FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE ASSESSMENT SUMMARY The following chart is a summary of data collected and analyzed by Boise State University and the Utah Foundation in each of the component areas of Financial Independence. The colors represent composite ratings from multiple data sources related to trend – whether the challenges are getting better or worse. Areas highlighted in red show relatively high cause for concern, areas highlighted in yellow show moderate cause for concern, and areas highlighted in green show less cause for concern.
Challenge is Getting Better or Worse (Trend) Having a job with adequate income
Key Observations
Nearly 8% of Ada County families and 13% of Canyon County families have income below the poverty line. Public transportation in the Boise/Nampa area ranks 90th among the 100 metropolitan areas when considering frequency of service.
Having access to work supports
The majority of Idaho children under age 6 live in households, whether single-parent or two-parent, in which all parents work. This is true for 57% of families across Idaho, for 59% of families in Ada Count, and for 55% of families in Canyon County.
Having financial literacy and savings
Idaho ranks 31st out of all states on CFED’s Assets & Opportunity Scorecard for Financial Assets and Income.
Having access to affordable housing
This census indicates that the number of homeless people in southwest Idaho was slightly more than 1,100 The number of homeless people, including those who stay in hotels, motels or temporarily with friends or family, is likely much higher.
United Way of Treasure Valley • 2011 Community Assessment • www.unitedwaytv.org
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