National publication ranks DuPage County best for upward mobility

DuPage County residents, especially underprivileged youth, have a better chance to improve their situation than others across the country, according to a Georgia-based municipal magazine.

DuPage was named the tops in the U.S. for upward mobility by American City and County magazine. It was the only county in the Midwest listed in the magazine's top 10.

According to Harvard University's Equality of Opportunity Project, DuPage affords the best earnings potential in the U.S. The study shows children from low-income families who grow up in DuPage earn roughly 15.2 percent more than average for children who grow up in similar families elsewhere.

"We are honored that American City and County recognizes DuPage County as the best county in the nation in terms of upward mobility," county board Chairman Dan Cronin said in a written statement. "We are proud to showcase DuPage as home to a thriving business community, with a well-educated workforce, safe streets, low unemployment, abundant and varied cultural amenities which make it an attractive place to live, work and raise a family."

County board member Jim Healy, chairman of the county's public works committee, said the recognition in a national publication is "well-deserved."

"This honor highlights everything taking place in DuPage County and what makes it a great place to live, work and raise a family" he said. "This honor is only made possible by our residents and everything they do for our communities."