Newly released housing affordability data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows the proportion of households in the region that are cost burdened has declined, but there is still a ways to go before housing becomes more affordable for everyone in the region.
Newly released community integration data from the US Census Bureau shows the levels of racial and ethnic segregation in the region are very gradually declining, while the levels of income inequality have remained the same. Explore more community integration data in today's #TrackingTuesday.
Newly released income data from the US Census Bureau shows that income gaps remain wide between the region’s wealthiest and poorest, white people and people of color, and men and women. While the income gap between the region’s men and women has substantially dropped over the last decade and a half, it still remains wide.
Newly released labor force data from the US Census Bureau shows that the participation rate gap between men and women has continued to steadily close region-wide, and the participation rate gap between white people and people of color has disappeared. However, the speed at which these gaps are closing has varied by county.
Connections 2050 sets a goal to grow a more equitable economy by fostering a high-skilled workforce, reducing poverty and the wealth gap, and improving school quality for all residents. A highly educated population can lead to a more prosperous region by increasing the earnings and job stability of residents, which in turn can lead to better economic performance and less income inequality. Research has found that increased education levels can also improve public health and lower crime rates, among other benefits.
