Survey: Residents Feel Southeast Ind. Towns Supportive

CINCINNATI, OH. — Large majorities of Southeast Indiana adults say that their community is supportive, the highest ranking in the Greater Cincinnati region. They were asked if they agree with three statements about support in their communities:

  • Living in my community gives me a secure feeling.
  • People in my community know they can get help from the community if they are in trouble.
  • People can depend on each other in my community.

Each question prompted 9 in 10 surveyed Southeastern Indiana adults to agree. Those figures are considerably higher than those surveyed in Greater Cincinnati.

Results are from the 2013 Greater Cincinnati Community Health Status Survey (CHSS). The percentage of positive responses for all three measures rose from 2010 to 2013.

“While majorities of all groups say that their community is supportive, reported levels of support vary based on poverty status, race, education and geography,” says Mary Francis, Program Officer, Empowering Communities, Interact for Health. “Social supports such as help with problems and access to resources and knowledge have long been linked to better emotional and physical well-being.”

Adults living above 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) report having more social support in their communities than people living at or below 100% FPL or between 100% and 200% FPL. Adults with more education report having more social support in their communities