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2012

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Table of Contents

Report Contributors and Key Resources
Executive Summary
Worcester Demographics
Purpose of the Report
What is an Indicator?
Economic Development Indicators
Education Indicators
Housing Indicators
Public Health and Medical Services Indicators
Social and Mental Health Indicators
Transportation Indicators
Worcester Safety Data
Neighborhood Data
Qualitative Report
Appendix

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Report Contributors and Key Resources

Key Resources:

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Purpose of this Report

The purpose of the Supplemental Indicators Report is to stimulate and create action steps to improve the quality of life in the City of Worcester. It is intended to make this report available, visible, widely shared, easily understood, and broadly used.

The goals of the Supplemental Indicators Report are to:

Provide the baselines and benchmarks for monitoring and measuring changes over time.
Broaden the resident base of decision makers regarding what data are accessible, gathered, and examined.
Encourage partners to set goals, surface emergent issues, track trends, communicate implications, and take action.
Facilitate strategic planning, resource allocation, and evidence-based decision-making in the community.
Serve as a central repository of credible and timely measures of community health and quality of life.

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What is an Indicator?

An indicator is a measure of quantifiable data (a number) of an issue, such as temperature. We know that a pleasant temperature for most of us is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can decrease or increase. We use this indicator everyday to dress appropriately and to adjust to weather change.

There are community indicators that assess demographic, economic, social, health, and well-being factors of a community and its environment as well. All of us, government, businesses, organizations, and residents, can use the community indicators to make positive decisions as a group and to improve the quality of life for all in the City of Worcester. We must work together to share the knowledge, the responsibility, and the challenges so as later to enjoy the benefits.

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The City of Worcester’s Changing Demographics

Source: U.S. Census 2000 and U.S. Census 2010

Worcester is one of the fastest growing and most ethnically diverse cities in the nation.
Since 2000, whites have become the minority among school-age children.
Of the 19% Latinos, just over half are Puerto Rican.

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Population Age Distribution,�2010, City of Worcester

Source: U.S. Census 2010

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New Arrival Refugees �2007-2011, Central MA

Refugees from Iraq account for the greatest percentage, followed by Bhutan, Burma, and Liberia.

Source: Massachusetts Office for Refugees & Immigrants

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New Arrival Refugees �Comparing 2008 and 2010, Central MA

Source: Massachusetts Office for Refugees & Immigrants

Diversity among immigrants and new arrival refugees continues to grow in Central Massachusetts.

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Health Insurance Enrollment,� 2010, City of Worcester

The City of Worcester has a total population of 181,045 according to the 2010 U.S. Census.

The city’s total civilian, non-institutional population is 179,704. Of that group, 95.6% residents have health insurance coverage and 4.4% are uninsured.

64.4% of those residents with health insurance coverage are enrolled in private insurance plans and 41.4% are enrolled in public health insurance.

Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates

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Social Determinants of Health

	City of Worcester	Worcester County	Massachusetts	US Overall
Per Capita Income	$23,125	$29,316	$33,203	$26,059
Those Living Below� 100% poverty	19.4%	10.8%	11.4%	15.3%
Children <18 Living Below 100% Poverty	29.6%	14.1%	14.3%	21.2%
Less than a High School Education	8.1%	6.9%	11.8%	16.8%
Foreign Born	19.5%	10.9%	15.8%	12.9%
Unemployed	7.9%	7.7%	6.9%	6.9%

Source: U.S. Census 2010 and 2010 American Community Survey 1-year estimates, U.S. Census

Unemployment Rate: November 2011
Worcester City	Massachusetts	US Overall
7.3%	7%	8.6%

Source: United States Bureau of Labor Statistics

The City of Worcester has a higher percentage of people living below the poverty line, as well as youth under 18 years of age, when compared to Worcester County, Massachusetts, and the U.S. overall.

100% poverty is $22,350 for a family of 4. Add or subtract $3,820 for every family member above or below 4.

Source: Federal Register, Vol. 76, No. 13, January 20, 2011, pp. 3637-3638

http://www.usac.org/_res/documents/li/pdf/Income_Requirements.pdf

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Economic Development Indicators

Economic Development

The area of Economic Development represents factors such as employment opportunities, access to shopping, a vibrant downtown, a business friendly environment, the absence of abandoned commercial buildings, and a strong commercial tax base.

The Economic Development Indicators selected are:

Unemployment rate
Poverty measure
Tax base distribution
Number of vacant properties

Why does this matter?

A healthy economy is the foundation for a high quality of life in any community, or even in an individual family. Beginning with one person’s ability to find a job, and spanning to an industry’s ability to respond to forces of change, the economy can set the pace for our standard of living and our future. A strong economy can also provide a sense of security as it helps us balance our family’s multiple needs and enables us to enjoy a good life. When jobs are unavailable, a community risks losing its young talent and has difficulty attracting new workers. Rising unemployment and low wage rates (reflected in poverty level measures) are indicative of people’s inability to meet their most basic needs.

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Unemployment

	MA	Worcester	Westborough	Boston	Springfield	Hartford, CT	Providence, RI
2005	5%	4.6%	3.7%	4.6%	6.3%	9.8%	6.7%
2011 June	7.4%	9.3%	5.9%	6.9%	11.7%	16.3%	14.2%

Unemployment Rates

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics: Not Seasonally Adjusted, 2011

Source: US Census 2010 Data for Worcester, Massachusetts

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Unemployment

Source: US Census 2010 Data for Worcester, Massachusetts

In Worcester there is an estimated population over 16 years old of 142,189.
Of these, 62.7% are in the labor force. 54.8% are employed and 12.6% are unemployed.
Worcester has a disabled population of 13,041, of which 21.5% are unemployed.
Unemployment is higher among Hispanics and men.

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Poverty

The percent of the total Worcester population living below the poverty line is lower than Providence in the years 2000, 2005, and 2009.

The percent of the Worcester population living under the poverty line has remained relatively steady.

Source for both charts: US Census, Data Set: American Community Survey, 2009

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Tax Distribution

The graph reveals that the burden of tax paying is on the residents rather than commercial entities.

Source: Benchmarking Municipal Finance in Worcester: Factors Affecting the City's Bond Rating, 2008

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Vacant Properties

http://www.wrrb.org/files/downloads/reports/eco_dev/2010/2010-benchmarking-economic-development.pdf�Benchmarking Economic Development in Worcester: 2010�Source: City of Worcester Office of the Treasurer and Collector

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Education Indicators

Education

The area of Education includes preschool, K-12, post-secondary education, lifelong learning, and English as a second language.

The Education Indicators selected are:

Percentage of 4^th and 10^th graders who are proficient in English language arts and math based on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS)
Four year graduation rate
Dropout rate
Student mobility rate
Percent of public high school students pursuing post-secondary education

Why does this matter?

A community’s prosperity depends on a well-educated work force. After the family, education is the most pervasive component in children’s growth and development. Education offers the greatest potential for a community’s economic advancement, upward mobility, and economic and social vitality. Children who arrive in school ready to learn are more likely to experience academic success. “Many studies indicate that high-quality early childhood education programs help young children succeed in school. Children’s development is enhanced and school readiness increases when programs are accredited, employ staff with Bachelor’s or master’s degrees in education, and keep staff turnover low.” Source: Department of Early Education and Care, Strategies for Children.

As completion of secondary education has become insufficient for success in the new economy, life-long learning has been recognized as key to individuals’ and communities’ long-term growth and vitality.

If a community has a poor quality public education system, residents are unable to achieve their academic potential and effectively participate in the workforce. Those who fail to complete high school face diminishing opportunities and a lifetime of financial struggle and are less likely to have health insurance and live a long life. Families looking for good schools for their children, however, can be deterred from living there and businesses seeking communities where they will be able to recruit a talented workforce are inclined to look elsewhere.

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MCAS Proficiency

Source for both charts: Massachusetts Department of Education, 2010

For both fourth graders and tenth graders, there has been a gradual improvement from 2005 to 2010.

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Four-Year Graduation Rate

Source for both charts: Massachusetts Department of Education, 2010 Cohort Graduation Rates

According to the graph, Hispanics have the lowest four year graduation rate in Worcester.

There has been a gradual improvement from the 2005-2006 school year to the 2009-2010 school year.

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Dropout Rate

Source: Massachusetts Department of Education, 2010 Cohort Graduation Rates

Hispanics have the highest dropout rate in 2010 at 17.2%, 7% higher than the Black dropout rate of 10.2%.

There is an almost 15% difference between the highest dropout rate, Hispanics, and the lowest dropout rate, Asians.

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Dropout Rate

http://www.wrrb.org/files/downloads/reports/pub_edu/2010/2010-Benchmarking-Public-Education.pdf�Benchmarking Public Education in Worcester: 2010�Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The overall dropout rate has remained relatively constant between 2004 and 2009.

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Mobility Rate

http://www.wrrb.org/files/downloads/reports/pub_edu/2010/2010-Benchmarking-Public-Education.pdf�Benchmarking Public Education in Worcester: 2010�Source: Worcester Public Schools

Entry mobility refers to the percent of new students entering Worcester schools due to “unanticipated” or “non-normal” movements. For example, a student who enters a school during a school year because of a recent move contributes to the mobility rate.

Likewise, the exit mobility refers to the amount of students leaving Worcester schools because of “unanticipated” or “non-normal” movements.

Both forms of mobility have remained relatively constant from 2004 to 2009.

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Post-Secondary Education

Source: Massachusetts Department of Education

With the exception of two-year public college attendance, WHS students have been consistent in their choice of post-secondary education between 2005 and 2010.

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Post-Secondary Education

Source: Massachusetts Department of Education, 2010

Asian students have the highest percentage of graduates planning to attend a four-year private college in Worcester.
Hispanic students have the lowest percentage of graduates planning to attend a four-year public or private college.
Hispanic students also have the highest percentage of students planning to attend a two-year public college.

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Housing Indicators

Housing

The area of Housing includes affordability, safety, and availability of housing.

The Housing Indicators selected are:

Foreclosure Rates for the City of Worcester
Percent of Households Paying Greater than 30 percent of Income on Housing
Number of Individuals and Families who are Homeless
Homelessness in Youth and Young Adults

Why does this matter?

Housing is the cornerstone of a strong community. Affordable, secure housing ensures the stabilization of neighborhoods, decreases student mobility in schools, and reduces the need for services and the number of homeless and under-housed residents. Vibrant, stable neighborhoods contribute positively to the local economy and civic life.

Families that have to pay a high percentage of their income for housing have little left over for other basic necessities, such as food, clothing, medical care, recreation, and utilities. When affordable housing is unavailable, families are unable to live and work in the same community.

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Foreclosure

Source: Realtyrac, Warren Group, Worcester Telegram and Gazette, 2012

The number of foreclosure petitions fell by 43% from 2010 to 2011. However, this is not expected to be a continued trend .

In Massachusetts, foreclosures take 544 days on average, which could partially account for the drop in 2011.

These numbers represent households, not individual people.

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Rent

Source: City-Data; Income, Earnings, and Wages Data for Worcester, Massachusetts http://www.city-data.com/income/income-Worcester-Massachusetts.html

Wages have been decreasing while the cost of rent has remained the same or has increased.

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Homelessness

While the number of homeless individuals has been steadily decreasing, the number of homeless families with children has been steadily increasing.
These numbers include homeless people who are emergency, transitional, and unsheltered.

Source: Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance

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Homelessness

Source: Youth and Young Adult Homelessness in Worcester, Massachusetts, Fall 2011

Worcester Teen Housing Task Force, the Compass Project, and Clark University

The point in time survey questioned 535 youth, and 19% (102 individuals) reported being homeless.

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Public Health and Medical Services Indicators

Public Health and Medical Services

The area of Public Health and Medical Services includes the availability of and access to medical facilities, the quality of services, and health-insurance coverage.

The Public Health and Medical Services Indicators selected are:

Infant Mortality
Physician Access
Oral Health
Cancer
Asthma
Diabetes
Smoking
Overweight and Obesity
HIV/AIDS

Why does this matter?

A community’s vitality is closely related to its residents’ health status. A healthy community invests in the well-being of its residents by providing access to healthy lifestyle choices such as fresh produce, recreation, medical facilities, and clean air. It also provides access to high quality health care and ensures all residents have adequate health care coverage. Communities with a high percentage of unhealthy residents suffering from chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes, obesity, drug addiction, and HIV experience a drain on their limited recourses and a diminished quality of life for everyone. Additionally, infant mortality, according to the Boston Foundation, is the one indicator that tells the most about a community’s standard of living.

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Infant Mortality

Source: Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births

Since 2000, there has been a steady decrease in the infant mortality rate for the Black population. However, the Hispanic infant mortality rate has been steadily increasing. While both areas require focus, this graph indicates that Hispanics are at a greater risk than other races of infant mortality. For more information, refer to the WDPH Health of Worcester 2011 Report.

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Physician Access

The figures below are based on the 2008, 2009, and 2010 Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey, in which 3,155 Worcester residents, 18 and older, participated. Results are weighted to account for probability of selection and to match the age and gender of Massachusetts residents.

The majority of the Worcester population interacted with a medical system over the past three years, which is a positive.
Blacks and Hispanics experience the highest difficulty in seeing a physician due to cost.
Despite universal health care, there are still other costs.
Males are less likely than females to have a medical checkup.

Source for all charts:

2008 – 2010,

Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

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UMass Memorial Insurance Applications

Source: UMass Memorial Health Care

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Oral Health Access, Adult

Source: 2008 – 2010, Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

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Oral Health Access, Adult

Source: 2008 – 2010, Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

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Oral Health Access, Adult

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, research suggests a relationship between oral health and cardiovascular disease, diabetes and pneumonia.

The City of Worcester ranks higher than the state and the U.S. median for adults reporting the loss of six or more teeth.

Source: 2010 Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

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Oral Health Access, Youth

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health:

Tooth decay is the most common, preventable chronic disease among children.

More than 1 in 4 children living in Massachusetts have evidence of tooth decay.

Low income and minority children experience higher decay than other children.

Untreated dental caries contribute to learning and speech difficulties, poor nutrition and difficulties in school.

The City of Worcester lacks fluoridation in water which contributes to a high level of tooth decay among residents.

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Oral Health Access, Youth

Source: The Catalyst Institute, “The Oral Health of Massachusetts’ Children” January 2008 report

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Cancer

Source: Cancer Registry

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Cancer

Source: Cancer Registry

Blacks are nearly 3x more likely to have prostate cancer when compared to Hispanics and Whites.
Blacks are nearly 6x more likely to have prostate cancer when compared to Asians.

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Cancer

Source: Cancer Registry

The incidence of lung cancer among Whites, Blacks, and Asians are relatively similar.

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Cancer

Source: Cancer Registry

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Cancer

Source: Cancer Registry

Rising over time and is higher than the state numbers.
Among race/ethnicity groups, there has not been significant change between 1997 and 2008.

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Cancer

Source: Cancer Registry

Black and Asian women suffer disproportionally.

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Asthma

Source: MassChip 2003-2008

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Asthma

Source: MassChip 2003-2008

While the rates are fairly close, this graph reveals that Hispanics in Worcester are worse off than other races/ethnicities compared to Massachusetts as a whole.

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Diabetes

Source: Mass Chip 2006-2008

Blacks and Hispanics in Worcester have the highest prevalence of diabetes.
Hispanics in Worcester have a higher percentage of diabetes than the state average.
Worcester has no remarkable difference in the prevalence of diabetes between males and females.

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Smoking

Source: 2008 Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

While the overall percent of the Worcester population who smokes has remained relatively unchanged, the percent of Hispanics who smoke significantly dropped from 31.7% (2004-06) to 14.2% (2008).

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Overweight and Obesity Among Youth,�2008-2010, City of Worcester and MA

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health:

Children who are obese at age 8 are 90% more likely to be overweight or obese as adults.

Approximately 17% of all Massachusetts children are overweight.

Children living in the City of Worcester are overweight at higher rates than the state as a whole.

Source: Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Essential School Health Service (ESHS) data Reports for Worcester and Massachusetts

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Obesity & Overweight Among Youth,�2008-2010, City of Worcester and MA

In addition to links with chronic disease later in life, overweight/ obesity puts children and youth at risk of negative health and social behaviors.

Source: Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Essential School Health Service (ESHS) data Reports for Worcester and Massachusetts

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Obesity in 2011, Worcester Public Schools

Source: Worcester Public Schools, “Health of Worcester 2011” Dale Magee, Commissioner, Worcester Department of Public Health

The data reveals that something happened that dramatically affected the rates in the Asian community over the past ten years.

The Worcester total average for obese youth entering first grade is 20.25%, while the nationwide average is just 10%.

This chart represents a single point in time, and as such, the 1^st graders and 11^th graders are different students, not the same students 10 years apart.

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Overweight and Obesity, Adults

Source: 2008 Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

People who are obese are also considered to be overweight.
Asian data was not available.

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People Diagnosed with HIV Infection by Race/Ethnicity,�2007–2009, Comparing the City of Worcester and MA

Source: Massachusetts Department of Public Health HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program, Data as of 1/1/11

Worcester: 90 total cases

Massachusetts: 1,822 total cases

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Mental Health and Social Services Indicators

Mental Health and Social Services

Mental Health and Social Services includes the availability of and access to a range of mental health services and social services that contribute to ensuring community health.

The Mental Health and Social Services Indicators are:

Emergency Mental Health Services Provided by UMass Memorial Medical Center
Primary Substance of Abuse Comparing City of Worcester and Massachusetts
Free/Reduced Public School Free/Reduced Meals
SNAP
Farmers’ Markets

Why does this matter?

A community’s health is closely related to its residents’ levels of emotional health and well-being. In a healthy community, people living and working in the community feel safe, happy, and connected to neighbors, schools, and providers of social services. Providers are able to meet residents’ needs for help related to emotional stress, food, housing, security, and social isolation. When these needs cannot be met, individuals are more likely to under-perform, miss days from work and school, and engage in risky behaviors. A community unable to meet its residents’ social and mental health needs more likely experiences disproportionally higher rates of negative interactions such as criminal activity, child abuse and neglect, as well as suicide.

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Emergency Mental Health Visits (EMHV) Provided to Youth by UMass Memorial Medical Center

UMMMC experienced a 21% increase in total volume of EMHS visits between 2005 and 2009.

During that period, EMHS visits for children 18 years old and under increased by 10% and by 37% for young adults.

The cause for these increases is not easily attributable to any one issue. However, UMMMC EMHS believes that poor access to community-based outpatient care and a shrinking pool of safety-net services likely contributed.

In 2010, Community Health Link began community-based emergent services to Youth & Families due changes in reimbursement structure. As result, EMHS volume among youth decreased at UMMMC.

Source: Emergency Mental Health Services, UMass Memorial Health Care

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Emergency Mental Health Visits (EMHV) Provided to Youth by UMass Memorial Medical Center

After increasing steadily between 2005 and 2009, in 2010 the number of EMHV that UMMMC provided to youth declined.
The decline in EMHV is likely associated with Community Health Link beginning to provide community-based emergent services.

Source: Emergency Mental Health Services, UMMMC

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Substance Abuse

Source: Massachusetts Department of Public Health – Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Abuse Services

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Substance Abuse

Source: Massachusetts Department of Public Health – Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Abuse Services

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Substance Abuse Admissions

Source for both charts: Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Mass CHIP Custom Reports

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Public School Meals

Worcester Public Schools feeds around 15,800 lunches, 9,500 breakfasts, and 1,400 snacks each day at 60 different school sites.
Meal participation rate is about 70% and roughly 72% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
16 school sites offer the Universal Breakfast Program, and all have 80% or more free or reduced eligible students.
According to the 2005 Census, in the 14 low-income tracts in Worcester, 1 in 3 children lived in a household that at times did not have enough food.