The following indicators have been chosen based on their long-term impact measurement and alignment to our community’s focus areas. They are high-level indicators that also demonstrate the interconnected and interdependent nature of core areas of communities: health, education, the economy, housing, and other aspects of quality of life.
Focus Areas
This community development approach improves the quality of life in Midland collectively by helping people come together to act on what’s important to them while, at the same time, encouraging individuals, organizations, and communities to excel using their unique existing strengths and assets. We believe people engage with their community based on how they feel about their community. We base our work on the four focus areas below when collectively driving for change and striving to ignite the love between citizens and the community.
Building Our Livelihood
Economic development, infrastructure
Developing Our Talent
Talent, education, youth development, and engagement
Caring For People
Human services, social services, poverty, housing, mental and physical health, public safety
Enriching Our Community
Arts, culture, entertainment, recreation, diversity, community leadership, environment
Health
Desired Trend: ⬆️
Life Expectancy:
Do people live a healthy, full life?
Why It Matters:
Life expectancy refers to the average number of years a person can expect to live, based on the year of their birth. Many factors like economic stability and access to quality education, housing, and healthcare impact our overall health and life expectancy.
Where to Find the Data:
Life expectancy is calculated by the National Center for Health Statistics.
Learn more at rwjf.org.
Life Expectancy
Education
Desired Trend: ⬆️
High School Graduation Rate:
Are people prepared for a future in which they can thrive?
Why It Matters:
A high school diploma increases a person's opportunities throughout their lifetime, impacting their income, lifestyle, health, and overall life expectancy. High school graduation rate measures the percentage of students who graduate with a regular diploma in 4 years or less.
Where to Find the Data:
High school graduation rate is reported by the U.S. Department of Education.
Learn more at countyhealthrankings.org.
High School Graduation Rates
Economy
Desired Trend: ⬆️
Median Household Income:
Do people have resources to meet their basic needs?
Why It Matters:
The median household income is the point at which half of the households in an area earn more and half earn less. Higher incomes lead to greater economic stability and reduce pressures associated with meeting basic household needs such as buying healthy foods or paying bills. Lower incomes can also limit a person's access to physical and mental healthcare.
Where to Find the Data:
Median household income is reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Learn more at winmeasures.org.
Median Household Income
Housing
Desired Trend: ⬇️
Substandard Housing:
Do people have a safe place to live?
Why It Matters:
Poor housing quality is linked to injuries, chronic disease, and childhood development. This measure includes homes that are overcrowded, may not have complete plumbing or kitchen facilities, OR cost its occupants more than 30% of their income.
Where to Find the Data:
This data is calculated using information reported by the US Census Bureau.
Learn more at countyhealthrankings.org.
Homes with Suboptimal Conditions
Quality of Life: Mental Health
Desired Trend: ⬇️
Mental Health:
Are people resilient and healthy?
Why It Matters:
Mental health is an important part of a person's overall health and wellbeing. It is impacted by many factors including a person's sense of belonging and connection in their community. Mental health is measured by calculating the number of adults who self-report 14+ days of "not good" mental health in a month
Where to Find the Data:
Mental health statistics are reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Learn more at https://health.gov/healthypeople
Adults with 14+ “not good” mental health days per month
Quality of Life: Satisfaction
Desired Trend: ⬆️
Satisfaction With Life:
Are people happy where they live?
Why It Matters:
When people care about their community, they’re happier and healthier.
Where to Find the Data:
This data is calculated through a survey utilizing Zen City.
The data includes many factors including affordable housing, overall community safety, recreational amenities, and access to cultural events.
Learn more at https://zencity.io/