Study examines 56 key indicators of community health and well-being against peer metros
COLUMBUS, OH (February 19, 2019) — Understanding the health and vitality of the Columbus region is integral to defining priorities and shaping policies that strengthen and improve our community. In the seventh edition of Benchmarking Central Ohio, The Columbus Foundation looks across a spectrum of metrics measuring community health to understand how the central Ohio region stacks up to comparable metros areas.
The report examines five large categories of health – population vitality, economic strength, personal prosperity, lifelong learning, and overall community well-being – and investigates a multitude of indicators within each category that point to the successes and challenges the central Ohio faces.
“As our region continues to grow, it is vital for us to understand the well-being and prosperity of our community in order to work toward policies and practices that give all our residents the opportunity to flourish.”
DOUGLAS F. KRIDLER, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE COLUMBUS FOUNDATION
Top findings of the report include:
- The Columbus region performs in the top tier in five of the seven indicators in the Lifelong Learning category. The one major exception to that overall positive news is the downward trend in Pre-K enrollment. Reversing that trend will be essential to fostering educational attainment and supporting future educational success for its young people.
- Central Ohio continues to enjoy a low cost of living and a high quality of life compared to peer metros. The rising cost of housing, however, presents a challenge to those strategic advantages and will need to be addressed in order to ensure shared and sustainable prosperity.
- Compared to most peer metros, the Columbus area’s population is younger, more educated, and growing more rapidly. The region continues to earn its reputation as a top destination among young college graduates for tech occupations, with the region coming in ahead of many in the percentage of IT occupations among all occupations. While this bodes well for the future economic prosperity, continued investment in technological training and education will be necessary to safeguard an inclusive economy.
The full report can be downloaded here.
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation serves more than 2,500 individuals, families, and businesses that have created unique funds and planned gifts to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. The Columbus Foundation is Your Trusted Philanthropic Advisor® and one of the top 10 largest community foundations in the United States.