Poverty levels in Payne County are higher at 20.2% compared to 15.7% at the state level. Of the 15 most concentrated occupations in the county, 12 do not meet any of the living wage requirements to support a household with even one child. Affordable housing continues to be a challenge for Payne County residents with 38.8% of individuals spending 30% or more of their household income on housing such as rent or mortgage. Homelessness data was added to the report this year based on feedback and interest from the community. While county-level data is difficult to identify, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated that point-in-time homelessness in Oklahoma increased by 24% between 2022 and 2023. Several districts in Payne County are considered to be childcare deserts. Childcare facility capacity numbers have fallen recently, leading to increased prices and shortages in affordable childcare options. Infant and toddler care is more expensive in Payne County compared to average state rates. Reading proficiency trends have worsened over time with Oklahoma falling far below the national reading and math proficiency levels. While some school districts perform above the state average in reading and math, others perform lower and all are lower compared to the national levels. Healthcare accessibility continues to be a significant challenge for Payne County residents with 19% of individuals under the age of 65 not having health insurance along with low hospital bed availability and high physician-to-patient ratios. Individuals in Payne County experience more poor mental health days compared to state and national levels, which can impact well-being and workforce participation. Rising trends in both domestic violence and child abuse and neglect pose significant risks to the well- being of individuals and create barriers to economic advancement for families. WHAT DOES THIS TELL US? This report demonstrates that there are a number of pervasive social and economic barriers facing Payne County residents which can negatively impact upward mobility for individuals and families. Key Takeaways
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