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Community Needs Assessment Update (2025)
The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana is proud to release Priorities for Progress in Southern Indiana: 2025 Update, the third in a series of reports (following 2015 and 2020) that examine what matters most to residents in Clark and Floyd counties. This update, which was produced by the Indiana University Southeast Applied Research and Education Center, provides a post-COVID check-in on community well-being, highlighting key assets and challenges that shape the lives of working families across our region.
While the 2015 and 2020 assessments offered comprehensive overviews of community assets and aspirations, the 2025 update takes a more focused approach. It builds on past work while incorporating the voices of residents who are often underrepresented in traditional research – particularly low- to moderate-income households.
How We Collected the Data:
To ensure a broad range of voices, especially those earning $75,000 or less, we:
- Hosted eight listening sessions with strong community participation.
- Organized data gallery walks at public libraries where residents reviewed data visualizations and ranked potential initiatives.
- Distributed nearly 500 surveys across census tracts in Clark and Floyd counties.
This mixed-methods approach allowed us to capture both public data and lived experiences, providing a fuller picture of local priorities.
Key Findings From the Report:
🏡 Housing Affordability
Housing consistently emerged as one of the community’s greatest concerns. Rising costs, limited affordable options, and uncertainty about long-term stability are weighing heavily on families. Residents expressed strong interest in initiatives that expand affordable housing, improve rental options, and support homeownership.
🎓 Education & Workforce Development
Education and job preparation remain top priorities. Families emphasized the importance of ensuring that young people are ready for both college and careers, while also noting the need for accessible training opportunities for adults seeking to adapt to a changing economy.
🖍 Youth Development
Youth well-being was another recurring theme. Residents voiced concern about access to safe spaces, mentoring relationships, and opportunities for personal growth. The community continues to recognize the importance of investing in the next generation.
🙂 Health, Wellness, & Basic Needs
Affordable healthcare, food security, and reliable transportation were cited as ongoing challenges. While many community assets exist, residents pointed to gaps in access and affordability that continue to affect families’ quality of life.
🧓 Aging Services
As the region’s population ages, families are increasingly concerned about services that support older adults. This includes affordable housing for seniors, access to healthcare, and opportunities for engagement and connection.
✊ Community Building
Residents also identified the need for stronger community connections and opportunities to come together. From neighborhood safety to civic engagement, many believe that a stronger sense of belonging can help address other pressing issues.
Big Picture:
The 2025 Update is not a comprehensive community assessment, but it offers an important look at how priorities have evolved since 2020. Housing, education, workforce development, and youth remain at the forefront, with basic needs and health continuing to shape residents’ daily lives.
This report also complements CFSI’s recent housing study, Housing: The Affordability Challenge in a Growing Region. Together, the two studies provide valuable insight into the realities families face and highlight opportunities for collaboration and action.
At its core, the Priorities for Progress series reflects the belief that lasting change begins with listening. By hearing directly from residents, we gain the knowledge needed to guide investments, strengthen partnerships, and build a stronger Southern Indiana.
View previous Community Needs Assessment: 2020 version | 2015 version