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Understanding Income & Economic Data

This section shows how income flows through the district - from household incomes to public assistance programs. Like our other detailed statistics, this data comes from the American Community Survey (ACS).

What You'll Find Here
Why This Matters

Understanding income patterns helps with:

  • Identifying areas of economic need
  • Planning assistance programs and services
  • Understanding workforce and economic health
  • Developing targeted economic policies
Understanding Household Income Distribution
Quick Summary:

This section shows how household incomes are distributed across a jurisdiction. The data comes from the American Community Survey (2019-2023) and helps you understand:

  • How many households fall into each income bracket
  • The overall wealth profile of your district
  • Whether income is concentrated or widely distributed
Income Categories Explained

We group households into four main income brackets:

  • Lower Income (Under $35,000):
    • Often includes fixed-income seniors
    • Part-time and minimum wage workers
    • People receiving disability or public assistance
    • May struggle with basic expenses
  • Middle Income ($35,000-$100,000):
    • Working families and individuals
    • Public sector employees
    • Skilled trades workers
    • Early-career professionals
  • Upper Middle ($100,000-$200,000):
    • Dual-income professional households
    • Mid-career professionals
    • Small business owners
    • Senior-level employees
  • High Income ($200,000+):
    • Executive-level employees
    • Successful business owners
    • High-earning professionals (doctors, lawyers, etc.)
    • Investment income recipients
Why Income Distribution Matters

Understanding income patterns helps with:

  • Political Strategy:
    • Identifying likely voter concerns (housing costs, taxes, services)
    • Tailoring campaign messages to economic realities
    • Understanding potential donor base
  • Policy Development:
    • Affordable housing needs
    • Public transportation requirements
    • Social service program demand
    • Economic development priorities
  • Community Planning:
    • Types of businesses likely to succeed
    • Housing development needs
    • Public amenity expectations
Important Context:
  • These income ranges mean different things in different areas - $100,000 goes much further in rural areas than urban centers
  • Income data is from the previous year (2022 survey reports 2021 income)
  • Numbers don't capture wealth from assets or non-reported income
Understanding Public Assistance Data
Quick Summary:

This section shows what percentage of households receive different types of government assistance. The data comes from the American Community Survey (2019-2023) and shows:

  • Who receives cash-based public assistance
  • Who receives SNAP (food stamps)
  • How many households use both programs
Types of Assistance Explained
  • Public Assistance Only:
    • TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
    • SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
    • General Assistance from state/local government
    • Does NOT include Social Security retirement benefits
  • SNAP Benefits Only:
    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
    • Known as CalFresh in California
    • Helps low-income households buy food
    • Often used by working families who struggle with food costs
  • Combined Benefits:
    • Some households qualify for both types of assistance
    • Usually indicates deeper economic need
    • May reflect barriers to employment (disability, caregiving responsibilities, etc.)
Eligibility Basics

General guidelines for assistance programs:

  • SNAP/CalFresh:
    • Income typically at or below 200% of federal poverty level
    • Available to both working and non-working households
    • Benefits adjust based on household size and income
  • Cash Assistance:
    • Usually requires very low income and assets
    • Often temporary or linked to specific needs
    • May require participation in work programs
Why This Data Matters
  • Community Needs:
    • Indicates levels of economic hardship
    • Helps identify food security issues
    • Shows where additional support services might be needed
  • Program Planning:
    • Guides resource allocation
    • Helps target outreach efforts
    • Identifies gaps in service delivery
  • Economic Indicators:
    • Reflects local economic conditions
    • Indicates workforce challenges
    • Shows impact of economic changes
Important Context:
  • Not everyone eligible for assistance applies for or receives it
  • Numbers can change quickly with economic conditions
  • Program rules and eligibility change periodically
Understanding Household Earners Data
Quick Summary:

This section shows how many working adults contribute to household incomes. The data comes from the American Community Survey (2019-2023) and reveals:

  • The mix of single-earner and dual-earner households
  • How many households have no employed members
  • The prevalence of multi-earner family arrangements
Understanding Each Category
  • No Earners:
    • Retirees living on savings or Social Security
    • People with disabilities receiving benefits
    • Students living on loans or family support
    • Those temporarily between jobs
  • One Earner:
    • Traditional single-income families
    • Single parents
    • One spouse working while other cares for family
    • Single people living alone
  • Two Earners:
    • Dual-income married couples
    • Single parents working two jobs
    • Adult children working while living with parents
    • Most common arrangement in many areas
  • Three or More Earners:
    • Multiple adult family members working
    • Multi-generational households
    • Shared living arrangements with working roommates
    • Often indicates high cost of living relative to wages
Why This Data Matters
  • Economic Stability:
    • Multiple earners can indicate economic resilience
    • High single-earner percentages might suggest good wages
    • Many no-earner households could indicate retirement community
  • Policy Implications:
    • Childcare needs for working families
    • Transportation infrastructure requirements
    • Senior services for retirement communities
    • Job training and workforce development needs
  • Community Planning:
    • Housing affordability considerations
    • Public transit scheduling needs
    • Economic development strategies
Important Context:
  • Numbers reflect regular employment, not occasional or informal work
  • Part-time and full-time workers are counted the same
  • Economic conditions can cause rapid shifts in these patterns
  • High housing costs often drive multiple-earner arrangements
Understanding Health Insurance Coverage Data
Quick Summary:

This section shows health insurance coverage patterns across different age groups. The data comes from the American Community Survey (2019-2023) and shows:

  • How many people have health insurance in each age group
  • What types of insurance are most common
  • Participation in major public health programs
Coverage Types Explained
  • Employer Coverage:
    • Insurance through workplace
    • Often covers family members
    • Usually most common for working-age adults
  • Medicare:
    • Federal program primarily for those 65+
    • Also covers certain disabilities
    • Often supplemented with private coverage
  • Medicaid (Medi-Cal):
    • State program for low-income residents
    • Covers many children and families
    • Works with Medicare for some seniors
  • Direct Purchase:
    • Bought directly from insurers
    • Includes Covered California plans
    • Common for self-employed
  • Military Coverage:
    • TRICARE for active duty and families
    • VA healthcare for veterans
    • Significant in areas near bases
Understanding Age Group Patterns
  • Under 19:
    • Often covered through parents
    • High Medi-Cal enrollment
    • Low uninsured rates due to programs for children
  • 19 to 34:
    • Often highest uninsured rates
    • Mix of employer and Medi-Cal coverage
    • May forgo insurance due to cost or perceived need
  • 35 to 64:
    • Primarily employer coverage
    • Growing direct purchase segment
    • Coverage gaps can be financially risky
  • 65 and Over:
    • Nearly universal Medicare coverage
    • Many have supplemental insurance
    • Some qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal
Why This Data Matters
  • Healthcare Access:
    • Identifies coverage gaps
    • Shows program enrollment patterns
    • Indicates potential healthcare barriers
  • Policy Planning:
    • Healthcare outreach needs
    • Program enrollment opportunities
    • Community health resources
  • Economic Indicators:
    • Employment benefits trends
    • Public program dependence
    • Healthcare affordability issues
Important Context:
  • Some people have multiple types of coverage
  • Insurance status can change frequently with employment
  • Coverage doesn't guarantee affordable access to care
  • Program eligibility rules change periodically