Definition

Teens age 16 to 19 who are not enrolled in school (full- or part-time) and not employed (full- or part-time).

This measure is sometimes referred to as “Idle Teens” or “Disconnected Youth.”

Data Source

U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2008–2012 through 2019–2023, Table B14005.

Notes

Although overlapping 5-year time periods are shown for this indicator, the Census Bureau suggests comparing periods that do not overlap—for example, comparing 2014–2018 estimates with 2019–2023 estimates. This means waiting longer to identify a trend. However, in areas undergoing fundamental shifts in the size or composition of the population, change may be so substantial that it will be obvious after only a few years. For more information on making comparisons with American Community Survey multi-year estimates, see Chapter 4 of Understanding and Using American Community Survey Data: What All Data Users Need to Know.

Data accessed December 2024.

Last Updated

2024-12