Trending News
Gender Pay Gap: 2021
Yearly Wages by Gender
Most Americans are aware of the Decennial Census conducted every 10 years by the US Census Bureau. This survey helps provide an official count of the population and determines congressional representation. The American Community Survey (ACS) on the other hand, is conducted every year and is sent out to a large sample of...
Read More
Debt in America: An Interactive Map
Disparities across the US
The Urban Institute recently updated the data tool, Debt in America: An Interactive Map, which uses credit bureau data as well as summary tables from the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS). The interactive map shows how different types of debt affect different...
Read More
Business Formation Statistics by State
Economic growth in Washington
The formation of new businesses is an indicator of economic growth and prosperity within in a region. New firms have the potential to bring additional tax revenue as well as employment opportunities to the local economy. An Interactive Gallery published by the U.S. Census Bureau, titled Business...
Read MoreTrends In Action
Renting Households
Rent Increases in the Tri-Cities Outpace Income Growth, Leaving More Renters Burdened
Recent numbers from the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) report that fair market rents for apartments in the Tri Cities have jumped over 25% in the past year. Figures for FY2024 report that one-bedroom apartments are averaging $1,200 (from $955 in FY2023) while two-bedroom apartments are nearly $1,500 (from $1,200 in FY2023). While these fair market rent figures are...
Read MorePoverty
Poverty Among Older Adults in the Greater Tri Cities Shot Up During the Pandemic
Some strong winds buffeted Americans over 65 years during the pandemic. By the end of the pandemic (mid-2023), about three quarters of all deaths in the U.S. attributable to covid-19 were claimed by people over the age of 65. (Statista) The share of covid-19 deaths by this age group in the two counties was likely no different. Economically, older adults in the greater Tri Cities found themselves...
Read MoreEconomic Vitality
Median Household Income Rose Despite (Because of?) the Pandemic
By Dr. Patrick Jones The pandemic dealt the collective health of greater Tri Cities a body blow. In 2020, over 9% of all deaths in the two counties were attributable to covid-19, up from zero in 2019. In 2022, the pandemic claimed 13% of all deaths, before receding to 4.2% of all deaths in 2022. With the exception of 2022, these rates were far higher than the Washington state average. Yet, the pandemic...
Read MoreWelcome Our New Student Interns!
Dorothy Bergland
Hometown: Spokane, WA
Major: Accounting
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2025
Post-graduation plans: I plan to get my CPA and find work in Forensic Accounting.
After some time working on the Trends project, my favorite thing so far: As a lifelong Washingtonian, the Trends project has given me the opportunity to get to know my state better. It is very exciting to get to do this research for each county that they in turn will use to shape improved public policies.
Jessica Phan
Hometown: Spokane, WA
Major: Visual Communications Design
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2024
Post-graduation plans: Freelance Design
After a some time working on the Trends project, my favorite thing so far: Practicing logo design.