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The Economic Integration Group has produced an extensive analysis it calls the Distressed Communities Index (DCI).  The level of distress reflects seven measures:

1. No High School Degree: Percent of the population 25 years and over without a high school degree
2. Housing vacancy: Percent of habitable housing that is unoccupied, excluding properties that are for seasonal, recreational, or occasional use
3. Adults not working: Share of the population 16 years and over that is not currently employed
4. Poverty: Percent of population living under the poverty line
5. Median income relative to state: Ratio of the geography’s median income to the state’s median income
6. Change in employment: Percent change in the number of individuals employed between 2010 and 2013
7. Change in business establishments: Percent change in the number of business establishments between 2010 and 2013

On the map above darker green reflects less distress, deeper red more distress.  It is interesting to compare this map with where Walmart has decided to close stores or where Amazon is concentrating its fulfillment centers.

Demand growth is likely in green areas while per capita declines are occurring in red zones.