The Equitable Dashboard
We cannot grow in a substantial way when more than 20% of the region’s population faces economic challenges. Strategies that create more educational, job training, and career opportunities for women, people of color, and all untapped talent are key to future regional growth. We can only grow our economy through equity.
What does it mean to have an equitable, vibrant economy?
A vibrant economy reduces disparities in educational attainment, access to in-demand jobs, and economic outcomes for all. An equitable, vibrant economy strengthens communities, encourages innovation, increases resiliency, and is more competitive because of increased diversity in the workforce.
How important is equity to a vibrant economy?
Equity is essential to building a vibrant economy. Research shows that increasing diversity in the workforce leads to innovation and economic growth for businesses and communities, as well as individual prosperity.
Equitable Dashboard > Median Household Income
NEO Progress
Over the past several years, Black and Hispanic workers have seen noticeable gains in income, with increases approaching 30%. That said, the overall earnings gap continues to persist, and will require continued alignment with good-paying, in-demand jobs to make even more progress.
Regional Initiatives
Tracked Metrics
Measures the median household income broken down by Race and Ethnicity. This metric enables us to identify income gap progress between different Racial or Ethnic groups over time. (Source: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-year estimates)
Equitable Dashboard > Unemployment
NEO Progress
Unemployment rates are at historic lows for most Northeast Ohioans, and while this trend is encouraging, we continue to have too many workers marginalized from job opportunities with family-sustaining wages and room for growth. Our best prospects for short-term progress will require increasing levels of labor force participation by all residents to drive the economy forward.
Regional Initiatives
Tracked Metrics
Measures the unemployment rate broken down by Race, Ethnicity and Gender. This metric enables us to identify and compare unemployment levels between demographic groups over time. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year estimates)
Equitable Dashboard > Education
NEO Progress
From 2018-2022, all race groups saw an increase in Bachelor’s+ educational attainment, except for Asian and American Indian and Alaska Native, who saw a slight decline.
Women saw over a 3% increase in Bachelor’s+ completions.
Regional Initiatives
Tracked Metrics
Measures the percentage of a demographic group that has received a Bachelor’s degree or higher, and is at least 25 years old. Tracking this metric over time is critical for identifying demographic groups that face barriers to completing education, and to measure progress. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year estimates)
Equitable Dashboard > Internet
NEO Progress
Internet access is a crucial component to fully participate in a modern economy. In Northeast Ohio from 2018-2022, all race groups saw an increase in broadband internet subscriptions, except for Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander. Black or African Americans saw the largest increase, growing by nearly 10%.
Regional Initiatives
Efforts to bridge the digital divide are underway in Northeast Ohio. In 2024, JobsOhio and AT&T partnered to bring a state-of-the-art fiber network to the entire city of East Cleveland and its 14,000 residents, and to offer affordable plans for low-income households.
Tracked Metrics
Measures the percentage of a race or ethnic group that has an internet subscription in the household. This metric enables us to identify demographic groups that face barriers to internet access. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year estimates)
Explore more now.
Each pillar plays a critical role in shaping Northeast Ohio’s economy—but they don’t stand alone. See how talent and equity are connected, how innovation supports resilience, and how all four build competitiveness and prosperity.
Unlock the Data. Shape the Future.
With over 600 data points tracking talent, equity, innovation, resilience, competitiveness, and prosperity, the Vibrant Economy Indicators tool empowers business leaders, policymakers, educators, and economic developers to make informed, strategic decisions.
Want to review the data in detail? Fill out the form below and a member of the Team NEO research team will follow up to discuss how we can support your needs. Let’s work together to Bend the Curve for Northeast Ohio.
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Thank you for your interest in the Team NEO Vibrant Economy Indicators data. The economic data has been compiled and calculated by Team NEO. When sharing publicly, please reference: “Data sourced from Team NEO, www.TeamNEO.org, ©2025.”