The latest State of the Community reportshows things are better in employment and higher education but there are still concerns about obesity and infant mortality.
This biennial snapshot of the Greater Cincinnati region from the United Way show some positive signs when compared to 2010. The 15- county region added 40-thousand jobs, more than one million people are working, incomes are up and houses remain affordable. The number of people with an Associate's degree or higher is greater than the national average. In addition juvenile crime appears to be on the way down.
But the picture isn't entirely rosy. More people moved out of the region than in, two of three school districts monitored dropped in early childhood readiness and the region continues to have a higher infant mortality rate than the nation. Eric Rademacher is Director of UC's Institute for Policy Research. He helped put the report together.
"One of the things that we also like to always say at the onset is that many of the indicators that we track are not indicators that are going to change tomorrow."
Another area of concern is obesity. That coupled with more uninsured people could spell trouble down the road.
Bold Goals:
(Education)
- By 2020, at least 85% of children will be prepared for kindergarten
- By 2020, at least 85% of youth will graduate from high school
- By 2020, at ;east 45% of adults will have an Associate's degree or higher
(Income)
- By 2020, at least 90% of the labor force will be gainfully employed
(Health)
- By 2020, at least 70% of the community will report having excellent or very good health
- By 2020, at least 95% of the community will report having a usual place to go for medical care
