Featured Indicators Data
Phoenix and Tucson are Middle of the Pack for Residents’ Average Credit Scores
Monday, October 24th, 2011
Despite persistently high unemployment and foreclosure rates, Phoenix and Tucson are not among the 10 cities with the lowest average credit scores, according to Experian’s second annual State of Credit map. In Phoenix, the average credit score is 733 versus 748 in Tucson. Interestingly, 8 of the 10 cities with the highest average credit scores are in the Midwest, and 8 of the 10 cities with the lowest scores are in the South. Texas is noteworthy for having 4 cities among the bottom 10.
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Fewer Foster Home Spaces, but More Children in Need
Wednesday, October 19th, 2011
The number of licensed foster homes and the number of available foster spaces in Arizona has been decreasing, even as the number of children in out-of-home care continues to rise. Some experts believe the aftermath of the Great Recession and economic uncertainty are dissuading families from providing foster care or considering adoption. Others point to SB1188, which gives preference to married, heterosexual couples for foster placement and adoption, saying it could discourage single adults or same-sex couples from getting certified. As of March 2011, 10,707 Arizona children were living in out-of-home care.
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Maricopa County Plagued by High Vacancy Rate
Monday, October 10th, 2011
New census data show that nearly 14 percent of Maricopa County homes were vacant in 2010. That is more than 227,696 empty homes, condominiums, and apartments -- a larger number than all housing units in Tucson.
Among the most populous counties in the nation, Maricopa County tops the list for both the vacancy rate and the number of empty units. In Metro Phoenix, the vacancy rate increased 4.5 percent since 2000. Excess construction during the housing boom is a major contributing factor.
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Arizona Experiences a -13% Change in Aid Per Pupil from FY’08 to FY’12
Wednesday, October 5th, 2011
According to new calculations by Remapping Debate, all but 9 states saw a negative percent change in state aid per pupil from FY’08 to FY’12. Arizona is among those with the largest drop, experiencing a -13% change during this period. North Dakota saw the largest increase, 15%, and South Carolina had the largest decrease at -34%. The Remapping Debate study also ranks states on median household income, income inequality, and 8th grade student proficiency on NAEP Reading and Math assessments. Arizona ranks 23rd on median household income, 36th worst on Math, and 29th worst on Reading.
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More Arizonans are attending community meetings
Tuesday, September 27th, 2011
According to the 2011 Civic Health Index, Arizona improved its rank from 41st to 29th for the percent of citizens attending community meetings about local issues. The state also experienced a slight improvement in the number of people who work with neighbors to fix or improve something. And, the percent of Arizonans who made a charitable contribution of $25 or more climbed from 47.9% in 2009 to 51.3% in 2010, increasing our state rank from 36th to 29th. However, Arizona ranks an unfavorable 41st for volunteering. Civic engagement improves community resiliency and is vital to a healthy democracy.
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