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. (Bankruptcy and Foreclosure)
The Food Bank for Larimer County has seen a 55% increase in its Food Share program and an 85% increase in its Kids Café program between 2006 and 2012. (Food Bank)
Between 2006 and 2012, the average monthly number of Larimer County households receiving food stamps increased 112.8%. In 2012, the average household monthly benefit amount was $287, a 2.7% decrease over 2011. (Food Stamps)
In 2011, nearly 29% of Larimer County Hispanic households earned less than $25,000 compared to approximately 22% of White households. (Income by Racial Classification)
From FYE 2003 to FYE 2012, the number of Larimer County households submitting applications for heating assistance increased 43%. (Low Energy Assistance Program - LEAP)
The Median Family Income (MFI) in Larimer County shrunk 3.5% (when adjusted for inflation) between 2007 and 2011. The 2013 MFI in Larimer County is $75,800. (Median Family Income)
In January 2008, 16,826 individuals received Medicaid benefits in Larimer County. By the end of 2012, that number had increased 81% to 30,451. (Medicaid)
In 2010, per capita personal income in Larimer County ($38,546) was lower than in Colorado ($42,226) and the United States ($39,945). After adjusting for inflation, per capita income in Larimer County has decreased 4.1% since 2001. (Per Capita Income)
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 20,500 Larimer County residents lived on less than 50% of the Federal Poverty Level or $7,355 for a family of two between 2009 and 2011. (Poverty)
From 2002-03 to 2011-12, Larimer County's three school districts saw a 99.4% 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 42.4%. (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 2012, there was a 41% increase in the average number of monthly applications for TANF benefits, but only a 1% increase 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.
2012 Kids Count - 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: 2010 [pdf] - (September 2011) - 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 2011: 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 - 2008.)
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.