Economic Dimension

 Overview
The economic vitality and the economic characteristics of a neighborhood are the most commonly cited quality of life indicators. Often indicators look at household income measures. As a consequence, the evaluation of economic vitality can easily become biased towards affluent neighborhoods. This reports seeks to look at a different measure of economic vitality which is less biased toward higher income neighborhoods. This variable is the change in median NSA income 

Results
Stable NSAs have high rates of income change. Threatened neighborhoods have modest levels of change. Fragile neighborhoods have low rates increase or real declines. Figures 14 and 15 and Tables 12 and 13 contain the neighborhood and area-wide findings. 

Of the 173 NSAs, 81 were stable, 64 were threatened, and 29 were fragile. Geographically, stable NSAs are concentrated in the southeastern quadrant of the inner city and suburban edge, University area, and east and west suburban NSAs. Threatened NSAs are concentrated around the urban core, especially in north and west Charlotte NSAs. Fragile NSAs predominate in the north and west CWAC and adjoining NSAs. 

Growing income levels in all parts of the community perpetuate the prosperity and quality of life of all residents of Charlotte. Early detection of potential economic instability can help city officials and residents to work together to strengthen neighborhood education and job-training resources. These indicators will help city officials to take a proactive approach to creating and maintaining economically vital inner-city neighborhoods.

Table 12. CWAC Economic Dimension Rating

Table 13. NSA Economic Dimension Rating

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