Community Assessment Part One: Community Core Due In Assignm ✓ Solved
Community Assessment Part One: Community Core (Due in Assignment 2
Community Assessment Part One: Community Core. Use this tool to document your assessment findings. Include a succinct synopsis in paragraph form for each of the assessment categories below. Remember to provide adequate depth and breadth for each category of the assessment. Be sure to cite the sources to support your findings and include your reference list.
Historical Overview of the Community
The city of Madisonville, Kentucky, was established in 1807 and was named after the then Secretary of State, James Madison. It was named the seat of Hopkins County in 1808, and formally incorporated in the same year (Gamblin, 2018). The primary occupation of the residents was farming, with tobacco being the leading crop. The discovery of coal in 1837 marked a significant transition for the community, leading to the opening of the first coal mine in 1869. By the early 20th century, Madisonville had established itself as a rail hub, coal-mining center, and tobacco market, a legacy it continues to honor as it serves as a leading manufacturing hub today, famously branded as "the best town on Earth."
Demographic Description of the Community
As of 2020, Madisonville is home to approximately 19,542 people, making it the most populated city in Kentucky. In 2019, the city’s demographic data indicated a birth rate of 23.7% and a death rate of 1,048 per 100,000 individuals as of 2018. The median age is 36.3 years—41.9 years for females and 32.8 years for males. The age distribution shows that individuals between 18 and 64 comprise about 57% of the population, with residents under 18 representing around 26%, while those above 64 account for approximately 17% (World Population Review, n.d.). According to the US Census Bureau, females make up 50.8% of the population, while males account for 49.2%. The racial composition is predominantly White (82.2%), followed by African American (11.8%), American Indian and Alaska Native (0.4%), and Asian (1.3%). Approximately 27.14% of residents are single, while about 47.75% are married, with 87.6% having graduated high school and 20.8% holding at least a Bachelor’s degree (US Census Bureau, n.d.). Households average 2.40 individuals.
Values, Beliefs, and Perceptions within the Community
Madisonville is a community that values religious diversity, with about 64.5% of the population expressing religious belief. Among these, 53.1% identify as Baptist, 4% as Methodist, 1.1% as Catholic, and 2.5% as Pentecostal (City-Data, n.d.). The community caters to a wide range of faiths, providing numerous places of worship that reflects various religious practices, and fostering an environment of support through collaborative ministries and faith-based educational institutions. Cultural influences manifest significantly through ethnic and religious traditions that emphasize community spirit and mutual support.
Physical Environment
The findings concerning Madisonville's physical environment will be compiled from a windshield survey to be conducted between March 14 and 17, 2022. It will assess the condition and accessibility of essential infrastructure, cleanliness of public spaces, the availability of green areas, and general community aesthetics which contribute to the quality of life for its residents.
Economic Overview
Economically, approximately 22.4% of Madisonville's population lives below the poverty line. The unemployment rate currently stands at 5.3%, with a projected job growth forecast of 28.4%. The average income per resident is estimated at $22,394 annually, while the median household income is $44,720 (Census Reporter, n.d.). Notably, females aged 25 to 34 have the highest poverty rates, with income inequality measuring at a Gini index of 0.456. The workforce comprises around 7,880 people primarily engaged in health care and social assistance, manufacturing, and retail. The highest-paying industries include information technology and resources extraction (US Census Bureau, n.d.).
Transportation and Safety
In terms of transportation, over 85% of residents utilize personal cars for commuting, while around 12% rely on public transport. The community is served by various security systems including ADS security. The crime rate averages 13.20 incidents per 1000 residents, with violent crimes at 1.84 per 1000 and property crimes at 11.36 per 1000 annually (City-Data, n.d.). Sanitation services in Madisonville encompass waste management and treatment services that ensure the community remains clean and hygienic.
Key Informant Interview Insights
In conversations with key informants, it was highlighted that Madisonville provides comprehensive primary care and wellness services aimed at achieving superior health outcomes for individuals and families. The management of chronic diseases is critical, alongside the access to virtual health platforms such as BlueMine that facilitate remote healthcare services. Educational initiatives are supported through community outreach, especially for training medical professionals for rural practices, contributing greatly to local health advancements.
References
- Census Reporter. (n.d.). Census profile: Madisonville, KY.
- City-Data. (n.d.). Madisonville, Kentucky (KY 42431) profile: population, maps, real estate, averages, homes, statistics, relocation, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, moving, houses, news, sex offenders.
- Gamblin, K. (2018). Business, Life, and Bourbon: RP Drake of Madisonville, Kentucky (Doctoral dissertation, The Florida State University).
- US Census Bureau. (n.d.). U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Madisonville city, Kentucky.
- World Population Review. (n.d.). Madisonville, Kentucky population 2022 (demographics, maps, graphs).