GARY, INDIANA COMMUNITY PROFILE (Primary Focus: Lake County)

Transcription

1 GARY, INDIANA COMMUNITY PROFILE (Primary Focus: Lake County) December 2002 KNIGHT FOUNDATION

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5 Table of Contents HIGHLIGHTS... 1 DEMOGRAPHIC, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL CONTEXT OF COMMUNITIES... 5 General Population Characteristics... 7 Total Population...8 Population Density and Household Size...9 Community Diversity Racial and Ethnic Composition of the Population...12 Socioeconomic Status Educational Attainment...14 Median Household Income...15 Special Needs Population Youth Population...18 Elderly Population...19 Non-English-Speaking Population...20 Single-Parent Families...21 Poverty Level of People...22 Poverty Level of Children...23 Welfare Recipients...24 Labor Force Characteristics Employed Population...26 Employment by Major Industry...27 Average Wage by Major Industry...28 Unemployment Rate...29 Criminal Justice Police Officers per 1,000 Population...32 Law Enforcement Budget per Capita...33 WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Child Well-Being Infant Mortality...38 Mothers Who Smoked During Pregnancy...39 Women Receiving Prenatal Care...40 Low Birth Weight...41 Adolescent Birth Rate...42 Child Immunization...43 Physicians per 1,000 Population...44 Pediatricians per 1,000 Children...45 School Readiness Child Care Costs...48 Licensed Child Care Facilities...49 Head Start Enrollment...50 Youth and Juvenile Justice Juvenile Arrests for Serious Crimes...52 Juvenile Arrests for Serious Crimes...53 Segregation...55 Segregation of Children EDUCATION...57 School Environment Context...61 Total Student Enrollment Student Racial and Ethnic Composition Free and Reduced Price School Lunch Eligibility Limited English Proficient Students Private School Enrollment Postsecondary Enrollment Financial and Human Resources...69 Current Expenditures per Pupil Instructional Expenditures per Pupil Average Teacher Salary Teachers with Master s Degree Student-Teacher Ratio District Revenue Sources Student Achievement and System Outcomes...77 State Standardized Tests Third-Grade Reading and Math State Standardized Tests Eighth-Grade Reading and Math State Standardized Tests Tenth-Grade Reading and Math Attendance Rate SAT Performance Dropout Rate Graduation Rate Community Literacy...85 Adult Literacy Public Library Usage - Total Public Library Usage - Children Newspaper Circulation ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT...91 Commerce...93 Gross Product Gross Product per Capita Share of Metro Area Gross Product Retail Sales per Capita Personal Income...99 Personal Income Personal Income per Capita Employment and Wages Employment Wages and Salaries per Job GARY, INDIANA New Economy Employment Dependency on Social Services Dependency Ratio HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Housing Affordability Median Housing Value Monthly Income Spent on Housing Range of Owner-Occupied Housing Unit Values Range of Rental Market Rates Housing Stock Age of Housing Units New Home Construction: Building Permits Housing Stability Population per Number of Housing Units Residential Mobility Occupied and Vacant Housing Units Owner-Occupied and Rental Housing Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Violent Crime Index Total Crime Index CIVIC ENGAGEMENT HUMAN RELATIONS Engagement in General Elections Voter Registration Voter Turnout Segregation Segregation of Total Population VITALITY OF CULTURAL LIFE Number and Percentage of Arts Organizations Size of Arts Organizations Number of Arts Organizations Compared to Population Assets of Arts Organizations Compared to Population144 Net Income KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page i

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7 Highlights GARY, INDIANA HIGHLIGHTS Gary is a community with a predominantly minority (mostly African-American) population whose total population decreased during the 1990s. Economic and social context indicators point to a community in stress. Education and household income levels are very low compared to the state and nation, a high percentage of people and children live in single-parent households and households below the poverty level, and a very high percentage of residents receive public assistance. Indicators of the well-being of children and families also suggest that Gary has substantial challenges. Residents of Gary have less access to physicians and pediatricians than residents throughout Indiana generally. This likely influences other issues including: a high percentage of women in Gary do not receive first trimester prenatal care, a high percentage of children are born with low birth weight, infant mortality rates are high compared to Indiana, the U.S., and the Knight communities, and the adolescent birth rate is high. On the positive side, juvenile arrest rates are relatively low compared to those in Indiana, the U.S., and the Knight communities. The state of education in the Gary Community School Corporation is also problematic. Students in Gary score well below average on state standardized tests in reading and math at the 3 rd -, 8 th -, and 10 th -grade levels. They also have much lower scores on the SATs and drop out of school at much higher rates than their counterparts in Indiana. Graduation rates are also comparatively low. Additionally, many adults in Gary are at the lowest literacy level. Economic development in Lake County has been rather negative over the last decade. Growth in real gross product per capita was below the growth in Indiana, the U.S., and the Knight communities. Nominal personal income per capita was lower than in all comparison areas; however, the growth in real personal income per capita was the same as in Indiana and higher than in the U.S. Lastly, employment increased in Lake County during the 1990s, but at a rate lower than rates in Indiana, the U.S., and the Knight communities. In the area of housing and community development, the indicators also suggest a host of challenges. Despite very low housing prices, only a small portion of Gary residents own their own homes, and a high percentage of homeowners and renters spend more than 30% of their monthly income on housing costs and gross rent. In addition, there is a prevalence of older housing and vacant housing units. Finally, despite decreases in violent and total crime rates during the 1990s, crime rates remain much higher in Gary than in all comparison areas. The density of arts and cultural organizations per 10,000 residents in Gary is lower than in Indiana and the U.S. Additionally, the assets available per capita for these arts and cultural activities are essentially non-existent. It should be noted that while Gary is the community described in this profile, some of the information presented (particularly in the area of education) focuses on the Gary Community School Corporation. Differences in the community being described are noted where appropriate. Additionally, although references are made in the profile data to cities and regional community averages, they are not included in any of the key findings because the focus is the Knight community in comparison to the state, the nation, and the other Knight communities. Finally, unless stated otherwise, all comparisons in this section look at the community in relation to the state, U.S., and Knight community averages. KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 1

8 Highlights Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Steadily decreasing population since 1990; Predominantly minority, non-white population (mostly African-American) in 2000; Comparatively low levels of educational attainment in 2000, with only 10% of Gary residents having at least a bachelor s degree; Very low median household income in 1999, with a real increase between 1989 and 1999 higher than the U.S., but lower than Indiana and the Knight communities; Comparatively high concentrations of poverty (among people, families, and children) in 1999, along with relatively high percentages of single-parent families and children being raised in single-parent families in 2000; High percentages of persons receiving public assistance in 2000 in Lake County (data were unavailable for Gary). Well-Being of Children and Families Very high infant mortality rates (in 1998), low percentages of women receiving prenatal care (in 1998), high percentages of babies born with low birth weight (in 1998), and births to adolescents (in 1999) in comparison to Indiana, the U.S., and the Knight communities; Low ratios of physicians and pediatricians to population in 2000; Comparatively low juvenile arrest rates in Education (all findings pertain to the Gary Community School Corporation, unless noted) Very high percent of children eligible for the free and reduced price lunch school program in ; Below state average student performance on the SAT and standardized tests of reading and math at the 3 rd -, 8 th -, and 10 th -grade levels; Dropout rates well above, and graduation rates well below, the state average in ; Substantially higher percentage of adults at the lowest literacy level in 1990 than Indiana, the U.S., and the Knight communities (for Gary proper), but comparatively high levels of newspaper circulation in 2000 (for Lake County). Economic Development (all findings are for Lake County) Growth in real gross product per capita between 1990 and 2000 lower than growth rates in Indiana, the U.S., and the Knight communities; Nominal personal income per capita in 2000 lower than Indiana, the U.S., and the Knight communities, but a comparatively high increase in real personal income per capita between 1990 and 2000; Employment increases during the 1990s smaller than Indiana, the U.S., and the Knight communities, and larger than the growth in population in the county over the same time period. Page 2 KNIGHT FOUNDATION

9 Highlights Housing and Community Development Comparatively low median housing values in 2000; Higher percentage of households spent more than 30% of their monthly income on housing costs or gross rent in 1999 than Indiana, the U.S., and the Knight communities; Fewer new housing units (percent built between 1995 and 2000) and considerably more old housing units (percent built before 1960) than in all comparison areas; Comparatively high percentage of vacant housing units in 2000; Lower percentages of homeownership, and higher percentages of renters, in 2000 than Indiana, the U.S., and the Knight communities; Higher rates of total and violent crime than all comparison areas in Civic Engagement-Human Relations (all findings are for Lake County) Voter registration levels above those in all comparison areas in 2000; Voter turnout levels below the Indiana, U.S., and Knight community averages in Vitality of Cultural Life Overall number of arts organizations per 10,000 residents in 2000 lower than Indiana and the U.S.; Essentially non-existent assets of arts organizations per capita in KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 3

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11 Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 5

12 Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities What the People Think Although residents of Gary are concerned about race relations in their community, many other issues rank as more important concerns. Six in ten Gary residents feel that tension between different racial and ethnic groups is at least a small problem in their community, including 22% who believe this is a big problem. Still, relatively few people consider racial tension to be a bigger problem than others which face the community, and while one-third of residents (32%) see discrimination in Gary on the basis of race or ethnicity as a problem that might stand in the way of their or their family s future happiness and well-being, 62% of residents are not personally concerned about this problem. Gary residents express considerable concern about economic conditions in their community. Over one-half of residents (57%) regard unemployment as a big problem in their community, while only 13% do not see this as a problem at all. Nearly one in ten residents (8%) view unemployment as the most important problem facing their community, trailing only crime, drugs, or violence (42%). In addition, fully one-half of residents (52%) worry that a lack of industrial or technological progress in Gary might stand in the way of their own or their family s future happiness and well-being. Only 8 percent of Gary residents believe that their local police department is doing an excellent job, while one half of residents rate their department s job performance as only fair (35%) or poor (15%). Gary residents generally feel safe from crime at home, but the farther away from home they are, the more vulnerable they feel. A majority of residents (89%) say that they feel safe when they are at home at night, and most report that they feel safe when walking in their neighborhood after dark (60%). Substantially fewer residents (35%) say that they feel safe when in downtown Gary at night. In fact, one quarter (25%) indicate that they do not feel safe at all Seven in ten (70%) say that crime, drugs, or violence are a big problem in the community where they live. Page 6 KNIGHT FOUNDATION

13 Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities General Population Characteristics KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 7

14 Total Population Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Indicator Description: Total population and population change. Figure 1: Total Population, 1990 to 2000 Why This Is Important: This indicator provides a picture of total population as well as the rate of change relative to selected comparison areas. Gains and losses in population may present communities with issues ranging from managing growth to developing strategies for attracting residents. 125, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,469 The population of Gary in 2000 was 102,746. The city s population declined by nearly 14,000 residents (11.9%) between 1990 and This decrease was smaller than the city s 23.2% population decline between 1980 and The population decline in Gary between 1990 and 2000 contrasted with population increases in all comparison areas. Limitations of the Data: The official Census of the population is conducted every ten years. Population data for years other than decennial Census years (1990 and 2000) are annual estimates derived by the U.S. Census Bureau, and may be adjusted both before and after a decennial Census. Estimates of total population gathered from other sources may differ from the decennial Census and the Census Bureau s population estimates database. 102, , Figure 2: Percent Change in Population, 1990 to % 15% 9.7% 9.8% 10% 5% 1.9% -11.9% 0% -5% -10% -15% Gary Lake County Indiana U.S. Knight Community Average Sources: Population data for 1990 and 2000 figures are official Census counts taken from the decennial Census. Population figures for are annual estimates as of July 1 of each year, and come from the U.S. Census Bureau s Population Estimates program ( Knight Community Average: The Knight community average includes 24 counties, Long Beach and Gary. Page 8 KNIGHT FOUNDATION

15 Population Density and Household Size Indicator Description: Population per square mile and average number of persons per household. Why This Is Important: Each of these indicators provides a measure of the population density in a community. Population per square mile and the number of persons in the average household may affect community planning for housing, transportation, and social and medical services. 3,000 2,000 1,000 Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Figure 1: Population per Square Mile, 1990, 1995, and In 2000, population density in Gary was 2,047 persons per square mile. This was larger than the average in the Knight communities (1,559). Population density in Gary decreased between 1990 and In contrast, the Knight community average decreased slightly between 1990 and 1995, and then increased slightly between 1995 and The average Gary household had 2.66 persons in 2000, a decrease from 2.83 in Gary Lake County Knight Community Average Table 1: Population per Square Mile, 1990, 1995, and Gary 2,324 2,229 2,047 Lake County Knight Community Average 1,505 1,498 1,559 Table 2: Persons per Household, 1990 and 2000 The number of persons per household in Gary in 2000 was higher than in all comparison areas. Limitations of the Data: Comparisons of population density and persons per household between communities and across states should be undertaken with caution due to differences in locations. Major cities have a much higher population density than states, which include more sparsely populated rural areas. The number of persons per household, in contrast, may be higher in rural than in urban areas, possibly due to larger family size, relatively fewer housing units, or other factors Gary Lake County Indiana U.S Knight Community Average Population per Square Mile Definition: This indicator measures the total population divided by land area in square miles; land area includes dry land and land temporarily or partially covered by water. Sources: Total population information for 1990 and 2000 is from the U.S Census Bureau s American FactFinder database ( Land area in square miles is based upon 1990 figures available from the U.S. Census Bureau s 1994 County and City Data Book. Persons per Household Definition: This indicator measures the total population not living in group quarters divided by the total number of households. Group quarters include college dormitories, nursing homes, and other institutional housing units. Sources: 1990 and 2000 information is from the U.S. Census Bureau s American FactFinder database ( Knight Community Average: The Knight community average includes 24 counties, Long Beach and Gary. KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 9

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17 Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Community Diversity KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 11

18 Racial and Ethnic Composition of the Population Indicator Description: Racial and ethnic composition of the population. Why This Is Important: The racial and ethnic composition of a community provides some measure of the diversity which is present in its population. It may also have significance for the drawing of political boundaries and the design and administration of social and municipal services. Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Figure 1: Percent of Population in Racial and Ethnic Groups, % 60% 40% In 2000, 89.9% of Gary s population was made up of racial and ethnic minorities. Blacks were the largest minority group, comprising more than four fifths of the population (84.0%). 20% 0% All Minorities Black Hispanic Asian American Indian Gary Lake County Indiana U.S. Knight Community Average The minority population was considerably larger in Gary than in all comparison areas. The minority population in Gary increased by 4.2 percentage points between 1990 and This increase was larger than the increase in Indiana (3.8), but smaller than the increases in Lake County (5.1), the U.S. (6.6), and the Knight communities (5.4). Limitations of the Data: Racial and ethnic composition figures used by the 1990 U.S. Census do not show the percentage of citizens who may identify with more than one racial or ethnic group. Beginning with the 2000 Census, U.S. citizens are able to select more than one racial/ethnic category to which they belong, which allows for more accurate description of a person s race and ethnicity. However, comparison across time (from 2000 to earlier years) has become more difficult because racial categories have changed. What the People Think: Although residents of Gary are concerned about race relations in their community, many other issues rank as more important concerns. Six in ten Gary residents feel that tension between different racial and ethnic groups is at least a small problem in their community, including 22% who believe this is a big problem. Still, relatively few people consider racial tension to be a bigger problem than others which face the community, and while one-third of residents (32%) see discrimination in Gary on the basis of race or ethnicity as a problem that might stand in the way of their or their family s future happiness and well-being, 62% of residents are not personally concerned about this problem. Tble 1: Racial and Ethnic Composition of the Population, 1990 and 2000 All Minorities Black Hispanic Asian American Indian Gary 85.7% 89.9% 80.6% 84.0% 5.4% 4.9% 0.1% 0.1% 0.2% 0.2% Lake County 34.3% 39.4% 24.7% 25.3% 9.4% 12.2% 0.6% 0.8% 0.2% 0.3% Indiana 10.4% 14.2% 7.8% 8.4% 1.8% 3.5% 0.7% 1.0% 0.2% 0.3% U.S. 24.3% 30.9% 12.3% 12.3% 9.0% 12.5% 3.0% 3.7% 0.8% 0.9% Knight Community Average 28.8% 34.2% 20.3% 19.4% 5.9% 7.4% 2.6% 3.2% 0.6% 0.6% Sources: 1990 and 2000 information comes from the U.S. Census Bureau s American FactFinder database ( Annual estimates for , which are for July 1 of each year, are from the U.S. Census Bureau s Population Estimates program ( Notes: In 1990, the Census collected data for the following six major racial and ethnic categories: White, Non-Hispanic; Black or African American; American Indian, Eskimo, or Aleut; Asian or Pacific Islander; Hispanic origin; and Other Race. Persons of Hispanic origin can be of any race, meaning that population data for all groups except White, Non- Hispanic may include people who identify themselves as Hispanic. The 2000 Census reported data for the following eight major racial and ethnic categories: White; Black or African American; American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian; Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander; Hispanic or Latino; Some Other Race; and Two or More Races. Racial and ethnic data in Knight communities for 2000 continues to combine Asian with Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander as was done by the Census prior to The minority percentage reported for Knight communities consists of all racial and ethnic categories except the White, Non-Hispanic category (or 100% - White, Non-Hispanic). Knight Community Average: The Knight community average includes 24 counties, Long Beach and Gary. Page 12 KNIGHT FOUNDATION

19 Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Socioeconomic Status KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 13

20 Educational Attainment Indicator Description: Highest level of education attained by adults age 25 and older. Why This Is Important: Educational attainment is a key indicator of a community s level of workforce preparation. A highly educated community workforce is well-positioned to attract and retain the increasingly technical jobs of today s world of business. Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Figure 1: Percent of Population by Highest Level of Education Attained, % 30% 20% 10% In 2000, one-tenth of Gary adults (10.1%) had earned at least a bachelor s degree. Over one-fourth of Gary adults (27.3%) had not received a high school diploma. The percent of adults who had earned at least a bachelor s degree was considerably lower in Gary than in all comparison areas. 0% Gary Lake County Indiana U.S. Knight Community Average No High School Diploma High School or Equivalent Some College, No Degree Associate Degree Bachelor's Degree Advanced Degree The percent of adults who had not received a high school diploma was considerably higher in Gary than in all comparison areas. Table 1: Percent of Population by Highest Level of Education Attained, 1990 and 2000 Limitations of the Data: None. No High School Diploma High School Diploma or Equivalent Some College, No Degree Associate Degree Bachelor s Degree Advanced Degree Gary 35.2% 27.3% 33.9% 35.1% 17.4% 22.4% 4.6% 5.1% 5.0% 6.1% 3.8% 4.0% Lake County 26.5% 19.3% 38.5% 37.3% 17.3% 22.0% 4.9% 5.2% 7.9% 10.7% 4.9% 5.5% Indiana 24.4% 17.9% 38.2% 37.2% 16.6% 19.7% 5.3% 5.8% 9.2% 12.2% 6.4% 7.2% U.S. 24.8% 19.6% 30.0% 28.6% 18.7% 21.0% 6.2% 6.3% 13.1% 15.5% 7.2% 8.9% Knight Community Average 23.0% 17.9% 28.8% 27.5% 19.3% 22.0% 6.5% 6.5% 14.3% 16.8% 8.0% 9.8% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1990 and Knight Community Average: The Knight community average includes 24 counties, Long Beach and Gary. Page 14 KNIGHT FOUNDATION

21 Median Household Income Indicator Description: Median household income. Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Figure 1: Median Household Income (Current Dollars), 1989, 1993, 1995, and 1999 Why This Is Important: Median household income is a commonly used measure of the level of income and wealth in a community, county, or state. Indicators such as median family income and per capita income are often used for the same purpose, but median household income is used here because an individual person is often not the economic unit of interest and because many households are not considered to be families. In 1999, the median household income in Gary was $27,195. Median income was much lower in Gary than in all comparison areas. $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000 $0 Gary Lake County Indiana U.S. Knight Community Average The median household income in Gary increased by 40.3% between 1989 and 1999 (from $19,390 to $27,195). The increase in median income in Gary was smaller than the increases in Indiana (44.3%) and the Knight communities (42.3%), but was larger than the increase in the U.S. (39.7%). After adjusting for inflation, the median household income in Gary increased by 9.6% (from $23,687 to $25,969) between 1989 and The increase in median income was smaller than the increases in Indiana (12.8%) and the Knight communities (11.2%), but was slightly larger than the increase in the U.S. (9.2%). Limitations of the Data: Median household income figures used here are not adjusted for regional differences in the cost of living. However, they are adjusted into 1996 constant dollars (1996=100) to take inflation into account, using the National Implicit Price Deflators for Personal Consumption Expenditures to remove changes due to inflation or deflation from the current figures. Table 1: Change in Median Household Income, 1989 to 1999 Median Household Income 1989 Median Household Income 1999 Percent Change, Inflation- Adjusted Median Household Income 1989 Inflation- Adjusted Median Household Income 1999 Percent Change, Gary $19,390 $27, % $23,687 $25, % Lake County $30,439 $41, % $37,184 $39, % Indiana $28,797 $41, % $35,178 $39, % U.S. $30,056 $41, % $36,716 $40, % Knight Community Average $28,257 $40, % $34,518 $38, % Source: Median Household Income data were obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau. National Implicit Price Deflators for Personal Consumption Expenditures to adjust figures into 1996 constant dollars were obtained from the Regional Economic Information System, Survey of Current Business, Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce, February Knight Community Average: The Knight community average includes 24 counties, Long Beach and Gary (1993 and 1995 are estimates for Long Beach and Gary, based on city to county ratios). Note: Current median household income figures were adjusted into 1996 constant dollars (1996=100) using the National Implicit Price Deflators for Personal Consumption Expenditures to remove changes due to inflation or deflation from the current figures. KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 15

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23 Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Special Needs Population KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 17

24 Youth Population Indicator Description: Percent of the population age 4 and younger and age Why This Is Important: The proportion of the population age 0-4 and age 5-17 has many implications for a community. Communities with a large or growing youth population may face demands for preschool programs, new buildings for elementary and secondary education, after-school programs, and recreational activities. Communities with a small or declining youth population may face problems in managing this decline. In 2000, children and youth under 18 made up nearly three tenths (29.9%) of Gary residents. The youth population was larger in Gary than in all comparison areas. 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Figure 1: Youth Population, 2000 Gary Lake County Indiana U.S. Knight Community Average % Age 0-4 % Age 5-17 % Age 0-17 Between 1990 and 2000, Gary s youth population decreased by 1.8 percentage points. The decrease in the youth population was larger in Gary than in Lake County (1.3 percentage points), Indiana (0.4 percentage points), and the Knight communities (0.3 percentage points). During the same period, the youth population remained the same in the U.S. Limitations of the Data: Annual population figures compiled by the U. S. Census Bureau are not actual counts of the population (which are done every ten years). Estimates compiled by sources other than the Census Bureau may differ; Census figures are used here in order to have a consistent source of information. Population estimates are revised by the Census Bureau each September. As a result, future estimates are likely to differ slightly from September 1999 figures used here. Table 1: Youth Population, 1990 and 2000 % Age 0-4 % Age 5-17 % Age Gary 8.0% 8.4% 23.7% 21.5% 31.7% 29.9% Lake County 7.3% 7.1% 20.8% 19.6% 28.1% 26.8% Indiana 7.3% 7.0% 19.0% 18.9% 26.3% 25.9% U.S. 7.5% 6.8% 18.2% 18.9% 25.7% 25.7% Knight Community Average 7.4% 6.6% 17.3% 17.8% 24.7% 24.4% Source: 1990 and 2000 data are from the U.S. Census Bureau s American FactFinder database ( Annual estimates for , which are for July 1 of each year, are from the U.S. Census Bureau s Population Estimates program ( Knight Community Average: The Knight community average includes 24 counties, Long Beach and Gary. Page 18 KNIGHT FOUNDATION

25 Elderly Population Indicator Description: Percent of the population age 65 and older. Why This Is Important: The segment of the population which is age 65 and older has been increasing in most areas of the country. Growth in this population sector may create demands for health and social services, which will compete with other public functions for community resources. Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Figure 1: Elderly Population, 1990 and % 12.0% 9.0% 6.0% In 2000, over one eighth (12.8%) of Gary residents were age 65 and older. The elderly population was larger in Gary than in Indiana (12.4%), the U.S. (12.4%), and the Knight communities (12.2%), but smaller than in Lake County (13.0%). 3.0% 0.0% Gary Lake County Indiana U.S. Knight Community Average Between 1990 and 2000, Gary s elderly population increased by 1.4 percentage points. The increase in Gary was larger than the increase in Lake County (0.7 percentage points). In contrast, the elderly population declined in Indiana (0.1 percentage point), the U.S. (0.1 percentage point), and the Knight Communities (0.3 percentage points). Limitations of the Data: Annual population figures compiled by the U. S. Census Bureau are not actual counts of the population (which are done every ten years). Estimates compiled by sources other than the Census Bureau may differ; Census figures are used here in order to have a consistent source of information. Population estimates are revised by the Census Bureau each September. As a result, future estimates are likely to differ slightly from September 1999 figures used here. Table 1: Elderly Population, 1990 to Gary 11.4% N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 12.8% Lake County 12.3% 12.5% 12.6% 12.7% 12.8% 12.9% 13.0% 13.0% 13.0% 13.0% 13.0% Indiana 12.5% 12.6% 12.7% 12.7% 12.7% 12.7% 12.6% 12.6% 12.5% 12.5% 12.4% U.S. 12.5% 12.6% 12.7% 12.7% 12.8% 12.8% 12.8% 12.8% 12.7% 12.7% 12.4% Knight Community Average 12.5% 12.6% 12.7% 12.8% 12.9% 13.0% 13.0% 13.0% 13.0% 13.1% 12.2% Source: 1990 and 2000 data are from the U.S. Census Bureau s American FactFinder database ( Annual estimates for , which are for July 1 of each year, are from the U.S. Census Bureau s Population Estimates program ( Knight Community Average: The 1990 and 2000 Knight community averages include 24 counties, Long Beach and Gary. The 1991 to 1999 Knight community averages include 26 counties. Los Angeles County and Lake County were used in place of Long Beach and Gary because data were not available at the city level. KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 19

26 Non-English-Speaking Population Indicator Description: Percent of residents age 5 and older who speak a language other than English at home. Why This Is Important: This indicator provides a measure of the residents in a community who are from non-english-speaking households. The ability to communicate effectively in English is clearly a determinant of success in the educational and work worlds, and a community with many residents who do not speak English may face significant challenges with its schools and workforce. In 2000, 6.4% of Gary residents age 5 and older spoke a language other than English at home. The non-english-speaking population in Gary was the same as the non-english-speaking population in Indiana (6.4%), but was much smaller than in the U.S. (17.9%) and the Knight communities (14.3%). Between 1990 and 2000, the percent of Gary residents age 5 and older who spoke a language other than English at home decreased by 0.5 percentage points, from 6.9% to 6.4%. This decrease stood in contrast to the increases in all comparison areas. Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Figure 1: Percent of Residents Age 5 and Older Not Speaking English at Home, 1990 and % 15% 10% 5% 0% 6.9% 6.4% 11.7% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1990 and % 4.8% 6.4% 13.8% 17.9% 10.6% 14.3% Gary Lake County Indiana U.S. Knight Community Average Note: This indicator is the percent of persons age 5 and older speaking a language other than English at home. It may not be completely accurate to refer to this as the non-english speaking population ; some residents may in fact speak English at home, but it is not their primary language. Knight Community Average: The Knight community average includes 24 counties, Long Beach and Gary. Limitations of the Data: The U.S. Census Bureau s measure of people age 5 and older who do not speak English at home is only one indicator of the Englishspeaking level of a community. It may well undercount the actual size of this population, as it relies on respondents to the Census for its data. Page 20 KNIGHT FOUNDATION

27 Single-Parent Families Indicator Description: Percent of family households with children that are headed by a single parent. Why This Is Important: Single-parent families and children in single-parent households may create the need for certain kinds of services in a community (e.g. preschools and after-school programming). As a general rule, but by no means universally, areas with large concentrations of single-parent families (especially those headed by a female) experience higher rates of poverty. Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Figure 1: Percent of Family Households with Children Headed by a Single Parent, % 40% 30% 20% 10% Nearly two thirds (64.7%) of all family households with children in Gary were headed by a single parent in % by a single female and 7.5% by a single male. The city had a much higher percent of single-parent households than all comparison areas. 0% Gary Lake County Indiana U.S. Knight Community Average Total Female Householder Male Householder Between 1990 and 2000, the percent of households with children headed by a single parent increased by 12.8 percentage points in Gary. The increase in the percent of households with children headed by a single parent in Gary, Indiana was significantly larger than the increases in all comparison areas. Limitations of the Data: The distribution of families by family structure should be read with caution, as this indicator by itself provides no information about the relative economic health of these families and children. While single-parent families are generally more likely to live in poverty, this is not always the case. Gary Table 1: Percent of Family Households with Children Headed by a Single Parent, 1990 and 2000 Male Householder, No Female Householder, Total Wife Present No Husband Present % 64.7% 4.1% 7.5% 47.8% 57.2% Lake County 28.5% 34.5% 3.8% 6.2% 24.7% 28.3% Indiana 21.0% 27.6% 3.9% 6.7% 17.1% 20.9% U.S. 22.8% 28.2% 4.1% 6.3% 18.7% 21.9% Knight Community Average 27.3% 33.7% 4.2% 6.5% 23.1% 27.2% Source: U.S. Census Bureau s American FactFinder database ( Note: A family household is defined by the Census Bureau is a household and one or more persons living in that household that are related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. Knight Community Average: The Knight community average includes 24 counties, Long Beach and Gary. KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 21

28 Poverty Level of People Indicator Description: Percent of all families and all people whose income is below the poverty level. Why This Is Important: Rates of poverty are perhaps the most commonly used indicator of the level of economic need in a community. They are based on national thresholds, which vary annually by the size of a family or household. Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Figure 1: Percent of People in Poverty, 1989, 1993, 1995, and % 20% In 1999, slightly over one-fourth (25.8%) of all people in Gary lived in poverty. The percent of people who lived in poverty in Gary was much higher than in all comparison areas. Between 1989 and 1999, the percent of people who lived in poverty in Gary decreased by 3.6 percentage points, from 29.4% to 25.8%. This decrease was larger than the decreases in all comparison areas. In 1999, more than one-fifth (22.2%) of all families in Gary lived in poverty. The percent of families that lived in poverty in Gary was much higher than in all comparison areas. Between 1989 and 1999, the percent of families that lived in poverty in Gary decreased by 4.2 percentage points, from 26.4% to 22.2%. This decrease was larger than the decreases in all comparison areas. Limitations of the Data: Due to regional differences in the cost of living, the notion of having a single, uniform poverty threshold may be somewhat misleading. Although there is a national standard poverty threshold, differences in regional living costs may affect comparisons among communities. 10% 0% Table 1: Percent of People in Poverty, 1989, 1993, 1995, and 1999 All People All Families Gary 29.4% N/A N/A 25.8% 26.4% 22.2% Lake County 13.8% 15.9% 13.3% 12.2% 11.7% 9.7% Indiana 10.7% 11.9% 9.8% 9.5% 7.9% 6.7% U.S. 13.1% 15.1% 13.8% 12.4% 10.0% 9.2% Knight Community Average Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Gary Lake County Indiana U.S. Knight Community Average % 17.1% 15.2% 14.2% 10.9% 10.1% Knight Community Average: The Knight community average includes 24 counties, Long Beach and Gary (1993 and 1995 are estimates for Long Beach and Gary, based on city to county ratios). Page 22 KNIGHT FOUNDATION

29 Poverty Level of Children Indicator Description: Percent of all children under 18 in families whose family income is below the poverty level. Why This Is Important: Rates of poverty are perhaps the most commonly used indicator of the level of economic need in a community. They are based on national thresholds which vary annually by the size of a family or household. In 1999, well over one-third (37.9%) of all children in Gary lived in poverty. The percent of children who lived in poverty in Gary was significantly higher than in all comparison areas. Between 1989 and 1999, the percent of children who lived in poverty in Gary decreased by 5.0 percentage points, from 42.9% to 37.9%. This decrease was larger than the decreases in all comparison areas. Limitations of the Data: Poverty levels may not be the same in all parts of the country or in all types of places due to differences in the cost of living. Although there is a national standard poverty threshold, differences in regional living costs may affect comparisons among communities. Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Figure 1: Poverty Rates of Children under 18, 1989, 1993, 1995, and % 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Gary Lake County Indiana U.S. Knight Community Average Table 1: Poverty Rates of Children under 18, 1989, 1993, 1995, and Gary 42.9% N/A N/A 37.9% Lake County 21.3% 25.5% 21.6% 17.8% Indiana 13.9% 17.3% 14.7% 11.7% U.S. 17.9% 22.7% 20.8% 16.1% Knight Community Average 19.6% 25.7% 23.1% 17.9% Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Knight Community Average: The Knight community average includes 24 counties, Long Beach and Gary (1993 and 1995 are estimates for Long Beach and Gary, based on city to county ratios). KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 23

30 Welfare Recipients Indicator Description: Percent of persons receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) benefits. 12% Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Figure 1: Percent of Persons Receiving AFDC or TANF Benefits, 1990 to 2000 Why This Is Important: Used in conjunction with other indicators (such as rates of poverty and measures of income), welfare caseloads over time provide some picture of the number and percent of needy persons in a community or state. 8% 4% In 2000, welfare recipients made up 4.2% of Lake County residents. The welfare population was larger in Lake County than in all comparison areas. The welfare population in Lake County increased during the early 1990s from 7.0% in 1990 to 8.2% in 1994, before declining to 4.2% in The overall decrease of 2.8 percentage points in Lake County between 1990 and 2000 was larger than the decreases in all comparison areas. Limitations of the Data: When AFDC benefits became the TANF block grant program in 1996, individual states were given wide discretion in setting policies for how these funds would be distributed and for how long persons and families would be eligible for assistance. Most states enacted policies which shortened the maximum period of eligibility and created requirements for recipients to seek and obtain employment or face the loss of benefits. As a result, significant decreases in welfare caseload levels can be seen in most counties and states beginning in Changes such as these should be interpreted with caution, as drops in welfare caseload levels do not necessarily indicate decreases in poverty, and do not mean that all who have left the welfare rolls are now self-sufficient. 0% Table 1: Percent of Persons Receiving AFDC or TANF Benefits, 1990 to Lake County 7.0% 7.1% 7.8% 8.0% 8.2% 7.0% 5.6% N/A 4.6% 4.1% 4.2% Indiana 2.7% 3.0% 3.5% 3.7% 3.8% 3.4% 2.5% 2.1% 1.6% 1.3% 1.9% U.S. 4.6% 5.0% 5.3% 5.5% 5.5% 5.2% 4.8% 4.1% 3.2% 2.6% 1.9% Knight Community Average Lake County Indiana U.S. Knight Community Average 4.8% 5.2% 5.8% 6.1% 6.2% 5.8% 5.3% 4.5% 3.6% 2.8% 2.6% Sources: U.S.: Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), average monthly caseloads. Indiana: Oregon State University Information Services Bureau, data for February; Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of HHS, January values; monthly averages for fiscal years. Indiana subject to Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF): 10/01/96. Lake County: Oregon State University Information Services Bureau, February values; Lake County Division of Family and Children, December values, except for1998, which uses January values. Notes: All calculations for "percent of population on AFDC/TANF" are derived by dividing the number of people on Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)/TANF by the estimated population for that jurisdiction in a given year (from the U.S. Census Bureau's Population Estimates program). Indiana: In May 1995, Indiana became one of the first to implement statewide welfare reform; Indiana Manpower Placement and Comprehensive Training (IMPACT) program went into effect with the federal welfare reform legislation in 1996 ( BEST_PRACTICES/welfare.html). Lake County was used in place of Gary because data were not available at the city level. Knight Community Average: The 1990 to 1993 Knight community averages include 21 counties, Long Beach and Gary (excludes Boulder, Baldwin, and Fayette Counties). The 1994 Knight community average includes 17 counties and Gary (excludes Long Beach and Boulder, Palm Beach, Manatee, Dade, Leon, Sedgwick, and Fayette Counties). The 1995 Knight community average includes 18 counties and Gary (excludes Long Beach and Boulder, Palm Beach, Manatee, Dade, Leon, and Fayette Counties). The 1996 and 1997 Knight community averages include 22 counties, Long Beach and Gary (excludes Boulder and Fayette Counties). The 1998 Knight community average includes 23 counties, Long Beach and Gary (excludes Boulder County). The 1999 Knight community average includes 21 counties, Long Beach and Gary (excludes Boulder, Wayne, and Grand Forks Counties). The 2000 Knight community average includes 17 counties and Gary (excludes Long Beach and Santa Clara, Boulder, Allen, Wayne, Harrison, Richland, and Horry Counties). Page 24 KNIGHT FOUNDATION

31 Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Labor Force Characteristics KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 25

32 Employed Population Indicator Description: Size of the private, non-farm workforce, consisting of fulland part-time paid employees, including salaried officers and executives, who are on the payroll during the pay period that includes March 12 of each year. Included are employees on paid sick leave, holidays, and vacations; not included are most governmental employees, proprietors, and partners of unincorporated businesses. Why This Is Important: The overall size of the private, non-farm workforce in a community provides a very useful snapshot of economic health. Used in conjunction with which sectors of the economy (e.g., manufacturing, retail trade, etc.) are growing or shrinking the most, the percent change in the private, non-farm workforce can be even more effective in assessing a community s economic health. Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Figure 1: Change in Private, Non-Farm Employment, 1990 to 1999 Figure 2: Percent Change in Private, Non-Farm Employment, 1990 to % 200, , , , , , , , , , , , ,000 50, The number of employees in Lake County increased by 5.0% between 1990 and The increase was considerably smaller in Lake County than in all comparison areas. 20% 20.0% 18.4% 18.9% Limitations of the Data: This indicator tracks the number of persons employed in private, non-farm jobs, based upon an annual federal survey of employers for the pay period which includes March 12 of each year. As such, it may overlook seasonal fluctuations variations in the workforce. It also excludes governmental employees, who are a substantial portion of the workforce in some communities. Finally, this is a measure of the number of jobs, rather than the number of persons actually employed; since both full-time and part-time employees are included in the survey of employers, a person holding jobs at two different establishments will be counted twice. 10% 0% 5.0% Lake County Indiana Indiana Knight Community Average Source: U.S. Census Bureau s County Business Patterns database ( Knight Community Average: The Knight community average includes 26 counties. Los Angeles County and Lake County were used in place of Long Beach and Gary because data were not available at the city level. Note: Lake County was used in place of Gary because data were not available at the city level. What the People Think: Gary residents express considerable concern about economic conditions in their community. Over one-half of residents (57%) regard unemployment as a big problem in their community, while only 13% do not see this as a problem at all. Nearly one in ten residents (8%) view unemployment as the most important problem facing their community, trailing only crime, drugs, or violence (42%). In addition, fully one-half of residents (52%) worry that a lack of industrial or technological progress in Gary might stand in the way of their own or their family s future happiness and well-being. Page 26 KNIGHT FOUNDATION