New data show lower unemployment, higher graduation rates, rising incomes and stronger outcomes for children and families across the Territory
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. today welcomed the latest KIDS COUNT USVI data as clear evidence that the Virgin Islands is making measurable progress for working families, students and children, with key indicators showing stronger employment, higher incomes, improved graduation rates and continued gains in educational achievement.
The latest data point to a Territory moving in the right direction. Unemployment has declined from approximately 6 percent in 2019 to about 4 percent in 2024, public school graduation rates have climbed from 70.9 percent to 81 percent during the same period, and student performance in English Language Arts has reached its highest level since the 2020-2021 school year.
“These numbers tell a story that Virgin Islanders already know,” Governor Bryan said. “Our people are working, our children are succeeding, and our economy is creating more opportunity than it has in decades. While we still have work to do, the trajectory of the Virgin Islands is moving in the right direction.”
Governor Bryan said the KIDS COUNT findings are important because they reflect progress where it matters most: in the lives of children, families and working people. More Virgin Islanders are employed, household incomes are rising, more students are graduating, and more young people are being positioned for success in college, careers and the workforce.
The Governor noted that average wages in the Territory have increased substantially over the last several years, with household incomes rising by approximately 25 percent since the beginning of the Bryan-Roach Administration. Combined with sustained economic growth, the Territory has maintained unemployment rates below the national average for several consecutive years, placing the Virgin Islands among the stronger labor markets in the Caribbean region.
The Administration pointed to several additional indicators of progress:
- Public school graduation rates have climbed more than 10 percentage points since 2019.
- Unemployment has fallen by one-third since 2019, reaching approximately 4 percent.
- Fewer Virgin Islanders rely on public assistance programs as workforce participation and wages continue to increase.
- Minimum wage increases and targeted workforce investments have helped thousands of Virgin Islanders earn higher incomes.
- Free college tuition, expanded workforce training opportunities, and career and technical education initiatives are creating pathways to higher-paying careers.
- The Territory has experienced sustained economic growth, with unemployment remaining at historically low levels and businesses continuing to expand.
- Homeownership opportunities have increased through programs such as VI Slice, helping families build generational wealth.
Governor Bryan emphasized that the positive trends reflected in the KIDS COUNT report are not accidental, but the result of deliberate investments made over the last seven years to strengthen families, expand opportunity and build a more resilient Virgin Islands economy.
“When we invested in free college tuition, raised the minimum wage, stabilized the Government Employees’ Retirement System, expanded housing opportunities, and created jobs through historic infrastructure investments, we did so because we believed in our people,” Bryan said. “The data now confirms what we hoped would happen: more opportunity, greater economic security, and better outcomes for our children.”
The Governor acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in areas such as educational proficiency, housing affordability and the cost of living. But he stressed that the Territory is better positioned today than at any point in recent memory to address those challenges because the foundation is stronger: more people are working, more families are earning, and more students are reaching important milestones.
The latest KIDS COUNT data show that while work remains, the Virgin Islands is making measurable progress in improving the lives of children and families across St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island.
“Our mission has always been simple: restore trust, attract investment, and invest in people,” Governor Bryan said. “The latest KIDS COUNT report demonstrates that when government focuses on creating opportunity and investing in its citizens, positive outcomes follow. The future of the Virgin Islands is brighter because our children are doing better.”
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