ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
EDUCATION
The CRPC region’s education sector plays a crucial role in fostering economic development, social mobility, and regional resilience. This report analyzes key educational indicators, examining their impact on the CRPC region’s economic and social dynamics.
The map highlights higher education institutions in the Capital Region Planning Commission area, with a focus on Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. Expansion of educational institutions is evident from the data spanning 2012 to 2023. Clusters of institutions near urban centers like Baton Rouge suggest concentrated educational infrastructure.
Education Enrollment
Educational Enrollment (2018-2022) rates in the CRPC region are above the national average but slightly below the state average, with a gradual decline over recent years. This trend highlights demographic shifts or barriers to education access, which could affect long-term economic growth and labor market readiness.
Education Attainment
Less than 9th Grade Education
Parishes like Livingston (8.8%) and Iberville (8.2%) exhibit the highest rates of adults (25+) with less than a 9th-grade education. East Feliciana (2.8%) and East Baton Rouge (3.1%) have the lowest percentages. High percentages of low educational attainment correlate with lower workforce participation and increased poverty, impeding regional economic resilience.
Bachelor’s Degree or Higher:
East Baton Rouge (38.2%) and Ascension (29.0%) lead in higher educational attainment, while Washington (11.7%)
lags significantly. Areas with higher education levels exhibit stronger economic performance, lower poverty rates, and higher labor force participation, reinforcing regional competitiveness.
Engineering Degrees
St. Helena (35%) and East Baton Rouge (33.8%) report the highest percentages of adults with degrees in science and engineering. Conversely, Washington (19.3%) trails the region. The concentration of STEM degrees is critical for fostering innovation and attracting technology-based industries, a key opportunity area for the region.
Labor Force by Education Attainment
Labor Force Participation rates for adults with less than a 9th-grade education is highest in Ascension (52.0%) and East Baton Rouge (47.0%). For adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher, West Baton Rouge (84.0%) and Ascension (82.0%) lead the region. High labor force participation among educated populations strengthens economic resilience and highlights the value of education in workforce development.
Poverty by Education Attainment
Adults with less than a 9th-grade education face poverty rates as high as 45.9% in West Feliciana. In contrast, bachelor’s degree holders face significantly lower poverty rates, with Ascension at just 1.0%. Educational attainment is a key determinant of poverty reduction, influencing economic mobility and social equity.
Median Earnings by Educational Attainment
Median earnings for those with less than a 9th-grade education peak at $43,242 in East Feliciana but drop to $19,548 in Washington. For bachelor’s degree holders, Ascension leads with $85,047, while Washington trails at $49,030. Higher education correlates with better earnings potential, attracting talent and boosting regional economic output.