for students aged 16-24 was 5.2%, down from 5.6% in 2020 according to the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey.

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Among Hispanic youth aged 16-24 in 2021, the status dropout rate was 7.8%, significantly higher than the national average of 5.2%.

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Black or African American students had a 2021 dropout rate of 5.4% for ages 16-24, compared to 4.1% for White students.

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Male students aged 16-24 had a higher dropout rate of 6.1% in 2021 versus 4.3% for females.

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In 2020, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander youth had the highest status dropout rate at 10.2% among racial groups aged 16-24.

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Students with disabilities had a dropout rate 2.5 times higher than non-disabled peers in 2019-20 school year data.

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English language learners dropped out at a rate of 12.5% in high schools during 2018-19.

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Low-income students (eligible for free/reduced lunch) had a 9.8% dropout rate in 2020 versus 2.1% for high-income peers.

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In urban areas, the 2021 dropout rate for 16-24 year olds was 6.3%, higher than suburban 4.8%.

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First-generation immigrants had a 8.7% dropout rate in 2021, compared to 3.9% for third-generation.

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In California, the 2020-21 high school dropout rate was 8.2% for Latino students.

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Texas reported a 4.5% dropout rate in 2021, with highest in rural districts at 6.1%.

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New York City's public schools had a 7.9% chronic absenteeism-linked dropout rate in 2022.

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In Florida, the 2021-22 dropout rate was 1.8% overall but 3.2% in high-poverty areas.

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Rural U.S. counties saw a 7.4% high school dropout rate in 2020, versus 4.2% urban.

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Illinois urban districts had 5.6% dropout in 2021, with Chicago at 6.8%.

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Nevada's Clark County (Las Vegas) reported 9.1% dropout rate in 2020-21.

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Appalachian states averaged 8.3% dropout rates in 2019, led by West Virginia at 9.2%.

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Midwest states like Iowa had low 2.9% dropout in 2021, compared to Southwest 7.1%.

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Alaska Native students in rural Alaska had 15.4% dropout rate in 2020.

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In 2021, California saw 22,000 dropouts costing state $2.5B in lost taxes.

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Texas dropouts (45,000/year) lead to $10B annual economic loss.

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New Mexico's 6.8% rate in 2021 equates to $1.2B GDP drag.

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Florida's improved rates saved $4B since 2010 in social costs.

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Rural South Dakota 9.5% dropout costs $500M/year in workforce gaps.

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Michigan Detroit metro 12% dropout linked to 15% higher unemployment.

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Oregon's rural counties average 7.2% dropout, $800M impact.

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Pennsylvania urban areas 6.4% dropout, exacerbating inequality.

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Washington state border areas 5.9% dropout, migrant influence.

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In New York, 2022 dropout class costs city $1.8B in services.

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Georgia rural 8.7% dropout leads to $2B workforce shortage.

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Arizona Latino dropout 10.2% in 2021, $1.5B impact.

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Louisiana 7.5% statewide, New Orleans 11%, economic drag $900M.

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Kentucky Appalachia 9.8% dropout, perpetuating poverty cycle.

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Colorado migrant areas 6.9% dropout rate in 2022.

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Alabama Black Belt region 10.5% dropout, high social costs.

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Indiana urban 5.4%, rural 7.1% disparity in 2021.

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High school dropouts earn 30% less lifetime income ($973,000 vs $1.3M for graduates).

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Unemployment rate for dropouts is 8.2% vs 4.1% for graduates in 2022.

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Dropouts are 3x more likely to live in poverty (25% rate).

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Incarceration rates 10x higher for dropouts (1 in 10 vs 1 in 100).

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Health costs 25% higher for dropouts due to poorer outcomes.

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Welfare dependency 2x higher among dropouts (15% vs 7%).

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Divorce rates 50% higher for dropouts per longitudinal studies.

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Civic participation 20% lower among high school dropouts.

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Dropouts contribute $260B less to GDP annually in lost productivity.

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Dropouts face 27% poverty rate vs 13% for graduates in 2022.

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Lifetime earnings gap: $1M less for dropouts per CBO estimates.

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Crime costs from dropouts: $250K per individual lifetime.

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Voter turnout 15% lower for dropouts (45% vs 60%).

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Obesity rates 20% higher among dropouts due to stress.

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Social mobility index 40% lower for dropout cohorts.

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Public assistance costs $50B/year from dropout generation.

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Job quality: 60% of dropouts in low-wage jobs vs 30% grads.

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Dropouts 4x more likely to be arrested by age 25.

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Median income $30K for dropouts vs $48K graduates 2022.

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Life expectancy 10 years shorter for dropouts on average.

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Family income 35% lower if parent dropout.

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Mental health treatment costs 50% higher lifetime.

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Entrepreneurship rates 15% lower among dropouts.

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Tax revenue loss $17B/year from class of dropouts.

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The national event dropout rate decreased from 3.5% in 2009 to 1.6% in 2021.

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Status dropout rate for 16-24 year olds fell from 14% in 2000 to 5.2% in 2021.

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ACGR rose from 79% in 2010-11 to 86% in 2019-20, reducing implied dropouts.

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During COVID-19, dropout rates spiked 1.2% in 2020-21 before recovering.

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Hispanic dropout rate dropped 50% from 2000 (28%) to 2021 (7.8%).

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Female dropout rates declined 40% from 1990 to 2020.

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GED attainment among dropouts peaked at 25% in 2014, now 15% in 2021.

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Chronic absenteeism leading to dropout rose from 15% in 2018 to 22% in 2021.

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Online learning during pandemic increased dropout risk by 20% in 2020.

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Projected U.S. dropout rate to fall to 4.5% by 2030 if trends continue.

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Status dropout halved from 9.6% in 2006 to 5.2% in 2021.

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Black dropout rate fell from 10.3% in 2006 to 5.4% in 2021.

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ACGR for economically disadvantaged rose from 67% to 80% 2010-2020.

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Pandemic recovery: dropout rates back to pre-COVID by 2022.

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Male-female gap narrowed from 3% to 1.8% 2000-2021.

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GED pass rates dropped from 80% in 2010 to 65% in 2021.

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Alternative school enrollment up 15% post-2015 reforms.

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Immigrant dropout rates converged with natives by 2020.

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Vocational program grads dropout 40% less since 2015.

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Virtual school dropout averaged 50% higher pre-2022 interventions.

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Event dropout rate from 4.4% in 2010 to 1.6% in 2021.

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Asian dropout lowest at 1.9% in 2021, stable since 2010.

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Disabled student ACGR from 61% to 73% 2010-2020.

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Hispanic ACGR up from 76% to 83% over decade.

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Charter schools dropout averaged 5% higher until 2018 reforms.

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Truancy rates pre-dropout doubled from 10% to 20% 2015-2021.

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College enrollment post-grad dip 10% for borderline grads since 2019.

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Early college high school models cut dropout 25% since 2012.

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Native American dropout down 20% from 2010 peak.

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While the overall high school dropout rate has been steadily declining, the numbers reveal a deeply troubling story of disparity where factors like race, income, and location can drastically alter a student's chances of walking across the graduation stage.

Key Takeaways

In 2021, the U.S. high school dropout rate for students aged 16-24 was 5.2%, down from 5.6% in 2020 according to the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey.
Among Hispanic youth aged 16-24 in 2021, the status dropout rate was 7.8%, significantly higher than the national average of 5.2%.
Black or African American students had a 2021 dropout rate of 5.4% for ages 16-24, compared to 4.1% for White students.
In California, the 2020-21 high school dropout rate was 8.2% for Latino students.
Texas reported a 4.5% dropout rate in 2021, with highest in rural districts at 6.1%.
New York City's public schools had a 7.9% chronic absenteeism-linked dropout rate in 2022.
The national event dropout rate decreased from 3.5% in 2009 to 1.6% in 2021.
Status dropout rate for 16-24 year olds fell from 14% in 2000 to 5.2% in 2021.
ACGR rose from 79% in 2010-11 to 86% in 2019-20, reducing implied dropouts.
Poverty is the leading cause, with 70% of dropouts from low-income families.
Teen pregnancy accounts for 15% of female dropouts annually.
Suspension/expulsion precedes 25% of dropouts per NCES data.
High school dropouts earn 30% less lifetime income ($973,000 vs $1.3M for graduates).
Unemployment rate for dropouts is 8.2% vs 4.1% for graduates in 2022.
Dropouts are 3x more likely to live in poverty (25% rate).

While improving nationally, high school dropout rates remain troublingly high and unequal across groups.

Causal Factors

Poverty is the leading cause, with 70% of dropouts from low-income families.
Teen pregnancy accounts for 15% of female dropouts annually.
Suspension/expulsion precedes 25% of dropouts per NCES data.
Lack of engagement/boredom cited by 45% of dropouts in surveys.
Family obligations (work/caregiving) cause 20% of dropouts.
Mental health issues contribute to 18% of high school dropouts.
Bullying/harassment leads to dropout in 12% of cases per GLSEN.
Transportation barriers affect 10% of rural dropouts.
Substance abuse correlates with 14% higher dropout likelihood.
Academic failure (F's in core subjects) causes 35% of dropouts.
Mobility (school changes) increases dropout risk by 25%.
Overcrowded classrooms correlate with 18% higher dropout.
Parental education level: kids of dropouts 2x more likely to drop.
Housing instability precedes 22% of urban dropouts.
Gang involvement in 8% of male dropouts per surveys.
Poor teacher-student relations cited in 30% of dropout stories.
Food insecurity doubles dropout odds in low-SES groups.
Video game addiction emerging factor in 5% recent dropouts.
Undiagnosed ADHD increases dropout risk by 30%.
Peer pressure/smoking/vaping in 11% of cases.
Inadequate counseling access for 28% of at-risk students.
Summer learning loss compounds to 15% dropout contributor.
Domestic violence exposure in 9% of female dropouts.
Curriculum irrelevance per 40% surveyed dropouts.
Siblings dropout doubles individual odds by 22%.
Homelessness directly causes 4% of dropouts yearly.

Causal Factors Interpretation

The tragic truth is that the American education system isn't just failing our students—it’s being systematically dismantled by a perfect storm of poverty, policy, and neglect, leaving a generation to navigate a gauntlet of obstacles where simply showing up is a heroic act.

Demographic Statistics

In 2021, the U.S. high school dropout rate for students aged 16-24 was 5.2%, down from 5.6% in 2020 according to the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey.
Among Hispanic youth aged 16-24 in 2021, the status dropout rate was 7.8%, significantly higher than the national average of 5.2%.
Black or African American students had a 2021 dropout rate of 5.4% for ages 16-24, compared to 4.1% for White students.
Male students aged 16-24 had a higher dropout rate of 6.1% in 2021 versus 4.3% for females.
In 2020, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander youth had the highest status dropout rate at 10.2% among racial groups aged 16-24.
Students with disabilities had a dropout rate 2.5 times higher than non-disabled peers in 2019-20 school year data.
English language learners dropped out at a rate of 12.5% in high schools during 2018-19.
Low-income students (eligible for free/reduced lunch) had a 9.8% dropout rate in 2020 versus 2.1% for high-income peers.
In urban areas, the 2021 dropout rate for 16-24 year olds was 6.3%, higher than suburban 4.8%.
First-generation immigrants had a 8.7% dropout rate in 2021, compared to 3.9% for third-generation.

Demographic Statistics Interpretation

While the overall dropout rate is inching down, the stubbornly higher rates for Hispanic, male, low-income, urban, and disabled students reveal an education system that’s improving on average but still failing its most vulnerable populations with alarming consistency.

Geographic Statistics

In California, the 2020-21 high school dropout rate was 8.2% for Latino students.
Texas reported a 4.5% dropout rate in 2021, with highest in rural districts at 6.1%.
New York City's public schools had a 7.9% chronic absenteeism-linked dropout rate in 2022.
In Florida, the 2021-22 dropout rate was 1.8% overall but 3.2% in high-poverty areas.
Rural U.S. counties saw a 7.4% high school dropout rate in 2020, versus 4.2% urban.
Illinois urban districts had 5.6% dropout in 2021, with Chicago at 6.8%.
Nevada's Clark County (Las Vegas) reported 9.1% dropout rate in 2020-21.
Appalachian states averaged 8.3% dropout rates in 2019, led by West Virginia at 9.2%.
Midwest states like Iowa had low 2.9% dropout in 2021, compared to Southwest 7.1%.
Alaska Native students in rural Alaska had 15.4% dropout rate in 2020.
In 2021, California saw 22,000 dropouts costing state $2.5B in lost taxes.
Texas dropouts (45,000/year) lead to $10B annual economic loss.
New Mexico's 6.8% rate in 2021 equates to $1.2B GDP drag.
Florida's improved rates saved $4B since 2010 in social costs.
Rural South Dakota 9.5% dropout costs $500M/year in workforce gaps.
Michigan Detroit metro 12% dropout linked to 15% higher unemployment.
Oregon's rural counties average 7.2% dropout, $800M impact.
Pennsylvania urban areas 6.4% dropout, exacerbating inequality.
Washington state border areas 5.9% dropout, migrant influence.
In New York, 2022 dropout class costs city $1.8B in services.
Georgia rural 8.7% dropout leads to $2B workforce shortage.
Arizona Latino dropout 10.2% in 2021, $1.5B impact.
Louisiana 7.5% statewide, New Orleans 11%, economic drag $900M.
Kentucky Appalachia 9.8% dropout, perpetuating poverty cycle.
Colorado migrant areas 6.9% dropout rate in 2022.
Alabama Black Belt region 10.5% dropout, high social costs.
Indiana urban 5.4%, rural 7.1% disparity in 2021.

Geographic Statistics Interpretation

The stark and costly geography of America's dropout crisis reveals that a student's zip code is still the most reliable predictor of whether they'll be handed a diploma or a lifelong economic penalty.

Socioeconomic Impacts

High school dropouts earn 30% less lifetime income ($973,000 vs $1.3M for graduates).
Unemployment rate for dropouts is 8.2% vs 4.1% for graduates in 2022.
Dropouts are 3x more likely to live in poverty (25% rate).
Incarceration rates 10x higher for dropouts (1 in 10 vs 1 in 100).
Health costs 25% higher for dropouts due to poorer outcomes.
Welfare dependency 2x higher among dropouts (15% vs 7%).
Divorce rates 50% higher for dropouts per longitudinal studies.
Civic participation 20% lower among high school dropouts.
Dropouts contribute $260B less to GDP annually in lost productivity.
Dropouts face 27% poverty rate vs 13% for graduates in 2022.
Lifetime earnings gap: $1M less for dropouts per CBO estimates.
Crime costs from dropouts: $250K per individual lifetime.
Voter turnout 15% lower for dropouts (45% vs 60%).
Obesity rates 20% higher among dropouts due to stress.
Social mobility index 40% lower for dropout cohorts.
Public assistance costs $50B/year from dropout generation.
Job quality: 60% of dropouts in low-wage jobs vs 30% grads.
Dropouts 4x more likely to be arrested by age 25.
Median income $30K for dropouts vs $48K graduates 2022.
Life expectancy 10 years shorter for dropouts on average.
Family income 35% lower if parent dropout.
Mental health treatment costs 50% higher lifetime.
Entrepreneurship rates 15% lower among dropouts.
Tax revenue loss $17B/year from class of dropouts.

Socioeconomic Impacts Interpretation

Weaving together threads of economics, health, and civic life, the data paints a stark portrait of a diploma not as a mere certificate, but as a societal keystone whose absence weakens the entire structure, from personal fortune to national fortune.

Temporal Trends

The national event dropout rate decreased from 3.5% in 2009 to 1.6% in 2021.
Status dropout rate for 16-24 year olds fell from 14% in 2000 to 5.2% in 2021.
ACGR rose from 79% in 2010-11 to 86% in 2019-20, reducing implied dropouts.
During COVID-19, dropout rates spiked 1.2% in 2020-21 before recovering.
Hispanic dropout rate dropped 50% from 2000 (28%) to 2021 (7.8%).
Female dropout rates declined 40% from 1990 to 2020.
GED attainment among dropouts peaked at 25% in 2014, now 15% in 2021.
Chronic absenteeism leading to dropout rose from 15% in 2018 to 22% in 2021.
Online learning during pandemic increased dropout risk by 20% in 2020.
Projected U.S. dropout rate to fall to 4.5% by 2030 if trends continue.
Status dropout halved from 9.6% in 2006 to 5.2% in 2021.
Black dropout rate fell from 10.3% in 2006 to 5.4% in 2021.
ACGR for economically disadvantaged rose from 67% to 80% 2010-2020.
Pandemic recovery: dropout rates back to pre-COVID by 2022.
Male-female gap narrowed from 3% to 1.8% 2000-2021.
GED pass rates dropped from 80% in 2010 to 65% in 2021.
Alternative school enrollment up 15% post-2015 reforms.
Immigrant dropout rates converged with natives by 2020.
Vocational program grads dropout 40% less since 2015.
Virtual school dropout averaged 50% higher pre-2022 interventions.
Event dropout rate from 4.4% in 2010 to 1.6% in 2021.
Asian dropout lowest at 1.9% in 2021, stable since 2010.
Disabled student ACGR from 61% to 73% 2010-2020.
Hispanic ACGR up from 76% to 83% over decade.
Charter schools dropout averaged 5% higher until 2018 reforms.
Truancy rates pre-dropout doubled from 10% to 20% 2015-2021.
College enrollment post-grad dip 10% for borderline grads since 2019.
Early college high school models cut dropout 25% since 2012.
Native American dropout down 20% from 2010 peak.

Temporal Trends Interpretation

While we’ve made laudable strides in keeping students in school, with national dropout rates impressively cut by more than half, our victory lap is tempered by the sobering reality that chronic absenteeism and pandemic-induced learning gaps are the new, stubborn enemies threatening to undo two decades of progress.

Sources & References

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