Lehigh Valley Research Consortium Releases "State of the Lehigh Valley 2009"
The Lehigh Valley Research Consortium (LVRC) has released its annual report, “State of the Lehigh Valley 2009, Community Trends at a Glance.”Friday, December 4, 2009 02:21 PM
The report examines a cross section of community issues from regional and municipal perspectives, including the economy, education, political participation, public health, and public safety. The report focuses on trends in community indicators from 2004-2008.
Some of the findings include:
- The Lehigh Valley shows signs of a weaker economic condition relative to the state as a whole, when considering unemployment rates and employment growth, however, the region is better off than the U.S. averages. Until the recession, the LV was performing at rates similar to the state overall averages.
- The rate of public school graduates in our 17 LV school districts is higher than the state average (78% vs. 76%).
- Standardized test scores on the PSSA improved from 2004-2008 for all school districts; 11 of our 17 school districts improved reading results during this period.
- Perhaps reflecting the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, 12 school districts increased spending on instruction; those districts not increasing instructional spending are those with some of the highest achievement levels.
- Voter turn out rates are highest in townships followed by boroughs and cities; overall the LV has a higher voter turn out rate than the state and U.S.
- The percentage change in voter turn out for the 2004 to 2008 general elections decreased in most of the region, only 10 municipalities saw an increase in turn out, most in Northampton County.
- Compared to the nation, the LV has a higher percentage of residents with health insurance (91% vs. 85%) and slightly more than the state (90%).
- Cities are more likely to have a higher violent crime rates, however, compared to other 3rd class cities in PA we are better off. Property crimes are also higher in cities; however, they continue to be on the increase in boroughs and townships.
The Lehigh Valley Research Consortium combines the expertise of researchers from institutions of higher education and community partners in the Lehigh Valley to examine issues of regional concern. Through its efforts the LVRC functions as a community-based information resource for Lehigh Valley governments, not-for-profits, businesses, and citizens. The LVRC operates within the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges, which includes Cedar Crest College, DeSales University, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, Moravian College and Muhlenberg College, Lehigh Carbon Community College and Northampton Community College.
For more information, please visit www.lehighvalleyresearch.org or contact Dr. Michele Moser Deegan, Director LVRC, 610-390-3804 or 484-663-3828; email [email protected].
