THE VITAL WALLOWA INDICATOR PROJECT
2009 Wallowa County Vitality Assessment
Community Vitality Assessment Methodology
1. Community vitality: Capacity to work productively together and realize positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes
2. Developed 26 indicators of Wallowa County vitality: 2006 Vision & additional community input
3. Gathered data from: Federal, State, County, and City agencies Local organizations and businesses Wallowa County adult residents
4. Developed indicator targets5. Made assessment of community vitality
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Vital Wallowa Indicator Project Survey
Survey Methodology: Hand-delivered February - May, 2009 by local residents
Wallowa HS FCCLA, Joseph HS FBLA, Enterprise HS FBLA Adult volunteers
Mail-back response rate: 63%Received completed questionnaires from 276 randomly
selected Wallowa County adult (18+) residentsQuotas established for area of the county to ensure a
representative sampleMargin of error:
±5.8% for permanent adult resident estimates All published estimates have been weighted to represent
the Wallowa County population of adult residents
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
2009 Community Vitality Assessment Findings
Areas of Strength (≥ ½)
Environment: 6/8
Community Capacity: 7/9
Economy: 4/7
According to the 2009 assessment, Wallowa County is roughly 56% vital, and
in three areas out of four, more than half of the indicators met or exceeded targets.
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Areas of Weakness (< ½)
Social: 6/17
Goal 1.1 Wallowa County is rich in year-round residents, with a foundation of young people and families. Our quality of life attracts families, young people, and newcomers with similar values.
Social
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Social: Goal 1.1
1. Population by Age: The percentage of population age 25-44 in Wallowa County was lower than desired and the percentage of population age 45-64 in Wallowa County was higher than desired by residents
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Age 0-17 Age 18-24 Age 25-44 Age 45-64 Age 65-79 Age 80+0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
Population by Age, 2000 – Oregon, Non-metropolitan Oregon, and Wallowa County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
OREGON
Non-Metro OREGON
Wallowa County
% o
f P
op
ula
tio
n
Social: Goal 1.1
2. Migration by Age: The net migration rates of Wallowa County residents were higher than desired for some age groups.
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
0-4
5-9
10-1
4
15-1
9
20-2
4
25-2
9
30-3
4
35-3
9
40-4
4
45-4
9
50-5
4
55-5
9
60-6
4
65-6
9
70-7
4
75+
-0.8
-0.6
-0.4
-0.2
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
Age-Specific Net Migration Rates, 1990 - 2000Wallowa County, OR and Non-metropolitan Oregon
Source: U.S. Census Bureau; National Center for Health Statistics; Voss, McNiven, Hammer, Johnson, and Fuguitt,
2004Non-Metro OR
Wallowa County
Net
Mig
rati
on
Rate
Per
Cap
ita
Goal 1.2 We intentionally care for and nurture one another.
Social
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Social: Goal 1.2
3. Health Care Satisfaction:Quality – In 2009, the majority
of residents (86%) were satisfied with the quality of care in the county
Options – In 2009, too many residents delayed care due to lack of options (16%) and felt there were too few provider options
Access – In 2009, the majority of residents were satisfied with the distance they traveled, did not travel far, and did not travel outside the county for care
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
General Practitioners
Alternative Medicine
Dentists, OB/GYNs, Optometrists, & PodiatristsMental Health
Other Specialists
% of Wallowa County adults satis-fied with the number of health
care providers in Wallowa CountySource: 2009 Vital Wallowa Indi-
cator Project Survey
100%
Social: Goal 1.2
4. Health Care Affordability: In 2006, a greater proportion of Wallowa County residents did not have health insurance than the proportion in Oregon. More than a quarter of residents delayed care in 2008-2009 because of cost.
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Goal 1.3 We focus on our children, finding ways to connect youth with new opportunities in the community and to have a positive community experience. We support our population of young people and families.
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Social
Social: Goal 1.3
5. Youth Engagement: In 2007, Wallowa County was on target with respect to the proportion of youth who participate in activities outside of school hours. Youth tend to be concentrated in two activities, namely working for pay and school sports.
6. Childcare Utilization: In 2009, preliminary results indicate that the most common form of care of youth under 14 was parental or unsupervised care.
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
School sports
Sports outside of School
School Activities
Activities Outside of School
Future Farmers of America
4-H
Church
Work for Pay
Wallowa County Youth Participation in Activities, 2007
% of Wallowa County Youth (grades 9-12)
100%
Source: Looking Toward the Future: Examining Aspirations among Rural Youth (Shamah, 2007)
Goal 1.4 Educational and recreational opportunities are cultivated, and our culture of lifelong learning encourages sharing of our experiences
Social
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Social: Goal 1.4
7. Lifelong Learning: In 2008-2009, while the proportion of adult residents who participated in some form of lifelong learning was above target (70%), the proportion of adult residents who participated in lifelong learning opportunities within the county was below goal.
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
0%20%40%60%80%
51% 57%
11% 10%
73%
Participation in Educational Opportunities, Wallowa County Adults
Source: 2009 Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
% of W
allow
a C
ou
nty adu
lts
Goal 1.5 Our community is rich in year-round residents of young people and families who do not endure extreme economic disparity and who can carry the heritage of agriculture and ranching forward in the next generation.
Social
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Social: Goal 1.5
9. Workforce Housing: In 2000, the majority (65%) of Wallowa County renters who earned less than the county median income spent more than 30% of their income on housing.
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Social: Goal 1.5
10. Farm & Ranch Ownership: In 2009, 56% of private farm, ranch, or forest landowners lived in Wallowa County, while 44% lived elsewhere.
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Social: Goal 1.5
11. Seasonal Homeownership% of housing units vacant for seasonal use
Wallowa County 13%
ZIP code 97828 11%
ZIP code 97842 31%
ZIP code 97846 16%
ZIP code 97857 8%
ZIP code 97885 4%
East County: Joseph, the east side of
Wallowa Lake, and Imnaha
15%
West County: Wallowa, Lostine, and
Troy11%
Central County: Enterprise and the west
side of Wallowa Lake
12%The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Goal 2.1 Wallowa County provides stable and living wage jobs
Economy
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
12. Living Wage Jobs: In 2007, it was only possible for single-wage earner families of one parent and one child to support themselves with the average job in Wallowa County.
Economy: Goal 2.1
2007 Cost of living (Basic Family Budget)
for Wallowa County families of various compositions:
2007 Average Wallowa County
Earnings:
Ratio of Average
Earnings to Cost of Living (single wage-
earner)1 parent with 1 child $25,236
$25,523
1.01
1 parent with 3 children $41,556 .61
2 parents with 1 child $34,368 .74
2 parents with 3 children $47,004 .54
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Goal 2.2 We capture the value of local businesses and high quality agriculture through new products and niche markets serving residents, visitors, and customers outside the area.
Economy
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
14. Balance of Trade: In 2007, the value of exports was 66% the value of imports.
Economy: Goal 2.2
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$165
$250
2007 Values of Exports from & Imports into Wallowa County
Source: Minnesota IMPLAN Group, Inc., Sorte (2009)
Value of ExportsValue of Imports
Mil
lion
s of
Doll
ars
Goal 2.3 In addition to carrying agriculture and ranching forward into the next generation, Wallowa County cultivates a balance of compatible locally-owned small businesses, which add to our diverse and innovative economy.
Economy
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Economy: Goal 2.3
15. Small & Large Business Health: Between 2008 and 2009, the growth rate of small businesses was +6% and for large businesses was -16%.
16. Employers by Size: In 2009, Wallowa County was below target for the number of firms in each employee size class, but on target with respect to the percentage of businesses in the county of each size class.
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
86, 23%
191, 51%
68, 18%
32, 8%
Businesses by Employee Size, Wallowa County, OR
1st Quarter 2009Source: OR Employment De-
partmentBusinesses with 0 employees
Businesses with 1-4 employees
Businesses with 5-9 employees
Businesses with 10 or more em-ployees
Economy: Goal 2.3
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
17. Employment in Industries Targeted by Economic Development Strategy: In 2007, the five targeted industries were responsible for about 53% of all jobs in the county.
19%
5%
12%
7%10%
47%
Percentage of Jobs by Industry, Wallowa County, OR 2007Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
Ag. proprietors & laborers, Forestry, fishing, mining, etc.
Manufacturing
Retail trade
Professional, scientific, management, admin, and waste mgmt services
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services
Other industries
Environment
Goal 3.1 High-speed telecommunication and transportation infrastructure helps us export our products and services as well as attracts families and young people
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
More data needed
Environment
Goal 3.2 Wallowa County is home to wide-open spaces, intact ranchlands, and a healthy environment
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Environment: Goal 3.2
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
19. Working Landscapes: In 2009, 50% of Wallowa County land was actively managed for grazing, timber, and farming.
423,748
579,648
60,79344,775
354,568
548,978
507Wallowa County Land Use, 2009
Sources: USDA Census of Agriculture, US Forest Service
Public Wilderness Acres
Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Private reserves, and Other
Private Woodland Acres
Private Cropland Acres
Private Permanent Pasture or rangeland Acres
Forest Service Permitee Acres
Wallowa-Whitman Natl. Forest Timber Sale Acres
Environment: Goal 3.2
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
20. Land Access for Hunting, Fishing, & Recreation: In 2009, adequate amounts of public land (423,000 acres) and private landowners allow public access for these activities.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40% 34%30%
13%
Percentage of Private Wallowa County Landowners who allow the public access to
their land for hunting, fishing, or other recreation, 2009
Source: 2009 Vital Wallowa Indicator Project Survey Hunting
FishingOther Recreation
Environment: Goal 3.2
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
21. Water Quality: In 2004-2006, 522 miles of stream reaches in Wallowa County were “water quality limited.”
22. Noxious Weeds: In 2009, the number of acres treated met current year goals, the number of acres formally inventoried met annual goal levels, and only the number of acres under active restoration was slightly below target.
Scotch Thistle
Image courtesy of Eric Coombs, Oregon Dept.
of Agriculture
Community Capacity
Goal 4.1 Our small towns, local businesses, and active volunteers collaborate to create a shared future for the county
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Society & Culture: Goal 4.2
23. Civic Participation: Between 2008 and 2009, 79% of Wallowa County adults participated in 2 or more civic activities in the county. Some groups were not equitably represented, however.
24. County Government Revenues: In 2008-2009, 35% of revenues came from fees, taxes, and grants and spending was at about $2,000 per capitaThe Vital Wallowa Indicator
Project
Attended public meetings
Participated on boards
Volunteered time
Applied or ran for public office
Donated money, services, materials
Helped raise money
Civic Participation of Wallowa County AdultsSource: 2009 Vital Wallowa Indicator Project Survey
% of Wallowa County resident adults
100%
Community Capacity
Goal 4.2 We intentionally nurture and connect year-round residents, including young people and families, through community events and community spaces, in order to foster a cohesive and collaborative community environment
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Society & Culture: Goal 4.2
25. Community Gatherings & Spaces: In 2009, there were abundant spaces in the community to meet, though many residents preferred to get together with each other at private residences.
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Private Residence
Café
Other public place
Bar
Grange
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
64%29%
22%20%
13%12%
6%4%
2%
The Places Wallowa County Residents Often or Always Got Together with Friends or Neighbors
in 2009Source: 2009 Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Society & Culture: Goal 4.2
26. Community Capacity: In 2009, Wallowa County residents felt that they worked together well as a community.
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
People around here are willing to help their neighbors
People in this community generally trust one another and get along
If this community were faced with a local issue, people here could be counted on to work to-
gether to address it
Local government has the ability to deal effec-tively with important problems
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
91%
82%
84%
55%
Community Capacity & Trust in Wallowa County, 2009(% of Wallowa County adults who agree that...)
Source: 2009 Vital Wallowa Indicator Project Survey
2009 Community Vitality Assessment Findings
The Vital Wallowa Indicator Project
Areas of Strength (≥ ½)
Environment: 6/8
Community Capacity: 7/9
Economy: 4/7
Areas of Weakness (< ½)
Social: 6/17
According to the 2009 assessment, Wallowa County is roughly 56% vital, and in three areas out of four, more than half of the
indicators met or exceeded targets.
Discussion
Is this assessment consistent with your perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of the county?
What has helped the county realize its positive outcomes?
What strategies could be adopted to start improving in particular areas?
For more information…
Indicator Report Summary
Full Indicator Reportcontact Nils Christoffersen: [email protected] Lena Etuk: [email protected]
Oregon Rural Communities Explorer:www.oregonexplorer.info/rural
In the Community Vitality section
Thank You!The Vital Wallowa Indicator
Project
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