Economy - Individual

Index: Economy

Economy - Individual

What We Measured | Highlights
Related Studies | Additional Resources

What We Measured:

Other Resources:

Highlights:

Over the last decade, foreclosure filings in Larimer County peaked in 2009 at 2,037. During this same time period, bankruptcies peaked in 2005 at 2,211 just prior to the enactment of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005. The number of bankruptcies has increased every since 2006. (Bankruptcy and Foreclosure)
The Food Bank for Larimer County has seen a 53% increase in its Food Share program and an 82% increase in its Kids Café program between 2006 and 2011. (Food Bank)
Between 2006 and 2011, the average monthly number of Larimer County households receiving food stamps increased 80.5%. In 2011, the average household monthly benefit amount was $295, an 11.7% decrease over 2010. (Food Stamps)
In 2010, nearly 34% of Hispanic households earned less than $25,000 compared to approximately 20% of White households. (Income by Racial Classification)
From FYE 2002 to FYE 2011, the number of Larimer County households submitting applications for heating assistance increased 85%. (Low Energy Assistance Program - LEAP)
The Median Family Income (MFI) in Larimer County shrunk 9.0% (when adjusted for inflation) between 2006 and 2010. The 2012 MFI in Larimer County is $77,700. (Median Family Income)
In January 2008, 16,826 individuals received Medicaid benefits in Larimer County. By the end of 2011, that number had increased 72% to 28,931. (Medicaid)
In 2009, per capita personal income in Colorado ($41,344) was lower than the national average ($43,021). (Per Capita Income)
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 19,000 Larimer County residents lived on less than 50% of the Federal Poverty Level or $7,355 for a family of two between 2008 and 2010. (Poverty)
From 2001-02 to 2010-11, Larimer County's three school districts saw a 73.4% increase in the number of students receiving free or reduced lunches. Statewide, over the same time period, the number of students receiving benefits grew by 43.9%. (Students Eligible for Reduced/Free School Lunch)
A family of four in Larimer County (consisting of two adults working full time plus an infant and a preschooler) needs a minimum of $58,232 (2011) annually to afford food, shelter, transportation, health and child care, among other basic necessities. (Self-Sufficient Wages)
From 2006 through 2011, there was a 42% increase in the average number of monthly applications for TANF benefits, but a 5% decline in the average monthly number of households receiving TANF cash assistance. (TANF)

Related Studies:

The Elder Economic Security Standard Index for Colorado [pdf] - (July 2011), provides a new way of measuring the income needed for Colorado seniors to age in place.
The State of Children and Youth in Larimer County (July 2009) [pdf], this report, prepared by Healthier Communities Coalition of Larimer County, offers a snapshot of how children and youth in Larimer County are doing at the beginning of the 21^st century.
2011 Kids Count - (August 2011), this report, released by Colorado Children's Campaign, discusses the effects of the Great Recession on the children of Colorado.
Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2008 [pdf] - (September 2009) - this Census Bureau report compares state and national averages for items such as median household income, lack of health insurance coverage, and poverty rates.
The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Colorado 2008: A Family Needs Budget [pdf] - this report, produced by the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute, uses the Self-Sufficiency Standard to calculate the income needed by families in each Colorado county to meet basic needs without public or private assistance. (For comparisons, see The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Colorado - 2004.)
FDIC State Profiles - This quarterly report contains updated information about single-family mortgage foreclosures and personal bankruptcies, among other economic indicators.
Federal Poverty Guidelines
MDRC - this non-profit, social policy research organization publishes numerous reports about family self-sufficiency issues.

Related issues within Compass:

Additional Resources:

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website hosts a slide presentation 'Tour of Poverty' that illustrates the budgeting choices facing families in poverty. Another section of the site, Poverty USA, contains educational and advocacy information.
Larimer County Human Services - operates programs for low income, elderly, disabled and minority residents, providing financial assistance for shelter, food and medical care.
Larimer County Workforce Center - provides employment and training services to residents of Larimer County through partnerships with county, state and local agencies.