Quality-of-life indicators improved far more than they worsened or stayed the same in the 31st progress report released Wednesday by Jacksonville Community Council Inc.
Of the 58 separate indicators, 28 improved, 18 worsened and 12 remained steady.
Among the 10 major areas studied:
Education
Public high school graduation rates improved. Kindergarten readiness stayed the same. The percentage of adults with bachelor’s degrees and the number of higher education degrees and certificates awarded dropped, while recreational computer use among students increased.
Economy
The unemployment rate, per-capita income and average annual wage improved. Employment growth remained steady. Youth in poverty and the percentage of people in poverty worsened.
Environment
Average fuel purchases per person dropped, showing improvement. Average daily water use remained steady. Tributary compliance, energy use and recreational activity on the river worsened.
Where people matter
A higher percentage of seniors feeling safe in their neighborhoods and a lower suicide rate among residents reflected improvement. Volunteerism and reported child abuse numbers remained steady. SNAP recipients increased, reflecting a worsening trend.
Arts and entertainment
All five factors improved: higher industry average wages, higher attendance at sports facilities, more fine arts degrees awarded, a larger collection of bed taxes for tourist development and a larger museum attendance.
Distinctive neighborhoods and urban heart
The number of Downtown residents increased and the percentage of overall vacant housing units dropped, reflecting improvement. The crime index remained the same. Downtown office vacancies and the overall housing cost burden worsened.
Healthiest community
Fewer people were without health insurance and the heart disease death rate declined, marking an improvement. The infant mortality rate remained steady. Adults with diagnosed diabetes and the annual number of ER visits per 1,000 people worsened.
Exemplary governance
The rated quality of Jacksonville elected leaders, basic city services and public safety improved. Voter turnout in the local election remained steady. Citizens’ perceived influence on local government worsened.
Hub of smooth transportation
JaxPort’s marine tonnage increased and serious bicycle accidents per 100,000 people decreased, making for improved trends. Daily vehicle miles and bus-mile frequency of less than 30 minutes remained the same. Average daily transit ridership fell.
Diverse and inclusive
The number of female elected officials rose, the number of white and black youth committed to delinquent programs fell, unemployment rates dropped for black, white and Hispanic residents, and the white infant mortality rate dropped.
Median household income for black residents and the number of Hispanic youth committed to delinquent programs remained the same.
Median household income for white and Hispanic residents fell and the infant mortality rate for black children rose, all reflecting a worsening trend.