ABERDEEN, SOUTH DAKOTA COMMUNITY PROFILE (Primary Focus: Brown County) December 2002 KNIGHT FOUNDATION
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... 11 Racial and Ethnic Composition of the Population12 Socioeconomic Status... 13 Educational Attainment...14 Median Household Income...15 Special Needs Population... 17 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... 25 Employed Population...26 Employment by Major Industry...27 Average Wage by Major Industry...28 Unemployment Rate...29 Criminal Justice... 31 Police Officers per 1,000 Population...32 Law Enforcement Budget per Capita...33 WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES... 35 Child Well-Being... 37 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... 47 Child Care Costs...48 Licensed Child Care Facilities...49 Head Start Enrollment...50 Youth and Juvenile Justice... 51 Juvenile Arrests for Serious Crimes...52 Segregation... 55 Segregation of Children... 56 EDUCATION... 57 School Environment Context... 61 Total Student Enrollment... 62 Student Racial and Ethnic Composition... 63 Free and Reduced Price School Lunch Eligibility64 Limited English Proficient Students... 65 Private School Enrollment... 66 Postsecondary Enrollment... 67 Financial and Human Resources... 69 Current Expenditures per Pupil... 70 Instructional Expenditures per Pupil... 71 Average Teacher Salary... 72 Teachers with Master s Degree... 73 Student-Teacher Ratio... 74 District Revenue Sources... 75 Student Achievement and System Outcomes... 77 State Standardized Tests Third-Grade Reading and Math... 78 State Standardized Tests Eighth-Grade Reading and Math... 79 State Standardized Tests Tenth-Grade Reading and Math... 80 Attendance Rate... 81 SAT Performance... 82 Dropout Rate... 83 Graduation Rate... 84 Community Literacy... 85 Adult Literacy... 86 Public Library Usage - Total... 87 Public Library Usage - Children... 88 Newspaper Circulation... 89 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT... 91 Commerce... 93 Gross Product... 94 Gross Product per Capita... 95 Share of Metro Area Gross Product... 96 Retail Sales per Capita... 97 Personal Income... 99 Personal Income... 100 Personal Income per Capita... 101 Employment and Wages... 103 Employment... 104 Wages and Salaries per Job... 105 New Economy Employment... 106 BROWN COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA Dependency on Social Services... 107 Dependency Ratio...108 HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT... 109 Housing Affordability... 111 Median Housing Value...112 Monthly Income Spent on Housing...113 Range of Owner-Occupied Housing Unit Values...114 Range of Rental Market Rates...115 Housing Stock... 117 Age of Housing Units...118 New Home Construction: Building Permits...119 Housing Stability... 121 Population per Number of Housing Units...122 Residential Mobility...123 Occupied and Vacant Housing Units...124 Owner-Occupied and Rental Housing...125 Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice... 127 Violent Crime Index...128 Total Crime Index...129 CIVIC ENGAGEMENT HUMAN RELATIONS... 131 Engagement in General Elections... 133 Voter Registration...134 Voter Turnout...135 Segregation... 137 Segregation of Total Population...138 VITALITY OF CULTURAL LIFE... 139 Number and Percentage of Arts Organizations.141 Size of Arts Organizations...142 Number of Arts Organizations Compared to Population...143 Assets of Arts Organizations Compared to Population...144 Net Income...145 KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page i
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Highlights BROWN COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA HIGHLIGHTS Brown County is a homogeneous (mostly white) community whose population decreased slightly during the 1990s. Most economic and social context indicators point to a stable community. While median household income is below the national average, it grew substantially between 1989 and 1999. In addition, only a very small percentage of people and children in Brown County live in single-parent households and in households with incomes below the poverty level. Relatively few people do not speak English as their home language. However, Brown County does have a relatively large (and increasing) elderly population and a comparatively small percentage of the population that has at least a bachelor s degree. Indicators of the well-being of children and families suggest both strengths and challenges in Brown County. On the one hand, Brown County has a relatively low percentage of children born with low birth weight, a low infant mortality rate, and a high availability of physicians. On the other hand, a comparatively high percentage of women do not receive first trimester prenatal care, and there is a comparatively low availability of pediatricians. Juvenile arrest rates in Brown County are also relatively high compared to those in South Dakota, the U.S., and the Knight communities. Public education in the Aberdeen School District is also somewhat mixed. Scores on standardized tests are above the state average in 4 th - and 8 th - grade reading and math and 11 th - grade reading, but below the state average on 11 th - grade math. Additionally, attendance and dropout rates are favorable in comparison to the state and the U.S., there are a comparatively high percentage of teachers with a master s degree, and a low percentage of adults at the lowest literacy level. However, composite ACT scores are comparatively low. Economic development in Brown County has been mixed over the last decade. Real gross product per capita and real personal income per capita increased at a higher level over the last decade than all comparison areas. However, increases in employment were much smaller in Brown County than in South Dakota and the Knight communities. In the area of housing and community development, the situation is generally positive. The price of homes is relatively low in Brown County, and both homeowners and renters spend a smaller share of their income on housing than in the U.S. overall. Although the incidence of violent crime is comparatively high, overall crime is quite low. Citizens of Brown County tend to vote in elections at higher rates than their counterparts in the state and nation. Brown County has a relatively low density of cultural resources, but the financial well-being of the arts community is certain. Brown County has fewer arts organizations per 10,000 residents than South Dakota, but the assets per capita of arts organizations are much higher than the state and national averages. It should be noted that while Brown County is the community described in this profile, some of the information presented (particularly in the area of education) focuses on the City of Aberdeen and/or the Aberdeen School District. 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 FOUNDATION Page 1
Highlights 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. Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Overall decrease in population between 1990 and 2000, and a much more homogeneous (mostly white) population in 2000 than South Dakota, the U.S., and the Knight communities; Lower levels of educational attainment in 2000 than the U.S. and the Knight communities; Low median household income in 1999 with a real increase between 1989 and 1999 higher than in the U.S. and the Knight communities, but lower than in South Dakota; Comparatively few single-parent families in 2000, but an increase in the percentage of single-parent families since 1990; Few people and children living in poverty in comparison to South Dakota, the U.S., and the Knight communities in 1999. Well-Being of Children and Families Low infant mortality rates in 1998; Comparatively small percentage of women receiving prenatal care in 1998, with a decrease between 1990 and 1998; Lower percentage of babies born with low birth weight in 1998 than all comparison areas, with a decrease since 1998; More children immunized in 2000 than South Dakota, with an overall increase in the percent of child immunizations between 1992 and 2000; Comparatively high availability of physicians, but low availability of pediatricians, in 2000; Juvenile arrest rates higher than rates in South Dakota, the U.S., and the Knight communities in 1998. Education (all findings are for the Aberdeen School District, unless noted) Higher percentage of teachers with a master s degree than in South Dakota in 1999-00; Scores on 4 th - and 8 th - grade reading and math standardized tests, and 11 th - grade reading standardized tests, above the state average in 1999-00; Favorable attendance and dropout rates in 1999-00; Composite ACT scores in 1999-00 low relative to those in the U.S. and the Knight communities; Low percentage of adults at the lowest literacy level in 1990 in Brown County in comparison with South Dakota, the U.S., and the Knight communities. Page 2 KNIGHT FOUNDATION
Highlights Economic Development Growth in real gross product per capita of 38.0% between 1990 and 2000 higher than growth rates in South Dakota, the U.S., and the Knight communities; Nominal personal income per capita in 2000 higher than South Dakota, but lower than the U.S. and the Knight communities, with a comparatively high real increase in real personal income per capita between 1990 and 2000; Employment increases during the 1990s smaller than South Dakota and the Knight communities, but larger than in the U.S., and that stood in contrast to the negative growth in population in the county over the same time period. Housing and Community Development Comparatively low median housing values in 2000; Low percentage of households that spent 30% or more of their monthly income on homeownership costs and gross rent in 1999; Comparatively old housing stock, with almost half of all homes 40 years old or older in 2000; Increase in the percentage of homes that were owned, and decrease in the percentage of homes that were rented, between 1990 and 2000; Higher incidence of violent crime, and lower incidence of overall crime in 2000, compared to South Dakota and the U.S. Civic Engagement-Human Relations Voter turnout levels above the South Dakota, U.S., and Knight community averages throughout the 1990s. Vitality of Cultural Life Overall number of arts organizations per 10,000 residents in 2000 lower than South Dakota, but higher than the U.S.; Assets of arts organizations per capita in 2000 much higher than the averages in South Dakota and the U.S. overall. KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 3
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Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 5
Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities What the People Think Only four in ten Aberdeen residents (41%) see tension between different racial and ethnic groups as a problem in their community, including 8% who consider it a big problem. Aberdeen residents express some concern over the economic well-being of their area. Although only 6% of residents regard unemployment as a big problem, more than one-half (56%) deem it at least a small problem. Three-quarters of Aberdeen residents think that Aberdeen provides young people with only fair (42%) or poor career opportunities (31%), just one in four residents rate local career opportunities as good (23%) or excellent (2%). When asked what the local government should do to ensure economic prosperity in the Aberdeen area, six in ten residents (59%) want the local government to do more to attract new kinds of industries to the Aberdeen area. Only three in ten residents (31%) maintain that the local government should provide more support for farms, ranches, and other agricultural businesses that have been a major part of the local economy. While a substantial majority of Aberdeen residents rate their local police department as excellent (25%) or good (49%), one in four say that their local department is doing only a fair (18%) or poor job (7%). Practically all Aberdeen residents feel at least somewhat safe from crime in their homes at night (99%), as well as when walking in their neighborhood after dark (94%). Despite feeling safe from crime in their community, three quarters of residents (74%) consider crime, drugs, or violence a problem, although only 13 percent regard it as a big problem in their community. Six percent of residents, however, view crime, drugs, or violence as the most important community problem, ranking it in the top five of concerns. Page 6 KNIGHT FOUNDATION
Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities General Population Characteristics KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 7
Total Population Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Indicator Description: Total population and population change. 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. The population of Brown County in 2000 was 35,460. The county s population declined by about 120 residents (0.3%) between 1990 and 2000. This decrease was smaller than the county s 3.7% population decline between 1980 and 1990. The small population decline in Brown County 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. 36,000 35,800 35,600 35,400 35,200 35,000 35,580 35,624 35,460 35,433 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% -5% -10% 35,538 Figure 1: Total Population, 1990 to 2000-1.3% -0.3% Aberdeen 35,796 Brown County 35,807 35,847 35,822 8.5% South Dakota 13.1% U.S. 35,727 35,231 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 Figure 2: Percent Change in Population, 1990 to 2000 9.8% Knight Community Average Sources: Population data for 1990 and 2000 figures are official Census counts taken from the decennial Census. Population figures for 1991-1999 are annual estimates as of July 1 of each year, and come from the U.S. Census Bureau s Population Estimates program (http://eire.census.gov/popest/estimates.php). Knight Community Average: The Knight community average includes 24 counties, Long Beach and Gary. Page 8 KNIGHT FOUNDATION
Population Density and Household Size Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities 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. In 2000, population density in Brown County was 21 persons per square mile. This was a small fraction of the average in the Knight communities (1,559). Population density in Brown County remained constant between 1990 and 2000. In contrast, the Knight community average declined slightly between 1990 and 1995, and then increased slightly between 1995 and 2000. The average Brown County household had 2.32 persons in 2000, a decrease from 2.45 in 1990. 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 Figure 1: Population per Square Mile, 1990, 1995 and 2000 Aberdeen Brown County Knight Community Average Table 1: Population per Square Mile, 1990, 1995, and 2000 1990 1995 2000 Aberdeen 3,845 3,861 3,794 Brown County 21 21 21 Knight Community Average 1,505 1,498 1,559 Table 2: Persons per Household, 1990 and 2000 1990 1995 2000 The number of persons per household in Brown County in 2000 was lower 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. 1990 2000 Aberdeen 2.68 2.21 Brown County 2.45 2.32 South Dakota 2.59 2.50 U.S. 2.63 2.59 Knight Community Average 2.56 2.50 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 (http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/basicfactsservlet). 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 (http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/basicfactsservlet). Knight Community Average: The Knight community average includes 24 counties, Long Beach and Gary. KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 9
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Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Community Diversity KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 11
Racial and Ethnic Composition of the Population Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities 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. In 2000, 4.9% of Brown County s population was made up of racial and ethnic minorities. American Indians were the largest minority group, comprising 2.7% of the population. The minority population was smaller in Brown County than in South Dakota (12.0%), and much smaller than in the U.S. (30.9%) and the Knight communities (34.2%). The minority population in Brown County increased by 1.3 percentage points between 1990 and 2000. This increase was smaller than the increases in all comparison areas. 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: Only four in ten Aberdeen residents (41%) see tension between different racial and ethnic groups as a problem in their community, including 8% who consider it a big problem. Figure 1: Percent of Population in Racial and Ethnic Groups, 1990 to 2000 5% 4% 3% 2% 1% 0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 Table 1: Racial and Ethnic Composition of the Population, 1990 and 2000 American All Minorities Black Hispanic Asian Indian 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 Brown County 3.6% 4.9% 0.1% 0.3% 0.3% 0.7% 0.4% 0.5% 2.8% 2.7% South Dakota 8.8% 12.0% 0.5% 0.6% 0.8% 1.4% 0.5% 0.6% 7.3% 8.3% 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 All Minorities Asian Hispanic American Indian Black 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 (http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/basicfactsservlet). Annual estimates for 1991-99, which are for July 1 of each year, are from the U.S. Census Bureau s Population Estimates program (http://eire.census.gov/popest/estimates.php). 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 2000. 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
Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Socioeconomic Status KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 13
Educational Attainment Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities 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. In 2000, almost one-fourth of Brown County adults (23.6%) had earned at least a bachelor s degree. Over one-eighth of Brown County adults (14.3%) had not received a high school diploma. The percent of adults who had earned at least a bachelor s degree was higher in Brown County (23.6%) than in South Dakota (21.5%), but was lower than in the U.S. (24.4%) and the Knight communities (26.6%). The percent of adults who had not received a high school diploma was lower in Brown County than in all comparison areas. Limitations of the Data: None. Figure 1: Percent of Population by Highest Level of Education Attained, 2000 Table 1: Percent of Population by Highest Level of Education Attained, 1990 and 2000 No High School Diploma High School Diploma or Equivalent Some College, No Degree Associate Degree Bachelor s Degree Advanced Degree 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 Aberdeen 22.7% 14.7% 28.4% 30.3% 18.6% 21.9% 7.7% 7.5% 15.9% 18.3% 6.7% 7.2% Brown County 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Aberdeen Brown County South Dakota U.S. Knight Community Average No High School Diploma High School or Equivalent Some College, No Degree Associate Degree Bachelor's Degree Advanced Degree 22.1% 14.3% 31.0% 31.6% 19.1% 22.7% 7.2% 7.9% 14.8% 17.4% 5.9% 6.2% South Dakota 22.9% 15.5% 33.7% 32.9% 18.8% 23.0% 7.4% 7.1% 12.3% 15.5% 4.9% 6.0% 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 2000. Knight Community Average: The Knight community average includes 24 counties, Long Beach and Gary. Page 14 KNIGHT FOUNDATION
Median Household Income Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Indicator Description: Median household income. 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 Brown County was $35,017. Median income was lower in Brown County than in all comparison areas. The median household income in Brown County increased by 52.5% between 1989 and 1999 (from $22,967 to $35,017). The increase in median income in Brown County was smaller than the increase in South Dakota (56.8%), but was larger than the increases in the U.S. (39.7%) and the Knight communities (42.3%). After adjusting for inflation, the median household income in Brown County increased by 19.2% (from $28,056 to $33,439) between 1989 and 1999. The increase in median income was smaller than the increase in South Dakota (22.6%), but was larger than the increases in the U.S. (9.2%) and the Knight communities (11.2%). 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. $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000 Figure 1: Median Household Income (Current Dollars), 1989, 1993, 1995, and 1999 $0 Table 1: Change in Median Household Income, 1989 to 1999 Median Household Income 1989 Median Household Income 1999 Percent Change, 1989-1999 Inflation- Adjusted Median Household Income 1989 Inflation- Adjusted Median Household Income 1999 Percent Change, 1989-1999 Aberdeen $22,422 $33,276 48.4% $27,391 $31,776 16.0% Brown County $22,967 $35,017 52.5% $28,056 $33,439 19.2% South Dakota $22,503 $35,282 56.8% $27,490 $33,692 22.6% U.S. $30,056 $41,994 39.7% $36,716 $40,101 9.2% Knight Community Average Aberdeen Brown County South Dakota U.S. Knight Community Average 1989 1993 1995 1999 $28,257 $40,263 42.3% $34,518 $38,448 11.2% 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 2002. 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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Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Special Needs Population KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 17
Youth Population Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Indicator Description: Percent of the population age 4 and younger and age 5-17. Figure 1: Youth Population, 1990 to 2000 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. 30% 20% 10% In 2000, children and youth under 18 made up less than one fourth (23.6%) of Brown County residents. The youth population was smaller in Brown County than in all comparison areas. Between 1990 and 2000, Brown County s youth population decreased by 2.3 percentage points. The decrease in the youth population was larger in Brown County than in South Dakota (1.8 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. 0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 % Age 0-4 % Age 5-17 % Age 0-17 Table 1: Youth Population, 1990 and 2000 % Age 0-4 % Age 5-17 % Age 0-17 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 Aberdeen 6.6% 6.3% 17.5% 15.6% 24.1% 21.8% Brown County 6.9% 6.4% 18.9% 17.2% 25.9% 23.6% South Dakota 7.9% 6.8% 20.6% 20.1% 28.6% 26.8% 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 (http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/basicfactsservlet). Annual estimates for 1991-99, which are for July 1 of each year, are from the U.S. Census Bureau s Population Estimates program (http://eire.census.gov/popest/estimates.php). Knight Community Average: The Knight community average includes 24 counties, Long Beach and Gary. Page 18 KNIGHT FOUNDATION
Elderly Population Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities 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. In 2000, less than one fifth (16.2%) of Brown County residents were age 65 and older. The elderly population was larger in Brown County than in all comparison areas. Between 1990 and 2000, Brown County s elderly population increased by 1.1 percentage points. The increase in Brown County stood in contrast to decreases in South Dakota (0.4 percentage points), 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. 15.0% 12.0% 9.0% 6.0% 3.0% 0.0% Figure 1: Elderly Population, 1990 and 2000 Brown County South Dakota U.S. Knight Community Average 1990 2000 Table 1: Elderly Population, 1990 to 2000 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 Aberdeen 15.8% N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 13.8% Brown County South Dakota 15.1% 15.3% 15.4% 15.4% 15.6% 15.7% 15.7% 15.8% 16.0% 15.8% 16.2% 14.7% 14.6% 14.5% 14.5% 14.4% 14.4% 14.3% 14.3% 14.3% 14.4% 14.3% 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 (http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/basicfactsservlet). Annual estimates for 1991-99, which are for July 1 of each year, are from the U.S. Census Bureau s Population Estimates program (http://eire.census.gov/popest/estimates.php). 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
Non-English-Speaking Population Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Indicator Description: Percent of residents age 5 and older who speak a language other than English at home. Figure 1: Percent of Residents Age 5 and Older Not Speaking English at Home, 1990 and 2000 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. 20% 15% 10% 5% 6.9% 5.5% 6.8% 5.3% 6.5% 6.5% 13.8% 17.9% 10.6% 14.3% In 2000, 5.3% of Brown County residents age 5 and older spoke a language other than English at home. The non-english-speaking population in Brown County was smaller than the non-english-speaking population in all comparison areas. 0% Aberdeen Brown County South Dakota U.S. Knight Community Average 1990 2000 Between 1990 and 2000, the percent of Brown County residents age 5 and older who spoke a language other than English at home decreased by 1.5 percentage points, from 6.8% to 5.3%. This decrease stood in contrast to no change in South Dakota and the increases in the U.S. (4.1 percentage points) and the Knight communities (3.7 percentage points). Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1990 and 2000. 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
Single-Parent Families Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities 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. Figure 1: Percent of Family Households with Children Headed by a Single Parent, 2000 40% 30% 20% 10% Nearly one fourth (23.8%) of all family households with children in Brown County were headed by a single parent in 2000 17.8% by a single female and 6.0% by a single male. The percent of single-parent families in Brown County was lower than in all comparison areas. 0% Aberdeen Brown County South Dakota 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 5.8 percentage points in Brown County. The increase in the percent of households with children headed by a single parent in Brown County was larger than the increase in the U.S. (5.4%), but smaller than the increases in South Dakota (7.2%) and the Knight communities (6.4%). 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. 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 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 Aberdeen 22.3% 28.1% 4.1% 6.0% 18.2% 22.1% Brown County 18.0% 23.8% 3.7% 6.0% 14.5% 17.8% South Dakota 18.0% 25.2% 3.7% 6.7% 15.5% 18.5% 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 (http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/basicfactsservlet). 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
Poverty Level of People Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities 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. Figure 1: Percent of People in Poverty, 1989, 1993, 1995, and 1999 30% 20% In 1999, nearly one-tenth (9.9%) of all people in Brown County lived in poverty. The percent of people who lived in poverty in Brown County was lower than in all comparison areas. Between 1989 and 1999, the percent of people who lived in poverty in Brown County decreased by 1.9 percentage points, from 11.8% to 9.9%. This decrease was smaller than the decrease in South Dakota (-2.7 percentage points), but was larger than the decreases in the U.S. (-0.7 percentage points) and the Knight communities (-0.6 percentage points). In 1999, 7.0% of all families in Brown County lived in poverty. The percent of families that lived in poverty in Brown County was lower than in all comparison areas. Between 1989 and 1999, the percent of families that lived in poverty in Brown County decreased by 1.2 percentage points, from 8.2% to 7.0%. This decrease was smaller than the decrease in South Dakota (-2.3 percentage points), but was larger than the decreases in the U.S. (-0.8 percentage points) and the Knight communities (-0.8 percentage points). 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 1989 1993 1995 1999 1989 1999 Aberdeen 12.2% N/A N/A 10.5% 13.0% 7.6% Brown County 11.8% 11.8% 10.1% 9.9% 8.2% 7.0% South Dakota 15.9% 14.3% 13.7% 13.2% 11.6% 9.3% U.S. 13.1% 15.1% 13.8% 12.4% 10.0% 9.2% Knight Community Average 14.8% 17.1% 15.2% 14.2% 10.9% 10.1% Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Aberdeen Brown County South Dakota U.S. Knight Community Average 1989 1993 1995 1999 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
Poverty Level of Children Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities 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. Figure 1: Poverty Rates of Children under 18, 1989, 1993, 1995, and 1999 30% 20% In 1999, one-tenth (10.3%) of all children in Brown County lived in poverty. The percent of children who lived in poverty in Brown County was lower than in all comparison areas. Between 1989 and 1999, the percent of children who lived in poverty in Brown County decreased by 3.0 percentage points, from 13.3% to 10.3%. This decrease was smaller than the decrease in South Dakota (-3.4 percentage points), but was larger than the decreases in the U.S. (-1.8 percentage points) and the Knight communities (-1.7 percentage points). 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. 10% 0% Table 1: Poverty Rates of Children under 18, 1989, 1993, 1995, and 1999 1989 1993 1995 1999 Aberdeen 13.4% N/A N/A 10.6% Brown County 13.3% 14.5% 14.0% 10.3% South Dakota 20.1% 19.2% 20.2% 16.7% 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. Aberdeen Brown County South Dakota U.S. Knight Community Average 1989 1993 1995 1999 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
Welfare Recipients Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Indicator Description: Percent of persons receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) benefits. 12% 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% 0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 In 2000, welfare recipients made up 0.2% of Brown County residents. The welfare population was smaller in Brown County than in all comparison areas. Between 1990 and 2000, the welfare population in Brown County decreased by 1.7 percentage points. The decrease in Brown County was smaller 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 1996. 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. Table 1: Percent of Persons Receiving AFDC or TANF Benefits, 1990 to 2000 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 Brown County 1.9% 1.7% 1.9% 1.8% 1.6% 1.2% 1.0% 0.9% 0.5% 0.3% 0.2% South Dakota N/A N/A N/A 2.8% 2.7% 2.4% 2.3% 1.9% 1.4% 1.2% 0.9% 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 Brown County South Dakota 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. South Dakota: 1993-1998 Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of HHS, January values; 1999 (http://www.state.sd.us/social/stats%20info/tanf%20data/1999/99months.htm), January value; 2000: monthly average for fiscal year. South Dakota subject to Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF): 12/01/96. Brown County: 1990-1999 South Dakota Department of Social Services, Richard Jensen 603-773-3165, January values. 2000 Average from January 2000 December 2000, excluding September and October 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). 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
Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities Labor Force Characteristics KNIGHT FOUNDATION Page 25
Employed Population Demographic, Economic, Social Context of Communities 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. Figure 1: Change in Private, Non-Farm Employment, 1990 to 1999 20,000 16,159 16,058 14,303 16,097 14,514 16,000 15,990 16,515 15,103 12,000 12,962 13,857 8,000 4,000 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 The number of employees in Brown County increased by 24.2% between 1990 and 1999. The increase was smaller in Brown County than in South Dakota (49.4%), but larger than the increases in the U.S. (18.4%) and the Knight communities (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. What the People Think: Aberdeen residents express some concern over the economic well-being of their area. Although only 6% of residents regard unemployment as a big problem, more than one-half (56%) deem it at least a small problem. More starkly, three-quarters of Aberdeen residents think that Aberdeen provides young people with only fair (42%) or poor career opportunities (31%). Just one in four residents rate local career opportunities as good (23%) or excellent (2%). When asked what the local government should do to ensure economic prosperity in the Aberdeen area, six in ten residents (59%) want the local government to do more to attract new kinds of industries to the Aberdeen area. Only three in ten residents (31%) maintain that the local government should provide more support for farms, ranches, and other agricultural businesses that have been a major part of the local economy. Figure 2: Percent Change in Private, Non-Farm Employment, 1990 to 1999 Page 26 KNIGHT FOUNDATION 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 24.2% 49.9% 18.4% 18.9% Brown County South Dakota U.S. Knight Community Average Source: U.S. Census Bureau s County Business Patterns database (http://www.census.gov/epcd/cbp/view/cbpview.html). 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.