The Urban Institute's Upward Mobility Initiative is a national effort that gives local communities tools to boost long term economic well-being, racial equality, and opportunity through a foundation of clear, accurate data. Their work is done across the United States and can be found here. Their indicators are into six categories: rewarding work, high quality education, opportunity-rich and inclusive neighborhoods, healthy environments and access to good healthcare, and responsive and just governance.
Current data from the Initiative shows that Benton and Franklin County both deserve a pat on the back; Both rank on par with and even in front of the national median on a variety of important indicators. One indicator is air quality; Franklin County has a quality value of 57%, and Benton County has 63%- These both far outpace the national average of 44%. These values come from EPA data of hazardous materials in the air, and a higher percentage is better.
An important fact is that the strength of the income of households represents the strength of the economy; both Benton and Franklin counties have higher household incomes than the respective national medians at the 20th, 50th, and 80th percentiles, which make up all recorded levels.
One of the most important rights we have is the right to vote, and both Benton and Franklin counties are using that right at good rates. Franklin County has seen a voter turnout rate of 66%, and for Benton, 76%. These are close to or better than the national average of 68%. Good job, Benton and Franklin County!
To learn more about Benton and Franklin counties, visit the Benton-Franklin Trends site here.