For more information on the Community Vitality Scan and to view source notes for the Quad Cities Community Vitality Snapshot, see sponsors’ web sites.
3247 East 35th Street Court Davenport, IA 52807 Phone: 563-355-4310 www.unitedwayqc.org
852 Middle Road, Ste. 100 Bettendorf, IA 52722 Phone: 563-326-2840 www.cfgrb.org
Central Park Medical Pavilion, Ste. 330 1227 East Rusholme Street Davenport, IA 52803 Phone: 563-421-2815 www.qchealthinitiative.org
817 11th Avenue Moline, IL 61265 Phone:309-736-3800 www.molinefoundation.org
852 Middle Road, Ste. 100 Bettendorf, IA 52722 Phone: 563-326-2840 www.amyhelpenstell.org
2007 Quad Cities Community Vitality Snapshot Scott County, Iowa | Rock Island County, Illinois
Welcome Location:
Total Population:
The Quad Cities metropolitan area is located along the Mississippi River in eastern Iowa and western Illinois.
Cities Area, Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, Quad City
310,166 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2006 Population Estimates)
Minority Population:
In 2007, the United Way of the Quad
Health Initiative (QCHI), The Moline Foundation and The Amy Helpenstell
51,524
Foundation sponsored the release
(Racial and ethnic, US Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2005)
of a Community Vitality Scan. Median Age:
Scott County, Iowa — 37.7 Rock Island County, Illinois — 39.2 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2005)
Table of Contents 2| 5
Introduction
6|7
Economy & Employment
8|9
Health & Society
10 | 11
Environment & Resources
12 | 13
Education & Learning
14 | 15
Arts, Culture & Recreation
16 | 17
Neighborhoods, Housing & Safety
18 | 19 Belonging & Leadership
Median Household Income:
Scott County — $49,282 Rock Island County — $41,365
United Way of the Quad Cities Area, Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, Quad City Health Initiative, The Moline Foundation, The Amy Helpenstell Foundation Design: pi design, inc.
QCHI, this Community Vitality Scan gathered critical information on community resources and needs
Scott County — 8.9% Rock Island County — 10.0% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2005)
© Copyright 2007 Quad Cities Community Vitality Snapshot
building upon earlier community assessments by United Way and
(U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2005)
Families in Poverty:
Ground-breaking in its scope while
that can guide improvements to our community’s quality of life.
2|3
Through a community household survey, community leaders survey, focus groups and other data collection, the Scan provided a comprehensive analysis of seven areas of our community: Economy & Employment, Health & Society, Environment & Resources, Education & Learning, Arts, Culture & Recreation, Neighborhoods, Housing & Safety and Belonging & Leadership. The top line findings prepared by Professional Research Consultants, Inc. for the Community Vitality Scan can be found in exhibits throughout the Quad Cities Community Vitality Snapshot. As many other communities across the United States have discovered, there is great value in continuing to spotlight changes in and opportunities for improving quality of life. This Quad Cities Community Vitality Snapshot is intended to provide an annual summary of selected key indicators of our community’s vitality. Based upon findings of the Community Vitality Scan and supplemented with secondary data, these indicators represent the issues that we believe are — and the public identified as — critical to the future of our community.
Data is never perfect and in this, our first attempt at a community indicators report, we realize data has its limitations. In many cases, we have needed to create proxy indicators to monitor issues for which data is not currently available. In many more cases, to preserve data accuracy, we have had to settle for providing data for individual cities or counties instead of a composite number for our entire community. We welcome your ideas and suggestions for improving this Snapshot. Moving beyond these challenges, we believe the discussions that this data will provoke will be the most meaningful outcome of all. Our intent is to provide information so that individuals and organizations can fully engage in a process of community improvement, and perhaps imagine new, creative and collaborative ways to increase the quality of life for all of us.
Scan Findings
For more information on the Community Vitality Scan and to view source notes for the Quad Cities Community Vitality Snapshot, see sponsors’ web sites.
• Quad Cities Area residents generally view their community as a very good place to live and are optimistic that quality of life will get better, or at least not deteriorate, in the next several years. • Crime and job opportunities are the most common top-of-mind concerns that residents have for the Quad Cities Area.
4|5
Economy & Employment
The vitality of our community today and in the future depends on a strong economy with rewarding jobs that pay enough to sustain families. For those who have not found their place in our economy, meeting basic needs depends on our caring community.
S n a p s h o t
Total Labor Force Employed or unemployed workers in the workforce age 16 or older.
(Iowa Workforce Development, Illinois Department of Employment Security, 2006)
Scott County
88,810 Rock Island County
80,930
Food Pantry and Meal Site Use The number of visits to food pantries (24 sites) and number of individuals served meals in one year (three sites) at selected organization. (Churches United QCA, 2006)
Food Pantry Visits
26,809
Unemployment Rate Individuals actively seeking but found no employment during week of reference.
(Iowa Workforce Development, Illinois Department of Employment Security, 2006)
Average Annual Salary Average earnings per employee (4th Quarter 2005 thru 3rd Quarter 2006).
Scott County
Scott & Rock Island Counties
Rock Island County
$37,939
4.3%
Children in Need Percentage of children registered for Federal Lunch Program in each public school district.
Feeding the Hungry In 1986, Pete Pohlmann brought his idea of uniting and empowering area high school students to feed the hungry and to promote volunteerism to fruition. The Student Hunger Drive has collected over 9,500,000 pounds of non-perishable food items since its inception, and the River Bend Foodbank is the recipient of this annual drive. Churches United of the Quad Cities Area is one of many local organizations that purchase food at a discounted price from the River Bend Foodbank, at approximately .14 cents per pound. Churches United services 26 food pantries throughout the Quad Cities along with its own food bank. This year alone, the organization’s food pantries have responded to over 12,000 visits and have served 41,000 individuals. Typically when a client visits one of Churches United’s food pantries, they will receive food to feed those living in their household for three to five days. Clients are allowed to visit the food pantry that services their area once every 30 days, unless written permission for additional visits has been granted by an agency. Churches United strives to care for the less fortunate and continues to work with individuals in meeting their food challenges.
6|7
(School District Offices, 2006)
20.6%
Bettendorf Davenport Pleasant Valley
11.0%
Rock Island
56.2% 57.0%
34.4%
Moline
61.0% 43.0%
East Moline Individuals Served at Meal Sites
3.8%
(Iowa Workforce Development, Illinois Department of Employment Security, 2006)
United Township
30,856
Scan Findings
• Nearly one-third of area residents perceive themselves as underemployed. • Nearly one out of six Quad Cities Area children lives in poverty. • Residents’ perceptions of their financial situations are better than the U.S. average. • Quad City unemployment rate is similiar to the U.S. average.
Health & Society
In a vital community, everyone is able to work and play. When illness or disability interferes, we lose a part of our community’s energy. Personal choice plays a part in personal health, and our collective choices have great impact on our community’s health.
S n a p s h o t
Lacking Health Insurance Percentage of people 18-64 who do not have health insurance. (Community Vitality Scan, 2007)
Quad Cities
Overweight/Obesity Prevalence Percentage of QCA adults who are overweight Percentage of QCA adults (BMI >=25). who are obese (BMI >=30).
Smoking Prevalence Percentage of QCA adults who currently smoke. (Community Vitality Scan, 2007)
(Community Vitality Scan, 2007)
Quad Cities
Quad Cities
(Community Vitality Scan, 2007)
Quad Cities
12.9%
21.4%
66.8%
26.7%
U.S. Findings
U.S. Findings
U.S. Findings
U.S. Findings
20.0%
Births to Teen Mothers Average annual % of births to mothers under 20 years old (2002-2004).
(Community Vitality Scan, 2007)
22.2%
66.1%
Incidence Rates of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Gonorrhea cases per Chlamydia cases per 100,000 population 100,000 population (2003-2005). (2003-2005). (Community Vitality Scan, 2007)
(Community Vitality Scan, 2007)
Quad Cities
Quad Cities
Quad Cities
U.S. Findings
U.S. Findings
U.S. Findings
12.2% 10.4%
27.3%
186.0
459.7
117.2
304.4
Choose Health The Quad City Health Initiative (QCHI) seeks to build a healthier community by raising awareness and developing collaborative projects that address critical health and quality-of-life issues. In December 2002, in response to community health assessment data, QCHI launched the Wellness Champions project to support area residents in making healthier choices regarding diet and exercise. The Wellness Champions volunteer team members are dedicated to increasing the number of adults and children who engage in regular daily exercise and to increasing the number of adults and children who eat daily, nutritious meals. The project’s long-term goals are to decrease the percentage of adults with high blood pressure and high cholesterol and decrease the percentage of adults and children who are overweight or obese in the Quad Cities. Central to its efforts, the Wellness Champions have implemented a community-wide education campaign called “Choose Health. Live Well.” This campaign focuses on promoting heart-healthy activities such as exercise, diet, stress reduction, annual physician visits and living a smoke-free lifestyle. The campaign has been used by the local media, churches and employers and is supported by additional resources such as a speaker’s bureau and healthy dining guide. In 2006, the Wellness Champions also initiated the QC Moon Walk, a community wide walking competition that reinforces the importance of daily exercise while building community spirit as the Quad Cities competes against other communities in our region.
Scan Findings
• Overall, age-adjusted mortality rates for the leading causes of death generally compare favorably to national rates. • Prevalence levels for tested chronic conditions, such as asthma and diabetes, are generally similar to national prevalence levels. • While most area adults claim to lead a healthy lifestyle, 66.8% are overweight. • On a positive note, smoking rates among adults have declined since 2002.
8|9
Environment & Resources
A vital community shares a concern for the environment. Grassroots efforts to protect the environment result in positive change. Environmental conditions merit awareness due to their impact on health.
S n a p s h o t
Annual Volunteer Cleanup Pounds of debris collected, number of volunteers. (Scott County Waste Commission & Living Lands and Waters, 2007)
Pounds of Debris Collected
49,000 Volunteers
1,500
Energy Conservation Onsite residential energy audits for Scott County and online in-home audits for Rock Island County.
Lead Poisoning in Children Percent of children tested in the county who had blood levels >= 10 mcg/dL.
(Mid American Energy, Rock Island County, and Mid American Energy, Scott County, 2006)
(Illinois Lead Program Surveillance Report 2005, Illinois Department of Public Health & Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Lead Poisoning Prevention 2005)
Scott County
Scott County
1,118 onsite audits
3.9%
Rock Island County
Rock Island County
116 online audits
5.1% U.S.
1.6% Recycled Materials Number of tons residential mixed waste recycled.
(Rock Island County Waste Management Agency and Waste Commission of Scott County, 2006)
Tons
14,820
Act Locally Chad Pregracke’s fascination with the environment began when he was a child. The Moline native grew up along the banks of the Mississippi River and became passionate about preserving one of our nation’s major rivers. In 1998, Chad established Living Lands & Waters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting, preserving and restoring major rivers and their watersheds. Today he is joined by several paid staff and thousands of volunteers each year to expand the awareness of environmental issues and create cleaner waterways. Since its inception, Living Lands & Waters has cleared more than 3.5 million pounds of trash from America’s rivers. From refrigerators to bicycles and toilets to mattresses, Chad and approximately 1,500 volunteers have been able to work on six of the nation’s largest river systems. In addition, Living Lands & Waters has hosted 16 educational workshops and planted more than 2,000 trees in five states through its Riverbottom Restoration Program.
Air Quality Index Number of days the index registered at 101 or above. (Quad Cities represented by ambient air monitoring data from Iowa Department of Natural Resources (2007 through 6/15) for ozone and/or fine particulate matter)
1 Day
AQI: 108
Scan Findings
• The majority of residents (96.6%) say they regularly recycle or conserve energy. • Most residents express some concern for environmental issues. • Pollution was among the top environmental concerns.
10 | 11
Education & Learning
Growing a vital local economy depends on educating our children to assume important jobs in our community. For our children, staying in school and earning a high school diploma is the key to apprenticeships, college, or technical training that lead to higher paying jobs and improved quality of life.
S n a p s h o t
Enrollment at Local Higher Learning Institutions Enrollment at higher learning facilities in the Quad Cities. (Respective institutions, 2006)
Augustana College
2,500
Black Hawk College
4,217
Scott Community College
Attendance at School Daily rate of attendance.
96.0% 93.4% 96.8% 92.9% 94.8% 95.3% 93.1%
Davenport Pleasant Valley Rock Island Moline East Moline United Township
High School Achievement Graduation rates per school district. (Community School Districts, 2006)
Pleasant Valley Rock Island
Making a Difference In 2005, United Way of the Quad Cities Area surveyed over 8,000 young people to measure the number of Developmental Assets™ local children possess. Fewer than 25% reported they read for pleasure, one of the 40 assets kids need to succeed. In response, United Way’s Women’s Leadership Initiative developed Operation READ, a project designed to enhance a child’s reading experience through role playing and hands-on activities. In partnership with the Scott County Family YMCA and Two Rivers YMCA, Operation READ assembled teams of local volunteers that began working with two after-school programs to improve first through fifth grade students’ interest in reading. For one hour each week volunteers read stories, made crafts and engaged children in activities that reinforced reading can be fun. In the beginning, only 38% of participants included reading as one of their three favorite activities and after only four months, a 15% increase was reported. Operation READ is now being incorporated into four after-school programs and plans to continue expanding its outreach and promoting reading for pleasure with the help of community volunteers.
Moline United Township
3,850
1,331
(Community School Districts, 2006)
Bettendorf
Davenport
3,551
Western Illinois University/ QC Campus
Elementary Academics Percent of 4th graders reading at grade level.
(Community School Districts, 2006)
Bettendorf
St. Ambrose University
92.7% 72.9% 94.8% 85.5% 85.7% 80.7%
Bettendorf Davenport Pleasant Valley Rock Island Moline East Moline
81.8% 73.0% 88.0% 61.0% 77.0% 69.0%
12 | 13
Post-Secondary Education Percent of graduating students registered or in the process of registering for post-secondary education. (Community School Districts, 2006) Bettendorf Davenport Pleasant Valley Rock Island Moline United Township
Scan Findings
91.4% 81.9% 92.0% 65.0% 75.0% 83.0%
• Residents’ ratings of Quad Cities Area schools have improved significantly since 2002, and are much better than the national average. • Over 80% of Quad Cities Area households have a computer and personal access to the Internet, although this is much lower among older adults and among persons living at lower incomes.
Arts, Culture & Recreation
Arts, culture and recreational activities are an essential ingredient for a vital community. A wide variety of offerings demonstrate a community’s commitment to improve their quality of life.
S n a p s h o t
Venue Attendance Estimated number of individuals who visited selected venues.
(Adler Theatre, Family Museum, Figge Art Museum, i wireless Center, Niabi Zoo, Putnam Museum, Quad City Botanical Center, River Music Experience, 2006)
Total Attendance
1,119,724
Youth Arts Involvement Number of applications submitted or number of participants at selected programs. (Figge Art Museum, Jr. Theatre, Quad City Arts Metro Arts, Quad City Youth Symphony, River Music Experience, 2006)
Total Youth
2,282
Library Usage Number of library cards registered at each location.
(Bettendorf, Davenport, East Moline, Moline, and Rock Island Public Libraries, 2007)
Total Cards Registered
117,905
Public & Private Funding for Arts & Culture Total budgets for selected venues. (Adler Theatre, Family
Museum, Figge Art Museum, i wireless Center, Niabi Zoo, Putnam Museum, Quad City Botanical Center, River Music Experience)
Total Budgets
$15,802,642
Recreation Availability Number of acres in the urban area of parks, recreation areas & public golf courses. (Bi-State Regional
14 | 15
Commission, 2006)
Total Acres
6,657
Creative Art For more than eight years, Quad City Arts Metro Arts program has focused its attention on bringing together area youth to teach them valuable employment skills while developing their creative talents. The organization designed the Metro Arts Summer Youth Employment Program to provide creative work opportunities for teens from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Quad City Arts employs these students for five weeks out of the summer and assists them in creating works of public art in the genres of visual, performing and literary arts. Under the instruction of professional artists, youth gain real work experience and learn how to improve their artistic skills. Approximately 70 individuals from 20 area high schools serve as apprentice artists each year. In the past, Metro Arts projects have included billboards, murals, painted benches, mosaics, poetry readings, improv comedy and music. You may view one of the latest works of art by the 2007 Mural Design project, “Flow Together,” at 201 15th Street, Rock Island.
Scan Findings
• Quad Cities Area residents rate the variety of arts/culture offerings and the availability of recreational/entertainment offerings in the area quite positively, both in Scott and Rock Island Counties. • Ratings of the availability of recreational facilities, activities, and programs designed specifically for youth are also more positive than found nationally.
Neighborhoods, Housing & Safety
Good housing for sale or rent and neighbors who work together are hallmarks of a vital community. Strong local neighborhoods with families who care for themselves and others are essential to a safe community.
S n a p s h o t
Crime Includes numbers of murder/ manslaughter, criminal sexual assault, aggravated assault, robbery, burglary & motor vehicle theft in Rock Island, Moline, East Moline, Davenport & Bettendorf.
Cost of Housing Average cost of a single family home. (QC Board of Realtors, 2006)
Scott County
$157,328 Rock Island County
$108,362
Neighborhood Involvement Number of neighborhood groups and partnerships. (Cities of Bettendorf, Davenport, East Moline, Moline, Rock Island, 2006)
Total Groups
285
Safer Schools In addition to keeping the community’s neighborhoods and streets safe, Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities also works with children to reduce and prevent crime and violence in the school setting. A project of Crime Stoppers, Scholastic Crime Stoppers encourages students to report incidents and threats of violence that occur at school or at school events. This program is administered by a student board of directors and is overseen by a school resource officer and/or school staff member. The goal of Scholastic Crime Stoppers is to empower area youth to feel like they have control over their safety at school. The program makes it easier for students to report information about their peers anonymously. If a student prevents a crime from occurring or their report leads to an arrest, disciplinary action or recovery of property, they receive a cash reward for their help. Rewards can range anywhere from $10 to $100.
Median rental cost per month. (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2005)
Scott County
$599
(Individual City Police Departments, 2006)
Rock Island County
$540
Total Selected Crimes
4,905
Safety of Children Number of confirmed child abuse cases. (Child Abuse Council in Rock Island & Scott Counties, 2006)
Total Cases
Safety Preparedness Number of people who complete Red Cross trainings (July 2006-June 2007). (American Red Cross)
16 | 17
Total Trained
1,145
17,792
Scan Findings
• Nearly two-thirds (65.9%) of those surveyed know at least five neighbors by name. • While a significant share of residents are critical of the availability of affordable housing (30.4% rated this as “fair” or “poor”), ratings are overall much better than found nationally. • A positive indicator in comparison with 2002 findings is a lower percentage of Quad Cities Area adults who report being homeless or displaced in the past year. • Violent crime and child abuse rates are rather high, particularly in Scott County; Scott County residents are less likely to give positive ratings of safety and crime control.
Belonging & Leadership
A vital community has engaged citizens who volunteer and vote because they believe they can make a difference. Local leaders who can meet the challenge to keep our agencies, institutions and governments relevant and responsive are critical to creating community change.
S n a p s h o t
Senior Involvement
Voting Number of registered voters as of August 1, 2007. (Scott and Rock Island County Auditors)
Total Registered Voters
159,582
Leadership Concentration Number of board seats in selected organizations and unduplicated members who fill them. (Bethany for
Children and Families, Community Health Care, Family Resources, Figge Art Museum, Handicapped Development Center, Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, Quad City Symphony, Scott County Family YMCA, St. Ambrose University, United Way of the Quad Cities Area, 2007)
Number of total volunteer hours at selected organization.
Number of people that voted in 2006 Governor’s election. (Scott and Rock Island
(Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), 2006)
County Auditors)
Total Actual Voters
Number of members in selected senior citizen organization. (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), 2006)
Total Hours
79,776
129,612
Volunteerism Number of agency members in selected organizations that organize volunteers.
Parental School Involvement Number of parents in Parent Teacher Associations at individual school districts.
Total
Total Involved
(Directors of Volunteers in Agencies (DOVIA) & Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), 2006)
(Bettendorf, Davenport, East Moline, Moline, Pleasant Valley, Rock Island Community School Districts, 2006)
Total Members
911
18 | 19
6,337
182
Number of Board Slots
256
Number Unduplicated
237
Leaders of Tomorrow The Quad City Chamber of Commerce Federation, comprised of the Bettendorf Chamber of Commerce, DavenportOne and the Illinois Quad City Chamber of Commerce, recognize that in order to build an effective community, one must first build effective leaders. In 2006, the Federation designed two leadership courses, Quad City Community Leadership and Leadership Essentials, to assist local men and women in becoming better leaders and informed community members. The Federation’s Leadership Academies offer area residents the opportunity to learn about new community initiatives and to listen to guest speakers on topics of economic development, strategy, goal setting, and on how to become involved in creating community change.
Scan Findings
• Most adults say they have served as volunteers within the past year. • 73.3% of those surveyed indicate that they feel able to affect the community’s quality of life.