LMI By Census Track

Uncategorized

HUD: Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)  Low-and Moderate-Income (LMI) Data

    • Demonstrating Area Benefit to Low and Moderate Income Persons
    • Estimates are provided at three income levels: Low Income (up to 50 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI)); Moderate Income (greater than 50 percent AMI and up to 80 percent AMI), and Medium Income (greater than 80 percent AMI and up to 120 AMI). HUD publishes the margin of error (MOE) data for all block groups.

 This information is referenced at Brown County Matters  

To qualify for OCRA planning grants, the Low to Moderate Income level (LMI) has to be at 51% or higher.  An OCRA validated county income survey in 2017 identified a LMI level of 53.1% that qualified us for a 40K Economic Development Strategic Planning grant. The survey cost around $4.500 and was conducted by an OCRA-approved grant administrator and validated by an approved economist.

When we inquired this year about conducting another income survey, OCRA reviewed the Census Track Data and said we would not be eligible, given the “actual” LMI level of 40.4%.

GDP – County Economic and Income Base

2025 Economic Strategy – Best Bets :

      • Housing
      •  Recreation
      •  Wholesale
      • Production
      • Retail

LMI Drop from 53.1% to 40.4 %

Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) – Facebook Page   Exciting News from Brown County! 

Brown County has achieved a significant milestone in its economic development journey! The county’s low- to moderate-income index has decreased dramatically from 53.1% in 2017 to 40.4% in 2024, showcasing remarkable progress and financial growth.  

This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of local leaders, community partners and stakeholders committed to enhancing economic opportunities and quality of life for residents.

At a recent meeting, facilitated by OCRA’s Northwest Community Liaison Gerry White, discussion focused on strategic planning and leveraging grant opportunities to further build on this success. This includes utility upgrades, housing improvements, and community engagement to continue moving Brown County forward.

Congratulations to everyone involved in making Brown County a thriving and prosperous community! 🎉

Copy of Brown County Census Tract Information(ACS 2016-2020 LMI Data) Sorted

LMI Copy of Brown County Census Tract Information – History (2011-2015, 2016-2020, Percent Change. (Excel Spreadsheet will donwload).

    • Updated LMI spreadsheet with numbers from 2011-2015. The Comparison sheet shows how census tracts’ LMI percentages have changed from one 5-year estimate to another. There are now 3 more block groups/census tracts that are being used, so I went ahead and removed these for now.   
    • The LMI in 2017 was 53.1% determined through an OCRA required sampling/survey methodology.  The 2015 data set does not include a Margin of Error (MOE) which likely supported approval for a survey instead of reliance on census data.  
    • The current MOE is  +/- 4.5%. 
  • The OCRA 2017 Income Survey did not consider census tracts.  It was based on a random sample of around 600 residences. 
  • Based on census-tract data,  the county’s overall LMI status has not changed very much between 2011-2015 (42.29%) and 2016-2020 (40.40%).  The information may be useful for identifying which census tracts are losing/gaining low-income residents.  

 

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