session 8 community assessment final version

Running head: GLENWOOD SPRINGS 1

Community Assessment: Glenwood Springs and West Glenwood Springs

Shannon Hart and Kristen Kellogg

Colorado Christian College

NUR472: Population Health

October 10, 2015

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Community Assessment: Glenwood Springs and West Glenwood Springs

Chapter 1: Core Demographics

Glenwood Springs is a quaint mountain town located on the I-70 corridor in Western Colorado. Its beauty and natural hot springs attracted the first settler in 1879, James Landis, who became the first owner of the Hot Springs (Frontier Historical Society [FHS], n.d.). In the 1880s, the first pools were completed (FHS, n.d.). Miners settled into Glenwood Springs and enjoyed the relaxation of soaking at the hot springs and also used the natural spring water for bathing and laundry (FHS, n.d.). During that decade, Glenwood Springs also became the burial home of Doc Holiday (FHS, n.d.). Although Glenwood Springs was initially established by the mining industry, it has always attracted tourists, and to this day, tourism is one of the main sources of income for the city of Glenwood Springs. Another major draw to the town has been the construction industry, especially due to large construction projects in nearby towns such as Aspen, CO.

Secondary data:

Total populationAlthough the total population of Glenwood Springs and West Glenwood Springs is quite small, as seen in Table 1.1, people choose to live in Glenwood Springs for various reasons. Construction and tourism industries draw many people to the city and surrounding towns. Additionally, one of the single largest employers in the city is Valley View Hospital. Others arrive at Glenwood Springs for the abundant recreation and beautiful scenery.

Table 1.1. Total Population

Colorado Garfield County Glenwood Springs

West Glenwood Census Track 9516

Total Population 5,119,329 56,687 9,683 3,880

Source: US Census Bureau, 2013

Population by RaceDue to the need for labor, Glenwood Springs has attracted a large population of migrant workers from south of the US border. These demographics are illustrated in Table 1.2. It is evident when comparing numbers across state, county and city lines that most individuals identify as white. Hispanic or Latino rank second in population, showing a slightly larger percentage of the population when compared at the state level. Black or African Americans constitute the third largest population, with Asian, Native Hawaiian and American Indian or Alaska Native following.

Table 1.2. Race of Population



White 4,301,096 51,193 8,498 2,455

Black or African/American

203,755 594 213 9

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Hispanic or Latino

1,064,009 15,976 2,537 1,376

American Indian/Alaska Native

49,177 – 0.9% 593 30 7

Asian 141,719 – 2.7% 342 64 0

Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander

6,549 – 0.1% 114 0 3


Primary Data

Of the participants in the survey, 42% identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino, while 58% identified themselves as white or Caucasian as shown in Figure 1.1. The limitation of this primary data is that there was not large enough random sampling, so these numbers do not quite align with the demographic data from the US Census Bureau. However, it is consistent with the fact that Glenwood Springs and West Glenwood Springs are populations of primarily white and Hispanic people. Other diversity is quite limited.

Figure 1.1. Population by Race

Population by Race

Hispanic White

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Chapter 2: Economy

Secondary Data

It is no secret that Glenwood Springs Colorado has a significant housing shortage and inequality. Recently, the local newspaper, the Post Independent, wrote a five part series entitled “Trouble in Paradise.” Part one focused on the housing inequities the residents of Glenwood Springs face. Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody Analytics, said of the nationwide economy and Glenwood Springs, “There is no doubt that the nation’s middle class has been under intense financial pressure,” he told the Post Independent in an email. “The Great Recession was especially hard on middle-income occupations, particularly for those working in government jobs, like teachers. The mounting housing shortage, especially for rental housing, is causing rents to rise quickly and squeezing these households even more. High student loan debt is also a heavy weight for many” (Steward, 2015).

Average Monthly Costs as a Percentage of Household IncomeAs seen in table 2.1, as income rises the cost of housing becomes a greater portion of income for owner-occupied homes; however, these percentages for Glenwood Springs are relatively equal to state numbers.

Table 2.1. Average Monthly Costs as a Percentage of Household Income for Owner-Occupied Homes in the Past 12 Months



Less than $20,000 7.7% 7.0% 7.3% Not available

$20,000 to $34,999 10.5% 10.2% 9.2% Not available

$35,000 to $49,999 11.8% 13.2% 13.1% Not available

$50,000 to $74,999 19.1% 22.0% 22.5% Not available

$75,000 or more 50.3% 46.7% 47.9% Not available

Zero or negative income

0.7% 1.0% 0.0% Not available


In table 2.2, we see similar calculations for renter-occupied homes. The difference is that percentages are higher for Glenwood Springs in all categories except for those that earn $75,000 or more. For these households, the percentage of money that is paid towards housing is significantly less.

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Table 2.2. Average Monthly Costs as a Percentage of Household Income for Renter-Occupied Homes in the Past 12 Months



Less than $20,000 24.7% 19.5% 20.5% Not available

$20.000 to $34,999 21.2% 17.6% 18.4% Not available

$35,000 to $49,999 15.9% 19.4% 23.2% Not available

$50,000 to $74,999 16.5% 18.1% 22.3% Not available

$75,000 or more 16.1% 19.3% 11.1% Not available

Zero or negative income

1.9% 1.6% 3.2% Not available


Annual Average Household IncomeWhile considering cost of housing compared to income, it is also important to look at income statistics. Table 2.3 shows income at the state, county, and community levels, as well as the percentage of households that fall into that income category. The percentage of income below $75,000 is 8.2 higher for Glenwood Springs as compared to the State, and 16.1% higher for West Glenwood. A significant portion of this community’s households earn less income compared to other households statewide.

Table 2.3. Annual Household Income


West Glenwood Census Tract 9516

Total 1,977,591 20,163 3,822 1,459Less than $10,000 122,812 6.2% 938 4.7% 246 6.4% 14 1.0%$10,000 to $14,999 86,121 4.4% 716 3.6% 153 4.0% 15 1.0%$15,000 to $19,999 90,433 4.6% 965 4.8% 180 4.7% 58 4.0%$20,000 to $24,999 96,110 4.9% 933 4.6% 210 5.5% 83 6.0%$25,000 to $29,999 93,091 4.7% 798 4.0% 191 5.0% 725 5.0%$30,000 to $34,999 96,792 4.9% 853 4.2% 119 3.1% 31 2.1%$35,000 to $39,999 88,880 4.5% 1,091 5.4% 287 7.5% 89 6.1%$40,000 to $44,999 93,901 4.7% 1,201 6.0% 243 6.4% 114 8.0%$45,000 to $49,999 82,371 4.2% 906 4.5% 155 4.1% 86 6.0%$50,000 to $59,999 160,659 8.1% 2,186 10.8% 434 11.4% 188 33.4%$60,000 to $74,999 203,313 10.3% 2,063 10.2% 446 11.6% 80 5.4%$75,000 to $99,999 261,169 13.2% 2,987 15.0% 321 8.4% 196 13.4%$100,000 or more 25.3% 22.2% 21.9% 14.0%Source: US Census Bureau, 2013

Primary Data

Although the tables in the secondary data indicate that the cost of housing as a percentage of income in Glenwood Springs is relatively similar when compared to the state of Colorado, the sentiment of the residents is quite different. The limitation of the survey is that it was not a large enough sample.

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However, all but one person surveyed believe that the cost of housing is too high compared to income. The survey participants feel that housing costs in Glenwood Springs is higher than average. 25% of the participants surveyed own a home, and 75% rent, but all agree that income is only enough to pay bills. At the end of the month, they feel there is no disposable income. Several respondents commented that the work to live way of life hinders quality of life. Interestingly, the home occupancy, illustrated in Figure 2.1, had no effect on perception of cost of housing.

Figure 2.1. Home Occupancy: Rent versus Own

Home Occupancy

Rent Own

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Chapter 3: Education

Secondary Data

Education has many effects on community wellness, including poverty levels, health status, and the crime rates. This section focuses on education completed and school performance.

Years of education completedTable 3.1 breaks down the education levels achieved for state, county, city, and the West Glenwood community for adults younger than 25 years old. Table 3.2 breaks down the same data for adults 25 years and older. Interestingly, the adult population 25 years and older is educated at roughly the same levels as other same-aged adults in the state of Colorado. In the city of Glenwood Springs, roughly half of the 18-24 year old population has received education beyond a high school diploma, which is higher than the Colorado average, but the West Glenwood community has only 33.8% of its 18-24 year old adults with an education level beyond high school. On the other hand, the education level for 25 years and older changes significantly with 63% of Glenwood Springs residents having at least some college, and West Glenwood jumps to nearly 72% of its residents with education beyond a high school diploma. Although information about higher education opportunities is not mentioned in this report, it is worth mentioning that Colorado Mountain College is located in Glenwood Springs and educates a significant number of adult learners.

Table 3.1. Education – Years of school completed 18-24 years old


West Glenwood

census track 9516

Total Population 502,481 4,628 1,206 470

Less than high school diploma

15.7% 28.0% 25.3% 17.0%

High school diploma or GED

27.4% 35.2% 24.0% 49.1%

Some college or associates degree

46.1% 29.9% 40.5% 23.8%

Bachelor’s degree or higher

10.9% 7.0% 10.1% 10.0%


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Table 3.2. Education – Years of school completed 25 years or older


West Glenwood census tract 9516

Total Population 3,388,783 36,920 6,618 2,579

Less than high school diploma

9.8% 14.8% 13.1% 15.8%


22.1% 25.5% 23.5% 12.4%


31.0% 33.1% 32.2% 33.6%

Bachelor’s degree or higher

37.0% 26.6% 31.2% 38.1%


School PerformanceAccording to Table 3.3, the number of students performing at a level of proficient or higher is comparable to state levels, showing results within six percentage points. However, in none of the categories does the Glenwood Springs school district exceed state levels, and the biggest discrepancies are seen in writing and science. Additional data in Table 3.4 shows teacher/student ratios for Glenwood Springs schools located in Roaring Fork School District RE-1. Both elementary schools have lower than average ratios, yet their overall rating by Colorado School Grades does not indicate that lower ratios equate to above average performance in the case of these schools.

Table 3.3. Education – TCAP scores

Colorado Roaring Fork School District RE-1

TCAP reading 69.53% 66.33%

TCAP writing 55.03% 49.35%

TCAP math 56.68% 53.16%

TCAP science 50.44% 45.76%

Source: Colorado Department of Education, 2013

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Table 3.4. Education – Roaring Fork School District Vital Statistics

Schools Enrollment Student/Teacher Ratio Grade

Glenwood Springs Elementary 538 12.61 C-

Sopris Elementary 655 12.97 C-

Glenwood Springs Middle School 579 15.5 C

Glenwood Springs High School 879 19.46 C

Source: Colorado Department of Education, 2014; Colorado School Grades, 2013

Primary Data

Interestingly, the results of the survey indicate that the statistics listed above for K-12 education in Glenwood Springs is well aligned with public opinion. Each person with children that responded to the survey unanimously declared that education in Glenwood Springs is average. This survey was limited in number, and not all people surveyed had children in Glenwood Springs schools.

Although there are no statistics in this report about school performance for higher education, one of the open-ended questions of the survey asked about strengths of Glenwood Springs. Several people wrote that Glenwood’s access to higher education is a strength. There are many opportunities for continuing education, associates degrees and some bachelor’s degrees through Colorado Mountain College. This may be related to the higher than average percentage of adults in Glenwood with education beyond a high school diploma. Figure 3.1 depicts the number of respondents with various education levels.

Figure 3.1. Level of education

Bachelor's degree or higher



Did not graduate high school

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

Level of Education

Figure 3.2 shows the number of percentage of people with different levels of education. In accordance with the secondary data, respondents of the survey demonstrate that a large portion of the adult population in Glenwood Springs has at least some college education.

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Figure 3.2. Level of Education as a Percentage.

25%

42%

33%

Education Level as Percentage

Bachelor's degree or higherSome college or associates degreeHigh school diploma or GED

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Chapter 4: Health and Human Services

Secondary Data

The health and human services section of this document pertains to the hospitals and clinics located in Glenwood Springs and the surrounding cities.

HospitalsThe hospital located in Glenwood Springs is the primary regional hospital for the eastern half of the Western Slope. Although there are other hospitals within 27-61 miles, Valley View Hospital—a level III hospital—offers more services than the other rural hospitals. The other hospitals mentioned in Table 4.1 are level III and IV hospitals with fewer beds and specialty services. For example, patients experiencing cardiac, gastroenterological, some neurological, obstetric and urological emergencies are typically transported from those hospitals to Valley View Hospital where specialists are on call 24 hours/day.

Table 4.1. Hospitals in Glenwood Springs

Hospital Name Address Miles from Glenwood Springs

Valley View Hospital 1906 Blake AvenueGlenwood Springs, CO

NA

Aspen Valley Hospital 0401 Castle Creek RoadAspen, CO

41 miles

Vail Valley Hospital 181 West MeadowDrive Vail, CO

61 miles

Grand River Hospital 501 Airport RoadRifle, CO

27 miles

Source: MapQuest, 2015

ClinicsAccording to Table 4.2, there are several specialty clinic options in Glenwood Springs, and two large general practice clinics. Only two clinics are located in West Glenwood, roughly three miles from the hospital. All other clinics are located within a two block radius of Valley View Hospital. Several of the clinics are located in the hospital facility and are directly associated with Valley View Hospital. Some of the clinics that are located outside of the hospital facility are also directly associated with Valley View Hospital.

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Table 4.2. Health and Human Services – Glenwood Springs Area Clinics

Location Name Address Miles from Hospital

Clinic Type Specialty Area

West Glenwood

AAIR of the Rockies

120 Midland Ave Glenwood Springs

3.3 Specialty Asthma and allergy

Planned Parenthood

50923 Highway 6 Glenwood Springs

3.8 Specialty Family planning

South Glenwood

Mountain Family Health Center

1905 Blake Ave Glenwood Springs

0.03 Group Family practice

Glenwood Medical Associates


0.1 Group Family practice

A Center for Women’s Care


0.06 Specialty Women’s health

Women’s Health Associates



Pediatric Partners 1905 Blake Ave Glenwood Springs

0.03 Specialty Pediatrics

Sopris Women’s Clinic

410 20th St Glenwood Springs


Callaway Young Cancer Center


0.0 Specialty Cancer and hematology

Foot and Ankle Center


0.0 Specialty Podiatry

Glenwood Orthopedic Center


0.0 Specialty Orthopedics

Heart and Vascular Center


0.0 Specialty Cardiac and vascular

Brain Center and Comprehensive Spine Center


0.0 Specialty Neurological

Mount Sopris Plastic Surgery Center


0.0 Specialty Cosmetic

Neurology Center 1906 Blake Ave Glenwood Springs

0.0 Specialty Neurological

Rocky Mountain Urology Center


0.0 Specialty Urology

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The Lung Center 1906 Blake Ave Glenwood Springs

0.0 Specialty Respiratory

Youth Recovery Center


0.0 Specialty Youth substance abuse rehab

Physician Services 1906 Blake Ave Glenwood Springs

0.0 Specialty Internal medicine

Roaring Fork Surgical Associates


0.1 Specialty General Surgery

Dermatology Center of GMA


0.1 Specialty Dermatology

Jason Collins, MD 1830 Blake Ave Glenwood Springs

0.1 Specialty Gastroenterology

Source: MapQuest, 2015; Valley View Hospital, 2015; DexKnows, 2015

Primary Data

A major limitation of the survey related to the healthcare is that several of the respondents are employed in the healthcare system. However, nearly every respondent of the survey agreed that Glenwood Springs is a healthy community, though not everyone was in agreement that they had adequate access to healthcare services. Figure 4.1 illustrates perceptions of Glenwood Springs’ residents about the healthcare services and availability in the community.

Figure 4.1. Healthcare Perceptions

Is there adequate access to healthcare?

Is the cost of healthcare in Glenwood Springs reasonable?

Do you perceive Glenwood Springs as a health Community?

Are the healthcare providers competent?

Is there a need for additional healthcare facilities?

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

Healthcare Perceptions

no yes

A significant portion of those surveyed felt that the cost of healthcare in Glenwood Springs may be higher than state averages. However, this cost is offset by the overwhelming agreement that the physicians provide quality care. 100% of respondents agree that they have confidence in the physicians which keeps their business at the local, yet more expensive, clinics and hospital.

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While most respondents felt that Glenwood has few healthcare needs, some would like to see mental health facilities, more pediatricians, an urgent care, more specialty doctors, and more access to affordable healthcare. Overall, 33% of those surveyed commented that a major strength of Glenwood Springs is its healthcare system, both in terms of the care offered and the employment opportunities.

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Chapter 5: Strengths, Weaknesses, Conclusion

Strengths of the Glenwood Springs and West Glenwood Springs communitiesOverall, residents are satisfies with the large selection of health clinics in the area ranging from family clinics to specialty medical clinics and surgery centers. Additionally, the level III hospital has more specialized services including cardiac, neurological, gastroenterological, obstetric, and urological. Healthcare is a strength for the community, not only because of the services offered, but also because of the employment opportunities provided. The hospital alone employs over 1,000 people, a significant percentage of the overall population.

Other strengths of Glenwood Springs include the tourist attractions, beautiful scenery, and available outdoor activities. Glenwood Springs has an active community, and it attracts many people to the area to enjoy its amenities. As a result of tourism, Glenwood provides many employment opportunities, especially in the guide and hotel industries.

WeaknessesInadequate supply of low-income housing to meet high demand of residents with low income housing needs related to a disproportionate ratio of income to housing costs and high living expenses, within the overall Glenwood Springs community, as evidenced by average monthly housing costs as a percentage of household income for both rental and owner-occupied homes, as well as community perceptions.

Risk for below average K-12 school performance for the overall Glenwood Springs community related to several factors: high student-teacher ratios, a large non-English speaking population, and over-worked parents who do not have time to spend additional time on education at home, as evidenced by Roaring Fork School District TCAP scores.

RecommendationBased on the needs of this community, dealing with the lack of low-income housing is a priority. West Glenwood Springs is home to an old run-down mall where nearly half of the stores have closed and vacated. This community could benefit from redevelopment of this land with commercial and residential zoning. A suggestion is to develop the ground level with commercial businesses that attract people such as shops and restaurants with outdoor seating. Also, in the middle of that development could be a community gathering place such as a plaza with a playground for kids, and a place of live music in the evening. The upper level of the shops could include two to four levels of condominiums or apartments, with home sizes ranging from one-four bedroom complexes. This concept can be seen in the thriving community of Belmar in Lakewood, CO. There are other open spaces in Glenwood Springs where low-income and multi-family housing units could be developed. These types of developments will be critical to a sustained economy in Glenwood Springs.

Many adults work more than one job just to be able to pay their bills each month. If the cost of housing could be significantly reduced, perhaps community members could reduce the amount of time spent at work. With an appropriate alignment of housing cost compared to income, it is possible that parents of children will not have to work so much, which would free up parents to spend time with their children and focus on education needs. Education is a significant part of home life, and scores may start to improve with improved parental involvement.

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ConclusionGlenwood Springs is a small mountain town with ample recreational opportunities. It is a major tourist destination with several family activities including rafting, skiing, caving, an amusement park, the Hot Springs Pool, and biking and hiking, to name just a few. It is less than an hour drive to world renowned resorts such as Vail, CO and Aspen, CO. These towns draw many people to the area; some just visit Glenwood Springs for vacation, while other settle into the quaint town for work and/or recreation opportunities. Major employment opportunities stem from the construction, tourism, and healthcare industries.

Due to resort towns such as Vail and Aspen being the driving force behind tourism and construction in the valley, the general sentiment felt by residents of Glenwood Springs is that the cost of living, including housing, is higher than average. The residents feel that there is not enough low-income housing, which is certainly one possible reason why many people choose not to live in Glenwood Springs and move down-valley to less expensive towns west of Glenwood Springs. Although people manage to get by, most feel that the residents of Glenwood Springs simply work to survive, rather than take advantage of the amenities that Glenwood has to offer.

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References

Colorado Department of Education. (2013). School view data center. Retrieved from https://edx.cde.state.co.us/SchoolView/DataCenter/reports.jspx?_afrWindowMode=0&_afrLoop=1131114898134810&_adf.ctrl-state=n8yvij43a_4

Colorado Department of Education. (2014). 2014-2015 pupil/teacher FTE ration by school. Retrieved from http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdereval/2014pupilteacherfteratiobyschoolpdf

Colorado School Grades. (2013). Retrieved from http://coloradoschoolgrades.com/

DexKnows. (2015). Health care clinics 81601. Retrieved from http://www.dexknows.com/local/health_care/health_care_centers/health_care_clinics/geo/z-81601-co/;jsessionid=4689CC2174D350CA534960C5B8538DDC

Frontier Historical Society (n.d.). Timeline. Retrieved from http://glenwoodhistory.com/timeline1860.htm

MapQuest. (2015). Retrieved from http://beta.mapquest.com/

Stewart, A. (2015, September 18). Price of paradise: In housing crunch, who can afford to stay? Retrieved from http://www.postindependent.com/news/18212487-113/price-of-paradise-in-housing-crunch-who-can

United States Census Bureau. (2013). American Fact Finder. Retrieved from http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml

Valley View Hospital. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.vvh.org/

http://www.vvh.org/

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Appendix A: Completed Surveys

See separate files uploaded to coarse shell, labeled Scanned Survey 1 and Scanned Survey 2.

session 8 community assessment final version

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