Funded by the Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency 2013
Table of Contents
Project Overview ___________________________________________________________________ 4
Data Sources _______________________________________________________________________ 4
County Demographics _______________________________________________________________ 4
Race and Ethnicity_________________________________________________________________________4
Age Distribution __________________________________________________________________________5
Change in Population ______________________________________________________________________5
Births and Deaths _________________________________________________________________________6
Educational Attainment ____________________________________________________________________7
County Geography __________________________________________________________________ 7
Geography _______________________________________________________________________________7
Transportation Issues ______________________________________________________________________8
Economic Characteristics _____________________________________________________________ 8
Employment _____________________________________________________________________________8
Unemployment Rates ______________________________________________________________________9
Median Household Income _________________________________________________________________9
Self Sufficiency Standard for Amador County _________________________________________________ 10
Poverty Indicators _______________________________________________________________________ 10
Poverty Level ____________________________________________________________________________________ 10
Food Insecurity __________________________________________________________________________________ 11
Enrollment in Cash Assistance Programs ______________________________________________________________ 12
Free and Reduced Price School Meals ________________________________________________________________ 12
Housing & Homelessness ____________________________________________________________ 13
Foreclosures ___________________________________________________________________________ 13
Housing Affordability ____________________________________________________________________ 13
Homelessness __________________________________________________________________________ 14
Community Safety _________________________________________________________________ 16
Crime _________________________________________________________________________________ 16
Misdemeanors _________________________________________________________________________ 16
Domestic Violence ______________________________________________________________________ 16
Child Abuse ____________________________________________________________________________ 17
2
Injuries and Hospitalizations ______________________________________________________________ 18
Health ___________________________________________________________________________ 18
Prenatal Care and Birthing ________________________________________________________________ 18
California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) Regional Data 2009 ___________________________________ 19
Asthma (CHIS) ___________________________________________________________________________________ 19
Diabetes (CHIS) __________________________________________________________________________________ 19
Healthy Weight, Body Mass Index - CHIS ______________________________________________________________ 19
Children’s Physical Fitness ________________________________________________________________ 21
Breastfeeding Rates _____________________________________________________________________ 21
Immunization Rates _____________________________________________________________________ 22
Health Insurance ________________________________________________________________________ 23
CHIS Insurance Survey _____________________________________________________________________________ 23
Medi-Cal Insurance _______________________________________________________________________________ 24
Healthy Families Insurance and AIM__________________________________________________________________ 24
County Medical Services Program (CMSP) _____________________________________________________________ 25
Health Rankings ________________________________________________________________________ 25
Seniors___________________________________________________________________________ 26
Local Needs Assessments ____________________________________________________________ 28
3
Amador County
2013 Community Data Report
Project Overview
The 2013 Community Data Report presents data on the economic, demographic, and health status of Amador
County residents. The goal of the report is to provide up to date information and links to current data that will
assist community service providers in planning for and providing responsive services to county residents.
Data Sources
Data are presented for a variety of indicators from federal, state and local sources. Where possible, state level
data are provided for comparison. Where county-level data are not available, regional data is provided. Data
sources are provided to assist in research and future updates. Some types of available data for small counties
(and small regions) are unreliable, due to the limited amount of data available and the large confidence
intervals. Only reliable data has been presented in this report.
County Demographics
Data: The most recent data available is from the 2010 Census. Over time, the U.S. Census will update
population estimates based on this baseline data, through its American Fact Finder site. Please be aware that
different census sites may provide slightly different numbers. The data source for the county demographics
section was the US Census, American Factfinder: 2010 Demographic Profile Data, http://factfinder2.census.gov , DP-1
Profile of General Population & Housing Characteristics 2010 or Census Quick Facts: http://quickfacts.census.gov
Race and Ethnicity
1
Ethnicity of Amador Co. Residents
2010 (Percentage)
0.2 0.3
1.4
2.5
2.5
White
Hispanic or Latino
Black or African American
12.5
79.6
American Indian and Alaska
Native
Asian
Amador County 2010 Census Data
White
Hispanic or Latino
Black or African American
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Pacific Islander
Other
Two or More Races
79.6%
12.5%
2.5%
1.4%
1.0%
0.2%
0.3%
2.5%
The major ethnic groups represented in Amador County
are White (80%), and Hispanic/Latino (12.5%).
Represented at 2 – 2.5% are African American and two or
more races. Although the local Miwok American Indian
Two or More Races
tribal members represent a low percent (1.4%), they are
recognized as a significant cultural group in the county.
Native Hawaiian and Other
Pacific Islander
Other
4
Ethnic trends have shown a steadily rising rate of Hispanic/Latino residents, which is expected to continue in the
next ten years. Only 8.4% of the population reports speaking a language other than English at home (compared
to 43% statewide), and only 2.5% report speaking English less than “very well,” (compared to 20% statewide.)
Age Distribution
The age distribution in Amador County is weighted toward older residents. This is also true of surrounding
counties in the Gold Country region, due to their appeal as retirement locations. Thirty eight percent (38.3%) of
the county residents are age 55 and older, as compared to 22% statewide. The percentage of residents age 75
and older is 8.9%, as compared to 5.3% statewide. This age distribution has implications for service demand and
delivery in the areas of housing, health care, and senior services.
At the other end of the spectrum, the age
distribution under age 40 tells the story of
many Sierra foothill counties. Fewer
individuals age 20 and older stay in the area,
presumably due to the limited job
opportunities. Therefore, compared to
California as a whole, the percentage of
families with children is lower. This has
implications in terms of economy of scale for
supporting services for families.
Age Distribution in 2010
in Amador County & California
80 and older
70 to 79 years
60 to 69 years
50 to 59 years
40 to 49 years
30 to 39 years
20 to 29 years
10 to 19 years
Birth to 9 years
California
Amador
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
Percent Change in Population between 2000
and 2012
Change in Population
Amador County grew in size by 8.5% between
the years of 2000 and 2012. This was a slightly
lower rate than California as a whole (at 10%)
and similar to some of its neighboring foothill
counties. While, statewide, the biggest growth
was in residents age 55 and older, reflecting the
aging of the baby boomer population, Amador
County had a larger increase in this age group
than California as a whole. The percentage of
adults in Amador County age 20-54 decreased by
1% in the last ten years, as did the percentage of
children, by 12%. This population decline is likely
tied to economic factors, with younger residents
leaving to find employment. It is difficult to
predict future growth trends in small, foothill
8.5%
38.7%
Amador -0.9%
-11.6%
Calaveras
-1.9%
12.4%
1.9%
37.2%
6.5%
55-85+
1.6%
Tuolumne -7.4%
-13.0%
-20%
-10%
0%
20-54
26.9%
Birth-19
10.0%
6.3%
2.1%
California
All ages
36.9%
Mariposa -3.5%
-12.5%
10%
33.4%
20%
30%
40%
50%
5
counties. The projections generated by state and federal sources are useful for planning but, changes in
economic situations, infrastructure, or social conditions can have a larger impact on percentage changes in
relatively small populations.
Births and Deaths
Births
The number of live births in Amador County was 269 in the year 2011. In the five year span between 2007 and
2011, there was an 8.5% net decrease in births (-25) and annual fluctuations ranging between a gain of 2% (7
births) and a decrease of 8% (23 births). Since the number of annual births is so small, a relatively small change
in birth rate can affect percentages dramatically. A slightly higher percentage (19.7%) of Hispanic/Latino births
than would be predicted by their presence in the total population (12.5%) indicate a greater prevalence in the
age of women of childbearing years, or a higher birth rate, or both. This is consistent with the age distribution in
the county, as the Hispanic population is steadily increasing through in-migration as well as births. The opposite
can be said for White births at 71% of the total births (versus 80% of the total population). The births to
women of other ethnicities are so low in number (24) that no conclusions can be drawn.
Deaths
Most deaths, as expected, occur in the older population. The average number of annual deaths in the last five
years of available data (2006-2010) has been 417, which is 45% higher than the birth rate during that time.
Therefore the recent population increases are due to individuals moving into the county.
This demographic characteristic is typical of the foothill region. However, it is very different from California as a
whole, where the birth rate in 2010 was over twice the death rate.
2010 rates
Birth rate per 1,000 population
Death rate per 1,000 population
Amador
7.1
11.5
California
13.7
6.3
Ethnic percentage disparities between births, population, and deaths, indicate that the ethnic characteristics are
different among the older age group.
White
Births (2011)
71.4%
Population (2010) 79.6%
Deaths (2010)
92.7%
Hispanic
19.7%
12.5%
4.1%
American Indian
0.7%
1.4%
1.1%
Multiracial
6.3%
2.5%
1.1%
Other groups
1.9%
4.0%
1.0%
All of these vital statistics align with the age distribution for Amador County.
Vital Statistics Query System, http://www.apps.cdph.ca.gov/vsq/Default.asp
6
Educational Attainment
Young Adults Age 18-24 who are High
School Graduates
Amador
California HS Graduate
82%
73%
79%
89%
85%
Amador County has a lower high school graduation
rate than California as a whole, entirely due to
lower rates of male students earning a diploma.
The rates of female student completion are slightly
higher than the state as a whole. The dropout
rates are slightly lower than those statewide.
64%
All
Males
Females
colleges are in Tuolumne or San Joaquin counties, and the
nearest public 4 year colleges are in Stanislaus or San
Joaquin counties. Depending on where residents live in
Amador County, these distances represent significant
travel time, anywhere from 1- 4 hours. Fewer high
school students in Amador County (24%) complete the
required courses for entrance into the CSU and UC
system, than do statewide (40%), indicating that these
higher education decisions are being made during the
high school years. (http://data1.cde.ca.gov/dataquest/).
Family culture as well as economics may be contributing
factors along with the geographic barriers.
The rates of students enrolling in college after high
school (at age 18-24 years) are significantly lower in
Amador County (and surrounding foothill counties)
than statewide, at a rate of less than half. This may
be due to the fact that the nearest community
Population Age 18-24 Enrolled in
College or Graduate School
Amador college enrollment
CA college enrollment
43%
22%
All
39%
38%
48%
13%
Males
Females
The percent of the population age twenty-five or older with a bachelor’s degree or higher in Amador County is
13.2% compared to 30.1% statewide (2006-2010 census data).
County Geography
Geography
Amador County is located in the Sierra foothills, in the “Heart of the Mother Lode” region. It is situated
approximately 130 miles northeast of San Francisco and 45 miles southeast of Sacramento. It is bordered by El
Dorado County to the north, Alpine County to the east, Tuolumne County to the south, and Sacramento and San
Joaquin counties to the west. It has a land mass of 605 square miles and 63 persons per square mile (as
compared to 239/sq. mile statewide). This reflects unpopulated areas of the El Dorado National Forest, and
Mokelumne Wilderness areas, many bodies of water and agricultural land, primarily viticulture in the
Shenandoah Valley. Towns and housing developments are widely dispersed. The geography ranges from valley
agricultural areas in the west (250 feet) to high elevation (9,000 feet) mountains in the east.
7
There are a number of incorporated cities and towns in the county, including Amador City, Ione, Jackson (the
county seat), Plymouth, and Sutter Creek. There are also a number of main unincorporated towns and areas of
residence. Areas with population numbers over 2,000 (as of the 2010 census) are Buckhorn (2,429), and Pine
Grove (2,219). There are a number of smaller areas of residence with populations under 2,000, many of them
with populations under 500.
Data Source: ProximityOne: Zip Code Demographics by city-place and outside city-places
http://proximityone.com/zip-place.htm
Transportation Issues
Amador County is served by six state highways, State Routes 16, 26, 49, 88, 104 and 124. All are well used by
residents and tourists. The highways serve the needs of the large number of residents who commute to work,
both inside and outside of the county, the recreational travelers (coming to visit the wineries, gold country
historical sites and other places of interest), and the significant number of residents who have second homes in
the area. The state highways in Amador County serve as the backbone of its transportation network. For many
communities, one of these highways serves as the main street running through town.
Amador Regional Transit System (ARTS) has 7 fixed route bus routes on weekdays, radiating from Sutter Creek to
serve the major population areas of the county, on a limited schedule. The system also operates a Dial-A-Ride
service for seniors and persons with disabilities in the Jackson-Sutter Creek areas. There is a route to
Sacramento twice a day, with links to an airport shuttle. The transit system links at Jackson with neighboring
Calaveras Transit. Fares are affordable. While ARTS provides a critical service to residents, the major barriers to
utilization are the limited schedules and routes, which may be located miles from housing. This is true of all
transit systems serving small, rural counties with geographically isolated housing developments.
There is one small general aviation airport: Amador County Airport, located near Jackson.
Data source: Amador Regional Transit website, http://amadortransit.com/site/pages/home.cgi, Amador Regional
Transportation Plan 2004 , http://www.actc-amador.org/projects/reports.php
Economic Characteristics
Employment
Key employers in Amador County are government (federal, state and local, accounting for 40% of average
monthly employment), Sutter Amador hospital, Jackson Rancheria Casino, and retail stores such as WalMart
and Lowes. State government employment includes Mule Creek State Prison and Preston Youth Correctional
Facility. There are many small businesses that collectively employ a significant number of county residents. The
wineries and other “farm” sector jobs employed 300 individuals as of March 2013. Many of the employers are
seasonal (recreation based, forestry, or agricultural). A significant number of residents (17%, or 1,960) leave
the county to work in neighboring Sacramento or San Joaquin counties. At the same time, a similar number of
workers commute in to work in Amador County from neighboring Calaveras (1,211) or Sacramento (580).
8
A 2012 Regional Labor Market Profile for seven Mother Lode Counties (Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Inyo,
Mariposa, Mono and Tuolumne) highlights employment forecasts for the region through 2014, as follows:



Recreation and tourism show potential for growth in the near future, with the largest growth, through
2014, projected for hotels and full-service restaurants.
Projected Baby Boomer retirements will open up government jobs, primarily in local government and
education, but also in state and federal government positions.
Professional, scientific and technical services are consistently successful, and are projected to increase
primarily in two areas - accounting and tax related firms, and computer systems design and related
firms.
Data Source: : CA Employment Development Dept. Labor Market Information, http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/,
Centers of Excellence, California Community College’s Economic and Workforce Development program – Environmental
Scans, Regional Labor Market Profile , Mother Lode Counties, http://www.coeccc.net/
Unemployment Rates
Unemployment rates are high, at 10.8% for the county in March 2013 (as compared to the statewide rate of
9.4% ). The highest rates for available data were in Sutter Creek (12.7%). However, the overall data suggests
that the highest unemployment rates were in the census designated and unincorporated areas of the county, for
which EDD information is not available.
March rates are lower than January 2013
Annual Unemployment Rate
(11.9%), most likely due to expected
Amador County 2004 - 2013
seasonal fluctuations in employment.
Annual Unemployment Rate
Amador County has been impacted by the
economic downturn in the last five years.
13% 13%
11.8% 11%
12%
Unemployment remains high, and the
8%
6%
6%
6%
downward trend since the high year of 2010
5%
is hopeful. However, it must also be noted
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
that the economic downturn may have
spurred more residents to leave the county
for employment. In the years between 2008 and
2012, the labor force decreased by 6.5%, and the
Median Household Income, 2010
number of employed residents decreased by 10.6%.
$70,000
Data Source: State of CA Employment Development Dept.
Labor Market Information Division June 2012, Industry
Employment and Unemployment Rates for Counties
http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/Content.asp?pagei
d=1006
Median Household Income
$60,000
$50,000
$40,000
$30,000
$20,000
$10,000
$-
$57,664
$49,516
$50,745
$42,222 $44,751
The median household income in Amador County is
$49,516, which is below the statewide median income
of $57,664. It is similar to the median income in
9
neighboring Calaveras County, with both counties having a significant number of residents commuting outside
the county to work. It is higher than Tuolumne County which has a bigger population size, but where more
residents find work within the county. (2010 data) Data Source: Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates
http://www.census.gov/did/www/saipe/data/statecounty/index.html
Self Sufficiency Standard for Amador County
The Self Sufficiency Standard, developed by Dr. Diana M. Pearce of the School of Social Work at the University of
Washington, considers monthly budgets based on housing/utilities, child care, food, transportation, health care,
taxes and miscellaneous items such as clothing and telephone. Not included in the budgets are items such as
entertainment, insurance or savings. The Self Sufficiency Standard for Amador County in 2011 is as follows:
Type of Earner
Single Adult, working full time
Single parent, working full time
Two parent family, one adult
working full time outside the home
Two parent family, both parents
working full time outside the home
Earnings needed to meet the
Self Sufficiency Standard
$15.88 per hour
$30,027/year
$33.80 per hour
$70,299/year
$29.93 per hour
$62.246/year
$19.81 per hour each
$82,429/year
Difference from minimum wage
employment earnings ($8/hour)
$7.88/hr
$25.80/hr
$21.93/hr
$8.81/hr each
The definition of median household income is that it is the income level that falls in the middle of the range of
incomes. That is, an equal amount of households earn more, and an equal number of households earn less than
that amount. All of the two parent and single parent families that work full time outside the home in Amador
County would be having to make more income than the median income to meet the Self Sufficiency Standard
and this, of course, is not the case. At least 41% of families with children earn significantly below the median
household income, as evidenced by their eligibility for free and reduced school meals. Many families are
struggling to support themselves with multiple minimum wage or low wage jobs, or are having their hours cut
back due to the economic situation.
Data Source: California Budget Project, Making Ends Meet, June 2010
http://www.cbp.org/pdfs/2010/100624_Making_Ends_Meet.pdf
Poverty Indicators
Poverty Level
Eleven percent of the population in Amador County live below the poverty level, with close to a third of these
(an estimated 1,573) under age 18. The poverty levels (inclusive of all ages) are lower in Amador County than
the state and surrounding counties. However, the levels for Amador children are close to state rates, reflecting
that poverty impacts more families with children. Five year estimates show that 30% of female householders in
Amador County with children up to 18 years live in poverty.
10
Percent of Persons Living in Poverty, 2010
30%
25%
20%
22%
22%
17%
16%
13%
15%
22%
18%
15%
15%
All Ages
11%
10%
Under 18
5%
0%
California
Amador County
Calaveras
County
Mariposa
County
Tuolumne
County
Data is from the US Census Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates for 2010 and the US Census 2006-2010 American
Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. http://www.census.gov/did/www/saipe/data/statecounty/index.html
http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml (Households and Families 2010 Summary File 1)
Food Insecurity
The 2009 California Health Interview Survey contacted a
sample of regional residents from Alpine, Amador,
Calaveras, Inyo, Mariposa, Mono, and Tuolumne. These
residents, whose income was less than 200% of the Poverty
Level, were asked if they were able to afford enough food.
31.9 %reported that they were not able to afford enough
food (with a wide confidence interval between 16.9% and
46.9%). This is a 6.4% increase since the year 2001. The
region ranks in the top 16% of counties for the fewest food
insecure households, reflecting a statewide trend toward
food insecurity in these difficult economic times.
Percent of Respondents who
reported that they were not able
to afford enough food, CHIS 2009
50%
40%
40.4%
31.9%
30%
20%
10%
0%
7 regional counties
California
The CHIS data for 2009 shows the beginning of a trend that is getting more pronounced. Local food banks and
pantries have all reported an increased demand for food in the last 3 years. Regional food banks and pantries
have all reported an increased demand for food in the last 3 years. One reason for the increasing demand is
that unemployment benefits are running out for many families, and they are struggling to make ends meet. But
the working poor and seniors also find it hard to make it to the end of the month without food assistance. For
many, this is their first experience with asking for help.
The Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA) Food Bank solicits, transports, and distributes
donated foods to individuals, families, and community based emergency food pantries in Amador, Tuolumne,
and Mariposa Counties. ATCAA provided emergency food services to 2,114 households in 2012. Fresh produce
11
was given to 310 seniors and disabled adults, and 836 households received fresh produce twice a month. “Kid
friendly” food was provided to 2, 127 children. Holiday food baskets were distributed to almost two thousand
families. The Food Bank relies on the efforts of over one thousand local volunteers who donated almost 3,000
hours on a regular basis. All Food Bank recipients are given the opportunity to give back, by volunteering their
services, and many have received training and job skills that have helped them to obtain employment.
Data Sources: The Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency 2012 Annual Report, the ATCAA website Food Bank page
http://atcaa.org/atcaa-programs/food-bank/, the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) http://www.chis.ucla.edu/
Enrollment in Cash Assistance Programs
The most recent available data on enrollment in cash assistance programs, from June 2012, indicates that 384
families were enrolled in the CalWorks programs, and
161 in the Welfare to Work program. Enrollment in
Percent of Persons Receiving Food
both of these programs has risen significantly in the
Stamps,
2002
and 2012
last 5 years, 48% and 61% respectively, far outpacing
any population increases.
15.0%
10.7%
9.3%
In June of 2012, 2,391 households received food
10.0%
7.9%
2002
5.3%
stamp assistance (compared to 859 households in
3.4%
5.0%
2.3%
2012
2007 and 611 in 2002). The rate of utilization of Food
Stamps has risen significantly in the last ten years, in
0.0%
Amador and surrounding counties (Calaveras,
Statewide
Amador
Region
Mariposa and Tuolumne), as well as statewide.
Although there were fewer Amador residents utilizing the food stamp program in 2002, participation has risen
at a higher rate than that seen statewide.
Data Source: ABCD 350 - Annual Recipient Report on CalWORKs, Foster Care, Social Services, Nonassistance Food Stamps,
CalWORKs Welfare to Work, Refugee Cash Assistance, and the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants Ethnic Origin and
Primary Language http://www.cdss.ca.gov/research/PG369.htm, Local data for June 2012 provided by The Resource
Connection.
Free and Reduced Price School Meals
For a child to qualify for free or reduced
price meals, the family income must fall
below 130% of the federal poverty
guidelines ($29,055 for a family of four in
2011) to qualify for free meals, or below
185% of the federal poverty
guidelines ($41,348 for a family of four in
2011) to qualify for reduced-cost meals.
In Amador County, 41% of school age
children qualify for free and reduced price
meals. Of these, 75% (or 31% of the
Free and Reduced Price School Lunches:
Eligibility and Utilization 2011-12
Students Eating FRP Lunches at Schools
California (57%)
Amador (41%)
46.2%
30.6%
Tuolumne (50%)
37.7%
Calaveras (45%)
37.9%
Mariposa (52%)
Eligible, not utilizing
35.1%
10.4%
10.5%
12.3%
7.2%
16.4%
12
children attending) utilize school lunches. Amador
has utilization rates for school lunches lower than
the state, and lower than surrounding counties.
A small percentage of the eligible students utilize
the school breakfast program, at a lower utilization
rate than the state or neighboring counties.
Data sources:
California Dept. of Education Food Programs
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/sh/sn/#annual
Free/Reduced Meals Program & CalWORKS Data Files
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/sh/cw/filesafdc.asp (updated
file Aug 26,11)
Free and Reduced Price School
Breakfasts:
Eligibility and Utilization 2011-12
Students Eating FRP Breakfasts at Schools
Eligible, not utilizing
California (57%)
21.5%
Amador (41%) 5.4%
Calaveras (45%)
35.2%
35.7%
23.9%
Mariposa (52%)
18.8%
Tuolumne (50%)
17.3%
21.2%
32.7%
32.7%
kidsdata.org http://www.kidsdata.org/data/topic/table/free_school_meals-enrollment.aspx
Housing & Homelessness
Foreclosures
Available data show that the rate of foreclosures have slowed in 2013, compared to 2012, estimated at a 25%
decrease, although the rate of decrease is not as high for our region as it is for the state as a whole. As of May
2013, the rate of foreclosure in Amador County was one in every 374 housing units county-wide. During this
month, Amador County ranked along with neighboring Calaveras County as having one of the top five
foreclosure rates in the state. These rates can change dramatically from month to month. The highest
foreclosure rates were in River Pines, Pioneer, Fiddletown, Ione and Volcano.
Data sources: Realty Trac http://www.realtytrac.com/trendcenter/trend.html
Housing Affordability
The same factors contributing to the high foreclosure rates are also making property more affordable in Amador
County. The median list price for a house in the county is 177,200 (April 2013), reflecting a range of prices from
$144,330 in Pioneer to $211,100 in Sutter Creek. These prices reflect a 2% decrease from last year, and a 26%
drop from 2009. The biggest price decreases in the last year have been in Pioneer (a 5.6% drop) and Sutter
Creek (4.8%). Prices have risen in other locations in the county.
The U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development defines affordable housing as costing not more than
30% of a household’s annual income (with an adjustment for utilities averaging at $75-$100/month). In 2013,
the fair market rent for a 2 bedroom unit in Amador County is $1,082, but this varies with location. For this rent
to be “affordable”, a family would have to make over $43,000 annually. With median income at $49,516, many
families are able to afford to rent or to consider lower mortgage opportunities. However, it has become much
13
more difficult for families to be approved for a loan to purchase a house. Families on the lower end of the
income spectrum find affordable housing still out of reach.
Data sources: Zillow, http://www.zillow.com/local-info/CA-home-value/r_9/ Kidsdata.com Housing Affordability,
http://www.kidsdata.org/data/topic/ (source U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fair Market Rent Oct
2011. http://www.huduser.org/datasets/fmr.html
Homelessness
Regional point-in-time homeless surveys have been done in Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne counties on a
regular basis since 2007 with the homeless population both in and out of shelters. The surveys are conducted
in January, when temperatures in the foothills can be frigid and dangerous for those sleeping outdoors. The
survey for 2013 counted 124 homeless adults and 35 children under age 18 (1 of which was an unaccompanied
youth) in Amador County. While most of the homeless were single, there were 15 families located who
reported children living with them including two pregnant
women. This represents fewer families with dependent
Family Characteristics of
children than in 2011, a good trend.
Amador Homeless, 2013
Adults only, no children (92)
Ages and Number of Homeless
Amador County 2013
Age 5 or under
Adults and Children together (15)
Youth alone (1)
11
1%
Age 6-17
24
Age 18-24
19
14%
Age 25-59
Age 60 or older
98
Gender of Amador
Homeless 2013
Male
85%
7
Female
41%
Most of the homeless were ages 25-59. There were more males than females,
especially in the older age groups.
Where the Amador County Homeless Slept in
January 2013
59%
Couch surfing
28
Shelter (emergency, transitional, DV)
25
Camping or Outdoors
21
Vehicle
Motel paid by agency
18
2
14
The homeless individuals that were surveyed were living in a variety of locations, both indoors and outdoors.
Most individuals with children (and the pregnant women) were staying in an indoor location, primarily couch
surfing in the homes of friends and relatives (defined as a temporary stay), and staying in domestic violence or
emergency shelters, with only one family group in a vehicle.
The number of chronic homeless was estimated at 55, slightly lower than the number reported in 2011. Chronic
homelessness is defined as being homeless for one year or more, or being homeless more than 4 times in the
last 3 years.
Respondents were asked what the
Top reasons cited as obstacles to obtaining housing,
obstacles were to obtaining
Amador County 2013
housing. They were given 14
choices to choose from, which
Unemployed
included a wide range of social,
Bad credit history
35
Criminal record
economic and health factors. The
32
Waiting for govt. benefits
24
most frequent reasons cited were
Eviction history
23
economic, specifically
Personal illness or disability
23
unemployment, or the fact that
Benefit payments not enough to pay rent
20
Family breakup
16
wages and/or benefits were not
Working, don't earn enough to pay rent
15
adequate to afford the rent.
Pets
12
Many also had a criminal record
Welfare payments not enough to pay rent
10
and/or a bad credit history.
Personal illness or disability was also cited frequently.
65
Other issues that may have influenced homelessness were tracked. Of all the respondents,






10% had been in foster care
12% had served in the military
32% had been victims of domestic violence
34% had been diagnosed with serious mental health issues, PTSD or traumatic brain injury
32% had been diagnosed with alcohol/substance abuse issues
23% had been diagnosed with another physical condition
When asked what services they needed, the most common answers had to do with housing assistance,
employment, food/food stamps, and transportation, followed by medical care/medications, mental health
counseling, and showers.
Data Source: 2013 Homeless Point In Time Survey, Central Sierra Consortium of Care. Contact Amador-Tuolumne
Community Action Agency or Sierra Hope.
15
Community Safety
Rate of Crime per 10,000 population, 2010
Crime
California
Amador County has a lower crime rate than
the state as a whole. In general, local crime
rates are 27% lower than state rates. The
most common crimes are burglary and
theft. While certain types of crime are seen
less commonly in Amador County, the rates
of burglary and forcible rape are the same
(and slightly higher) than the state as a
whole. These same crime characteristics
are seen in neighboring foothill counties.
Homicide
0.5
0.3
Arson
2.1
0.8
Robbery
2.6
Forcible Rape
2.2
3.1
Motor Vehicle Theft
Aggravated assault
Theft Over $400
Amador
15.6
40.9
13.7
25.7
22.8
37.3
54.7
61.4
70.1
Burglary
106.4
99.5
Theft $400 and under
Rate of Midemeanor Arrests per 1,000
population,
2008-2010
Statewide
Amador
Total
22.0
DUI
5.5
6.6
Marijuana, Other Drugs, Drunk
6.7
5.8
Assault & Battery
All Other
Misdemeanors
25.9
Misdemeanor arrests are made in
Amador at slightly lower rates than
statewide (at 22 per 1,000 population).
The 3 most common areas of arrest in
Amador are for DUI, for alcohol and drug
related issues, and for assault and
battery. The rates of DUI arrest are 21%
higher in Amador County than statewide.
2.5
1.6
8.1
11.2
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence calls are made at a lower rate (27%) in Amador County than in the state as a whole, and are
less likely to involve weapons. When weapons are used, the incidence of firearms is slightly higher in Amador
than statewide.
16
Rate of Domestic Violence Calls
per 1,000 population, 2010
For Domestic Violence Calls Involving a
Weapon, Percent/Type of Weapon
5
79%
4
0.9
3
15%
5%
1%
California
1.8
Weapon
2
1
2.8
2.7
Amador
California
85%
No weapon
9%
3%
3%
Amador
0
0%
Data Source: California Dept. of Justice, Office of the
Attorney General, Crime Data, Criminal Justice Profiles,
2010 http://oag.ca.gov/crime
50%
100%
Firearm
Knife /cutting inst
Other dangerous weapon
Personal weapon
Child Abuse
In general, the foothill counties have higher numbers of reported and substantiated child neglect and abuse.
This may be due to the fact that the reporting rates are higher, due to smaller communities and well-informed
teachers and social service providers. The overall trend for Amador in the last 15 years has been a gradual
decline, mirroring that of California as a
whole, the rates have stayed relatively
Incidence of Substantiated Child Abuse
stable since 2010. Regionally, rates are
per 1,000 children, over time.
even higher. The annual fluctuations seen
35
in the region and in Amador, as compared
30
to the state, reflect a smaller data set, which
25
show relatively small changes more
20
California
dramatically than the much bigger
15
Amador
statewide data set.
10
5
0
Regional Average
Data Source: Child Welfare Dynamic Report
System, Center for Social Services Research UC
Berkeley,
http://cssr.berkeley.edu/ucb_childwelfare/defau
lt.aspx
17
Injuries and Hospitalizations
The most non-fatal injuries requiring
hospitalization in Amador are from falls, motor
vehicle accidents, accidental poisoning, and
suicide. The rates of all of these are significantly
higher than rates statewide.
Motor vehicle accidents , natural environment
injuries, accidental poisoning and cuts are also
the most frequent reasons that children up to age
19 are hospitalized for unintentional injuries. The
number of these hospitalizations are under
20/year for children and are therefore considered
unreliable for comparison purposes.
Top 4 causes of non-fatal hospitaliztion,
2011, all ages
Rates per 10,000 incidents
California
Amador
68
Total
Suicide
99
4
5
30
Falls (unintentional)
Motor Vehicle Occupant
(Unintentional)
4
7
Poisoning (unintentional)
4
49
8
The higher rates of falls may have to do with the
larger percentage of seniors, and also the nature of rural environments and outdoor recreation. The high rate
of motor vehicle injuries may reflect the nature of the rural roads, which are narrow, often 2 lane, and
unforgiving, especially in treacherous winter conditions. It may also reflect the high DUI rates. Unintentional
poisoning can include overdose of alcohol and recreational and prescription drugs.
The 3 major causes of death due to injuries in Amador County in 2010 were suicide, motor vehicle accidents,
and accidental poisoning. Because the numbers for all of these are under 20, the rates are considered
unreliable for comparison purposes. With this caution, it can be noted that the death rates due to all three
causes are notably high.
Data Source: EpiCenter California Injury Data Online, CA Dept. of Public Health, http://epicenter.cdph.ca.gov/
Health
Prenatal Care and Birthing
In the last year, 87% of pregnant women received care in the first trimester. This is higher than the state rate of
82%, but not significant, given the low number of women. Eight percent of the births were to low birth weight
infants, a higher percentage than statewide (7%), but again, not significantly different. The numbers of low
birth weight infants are too low to reliably show any trends associated with ethnicity, care or the mother’s age.
One infant in the county died before age one.
Data source: California Dept. of Public Health Vital Statistics Query System, http://www.apps.cdph.ca.gov/vsq/Default.asp
The Resource Connection Early Childhood Programs Community Assessment. July 2010.
18
California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) Regional Data 2009
Much of the health data in this section is from the 2009 California Health Interview Survey. This telephone
survey combines responses from interviews done in Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Inyo, Mariposa, Mono, and
Tuolumne. It is important to note that, even with this data pooling, the amount of available data is low, and
there are some areas where disaggregated data is not reliable (such as
Percent of respondents
looking at data for children only, or teens only). Only reliable data has
reporting having asthma,
been used in this report. Also, it is important to view the confidence
2009 CHIS
interval markings on the charts. These show, for the small county
25.0%
data, that the numbers have a 95% chance of falling within that range,
17.8%
20.0%
if the survey was to be repeated. Because the confidence intervals are
13.7%
15.0%
so large, the reader is cautioned about making comparisons to state
10.0%
level data. Because the 7 counties share many similar demographic,
5.0%
geographic , social and economic characteristics, this data can be
viewed as being reasonably representative of Amador County. Data
0.0%
7 regional
counties
California
Percent of respondents
reporting being diagnosed
with Diabetes
2009 CHIS, all ages
10%
8%
8.5%
6.1%
6%
4%
2%
0%
7 regional
counties
California
Source: http://www.chis.ucla.edu/
Asthma (CHIS)
The reported percentage of asthma in the region is 17.8%, with a
confidence interval as low as 12.7% and high as 22.8%. This data
includes both adults and children. The data for the rates for children
and teens in the region was too low to be reliable.
Diabetes (CHIS)
The reported percentage of diabetes in the region is 6.1% with a
confidence interval between 3.4% and 8.8%. This data includes both
adults and children. The data disaggregated by adults and children
was too low to be reliable. Because of the low numbers in the data,
the confidence intervals were so high for Type I and Type II diabetes
data, that the numbers were not useful.
Healthy Weight, Body Mass Index - CHIS
Adult Healthy Weight
Reliable CHIS BMI data is available for adults in the region. The CHIS BMI data for teens and children is
unreliable, based on the low number of data points.
19
Body Mass Index, based on information asked of
respondents 18 years or older, CHIS 2009
Obese (30 or higher)
Overweight (25-29.9)
The high confidence intervals
on the regional data advise
caution, but the data shows a
tendency for regional adults
to be overweight or obese at
slightly higher rates than is
seen statewide.
23%
26%
34%
39%
California
Normal Weight (18.5-24.9)
41%
33%
7 regional counties
Even without comparisons,
the data clearly show that the
2%
Underweight (0-18.49)
2%
majority of adults in the
region are above normal
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
weight, and close to 1/4th are
obese. Obesity puts individuals at risk for diabetes, heart disease and other serious chronic health conditions.
Children’s Healthy Weight
School level data is available for
children’s weight in grades 5, 7 and 9.
The chart, following, shows the
percentage of public school students in
grades 5, 7, and 9 with body
composition falling within or below the
Healthy Fitness Zone, which is based
on skinfold measurements, body mass
index, or bioelectric impedance
analysis.
Percent of public school students who are normal
weight or underweight, Academic Year 2010-11
Grade 9
California
Amador County
Calaveras County
Grade 7
Grade 5
70%
70%
71%
70%
72%
74%
71%
72%
76%
These data show that children in
69%
Mariposa County
74%
78%
Amador County are more than twice as
78%
Tuolumne County
76%
likely to be a healthy weight as are
72%
adults. This is true in the region and
statewide. However, rates of up to 30% of children who are over a healthy weight remain a cause for ongoing
education efforts.
Data source: kidsdata.org, http://www.kidsdata.org
20
Children’s Physical Fitness
One indicator of physical fitness is the percentage of
students meeting all 6 of California’s fitness standards.
This is measured through the California Physical Fitness
Test, which is administered annually to public school
children in grades 5, 7, and 9. The 6 areas of fitness
measured include: upper body strength, flexibility,
aerobic capacity, body composition, abdominal
strength, and trunk strength. Students must meet
minimum fitness levels in each area to pass this state
test.
Percent of Students Meeting All
Fitness Standards,
By Grade Level: 2011
38%
37%
Grade 9
35%
32%
Grade 7
California
23%
25%
Grade 5
0%
20%
Amador County
40%
Regular physical activity helps muscle development, bone health, and heart health. Children who regularly
exercise also tend to have lower levels of depression and anxiety, and are more likely to carry their healthy
lifestyle into adulthood, reducing their risk of chronic disease. Over the previous decade (1999-2010), the
statewide percentage of students meeting all fitness standards generally increased for all grade levels,
racial/ethnic groups, and for girls and boys.
Amador County students met the fitness standards at similar rates as did children statewide.
Data source: kidsdata.org, http://www.kidsdata.org
Breastfeeding Rates
Data is available for in-hospital rates of
breastfeeding, either with formula or
exclusively, for 24-48 hours after birth, at all
120%
maternity hospitals in the state. When babies
92%
91%
100%
In-Hospital
receive only breast milk, they are said to be
74%
80%
Breastfeeding - Any
57%
“exclusively breastfed.” “Any breastfeeding”
60%
refers to babies who receive both breast milk
40%
In-Hospital
and formula, as well as those who are
Breastfeeding 20%
Exclusive
exclusively breastfed. These data are
0%
Amador
California
important because the first two days after
birth is a critical time for the success of
breastfeeding, and hospital practices can either support or hinder a mother’s success.
In-Hospital Breastfeeding Rates
24-48 Hours after Birth
Amador residents had higher breastfeeding rates, especially exclusive breastfeeding rates than those of
California as a whole. Statewide data show that northern California counties have higher rates of exclusive
breastfeeding than Central Valley or Southern California counties. Data Sources: California Department of Public
Health Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health http://www.cdph.ca.gov/data/statistics/Documents/MO-BFPCountyofResidence-RaceEthnicityReport-2010.pdf California WIC Association http://calwic.org/factsheets2012
21
Immunization Rates
Percent of Kindergarteners Up to Date on Their
Immunizations
100.0%
95.0%
94.9%
95.6%
90.0%
88.7%
85.0%
Amador
80.0%
Regional Average
75.0%
California
70.0%
65.0%
60.0%
2001-2002 2005-2006 2011-2012
The rates of children immunized prior
to Kindergarten have decreased in the
last ten years. While statewide rates
stayed relatively steady, the rates in
Amador County dropped by 6%. This
drop was seen in the region also.
(Regional Counties include Amador,
Calaveras, Mariposa and Tuolumne).
There are a variety of reasons for
failing to immunize a child: They may
not have received all of the vaccines
(a “conditional” status), or parents
may choose not to immunize at all (a
“personal belief” exemption). Or
children may have a permanent medical exemption.
The rate of parents who choose not to immunize their children is over 2 ½ times higher in the region, than
statewide. Although the trend is increasing statewide, it remains significantly higher in the foothill counties.
Amador has the highest immunization completion rates in the region.
The 6% decrease in up-to-date immunizations over the 10 year period in Amador County was due primarily to a
rising number of children who were considered “conditional,” (missing one of more of the required
immunizations, but not currently due for any
Percent of Kindergartener Personal
remaining doses, or with temporary medical
Exemptions to immunization
exemptions) or who had permanent medical
exemptions. Conditional status is linked to
8.0%
access, information and possibly the increased
Amador
6.0%
number of required immunizations. One third
of the children who were not immunized were
4.1%
4.0%
Regional
3.5%
due to personal belief exemptions, a rate
Average
2.0%
higher than California, and double the rate of
2.0%
California
10 years prior, but the lowest rate in the
0.0%
region.
2001-02
2005-06
2011-12
22
Change (in percent) between 2001 and 2011
between entrants status in Kindegarten Immunization Assessment
15%
10%
5%
Up to Date
0%
Conditional
Amador California
Calaveras Mariposa Tuolumne
-5%
Personal Belief Exemption
-10%
-15%
Data Source: California Dept. of Public Health School Immunization Rates and Immunization Levels
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/immunize/Pages/ImmunizationRatesatCaliforniaSchools.aspx
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/immunize/Pages/ImmunizationLevels.aspx Vaccination Coverage in Children 20012006 http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/immunize/Documents/VaccinationCoverageSectionAnnualReport2007[1].pdf
Health Insurance
CHIS Insurance Survey
Types of insurance, for residents of the
region ages birth to 64, CHIS 2009
Types of insurance for residents of
the region age 65 and older, CHIS
2009
Medicare and Others
Employment-based
MediCal only
Healthy Families
Medicare & Others
Privately purchased
Other public
Medicare only
Employment-based
Uninsured
5%
6%
2%
7%
12%
8%
1%
18%
50%
91%
23
Reliable data is available for the region based on CHIS survey information. Regional residents had many sources
of insurance, while 12% reported being uninsured. Please note that for types of insurances with percentages
under 50% that the confidence intervals are almost half of the value (that is, an 8% value could be in the range
of 4-12%), so the percentages should only be viewed as a general idea of the types of insurance. There is
additional locally collected data on senior health insurance coverage in the report section titled “Seniors”.
Data Source: California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) http://www.chis.ucla.edu/
Medi-Cal Insurance
Data on Medi-Cal enrollment is available
for individual counties in the region. In
2011, 4,505 individuals (or 12% of the
population) were enrolled in Medi-Cal in
Amador County. Although Medi-Cal
enrollment in Amador (like neighboring
counties) was lower than the statewide
rate, the growth in enrollment between
2010 and 2011 was over twice that of
the state growth.
Of the enrollees, 67% were female, a
percentage reflected statewide and in
neighboring counties.
Population Enrolled in MediCal and
annual growth 2010-2011
California
20.2
2.7
Amador
6.2
Calaveras
4.2
Tuolumne
Percent Change in
annual enrollment in
2011
16.0
15.2
1.7
0.0
Percent of Population
Enrolled in 2011
14.9
1.9
Mariposa
12.1
10.0
20.0
30.0
The Medi-Cal beneficiaries in Amador
County include 29% of the children birth to age 18, 9% of the population age 19-64, and 5% of the senior
population age 65 and older. The total beneficiaries in 2011 were 4,505, or 12% of the population. These rates
are slightly lower than California (at 20%), and slightly lower than neighboring counties.
Healthy Families Insurance and AIM
As of April 2013, 349 children up to age 19 were enrolled in Healthy Families Insurance in Amador County. Of
these, 119 were enrolled in the last year. Healthy Families Insurance provides low cost health, dental and vision
coverage to uninsured children, until the age of 19, in working families that meet eligibility requirements for
residency, citizenship, and income guidelines. The number of children enrolled in Healthy Families Insurance has
stayed relatively steady in the last five years, representing approximately 5% of the population of children.
As of April 2013, 1 mother was enrolled in the Access for Infants and Mothers (AIM) Program. This is unusually
low and should not be viewed as representative data, as last year 9 mothers were enrolled. The prior 3 years
enrollment represents 2-3% of the annual average births (5 year average) in Amador County. AIM provides low
cost health insurance coverage to uninsured, middle income pregnant women. The total cost is 1.5% of the
subscriber's adjusted annual household income. The State of California and the Federal Government supplement
the subscriber contribution to cover the full cost of care. Babies born to AIM mothers are eligible for enrollment
in the Healthy Families Insurance Program. The number of mothers enrolled in AIM has fluctuated in the last 5
years, ranging from 1-9. When enrollment numbers are so low, there can be wide percentage fluctuations
representing a small difference in the number of women enrolled, and no trend conclusions should be drawn.
24
There is no County Children’s Health Initiative Program (C-CHIP) in Amador County or in surrounding foothill
counties.
Data Source: State of California Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board http://www.mrmib.ca.gov/MRMIB/Reports.html
County Medical Services Program (CMSP)
The County Medical Services Program (CMSP) provides health coverage for low-income, indigent adults in thirtyfive, primarily rural California counties. In June of 2012, there are 773 individuals enrolled. Of these enrollees,
87% are eligible for full scope benefits with no share of costs. To be eligible, an individual has to be between
ages 21 through 64, and have income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, and not be eligible for
Medi-Cal benefits. The current federal poverty level is $11,170 for a one-person household. Data Source: Local
agency reports and County Medical Services Program County Specific Reports
http://www.cmspcounties.org/data/county_specific.html
Health Rankings
The County Health Ranking and Roadmaps Program, developed at the University of Wisconsin, ranks countylevel indicator data on a variety of factors that influence healthy communities. These data are available for all
states. The indicators include health outcomes (mortality and morbidity) and health factors (health behaviors,
clinical care, social and economic factors and the physical environment). These indicators are measured against
national benchmarks, and compared across counties in the state. The site provides a ranking of the most
healthy (#1) to the least healthy (#56) county in California (with the two smallest counties not participating).
Amador county ranks number 35 overall. The ranking is based on the following characteristics:
Indicator Categories
Physical Environment
Statewide
Ranking
#1 = healthiest
19
Social and Emotional
Factors
17
Mortality – Morbidity
- Clinical Care
44-21-14
Health Behaviors
47
Subset indicators – Amador Characteristics compared to the
California averages.
Air pollution similar to state, slightly better access to recreational
facilities, similar access to healthy foods, fewer fast food restaurants.
Drinking water safety ranked lower.
Good high school graduation rates, lower violent crime rate. Children
in poverty and single-family households slightly lower than state rate.
Social support higher than state rates. Unemployment higher, rates
of some college lower.
Mortality: Premature death rates (deaths before age 75) significantly
higher than state rates.
Morbidity: Poor physical health days and poor mental health days
slightly higher than state rates. Poor or fair health similar to state
rates. Low rates of low birthweight.
Clinical Care: Better rates of mammography and diabetic screening,
lower rates of hospital stays, uninsured. Higher ratio of primary care
physicians, lower ratio of dentists.
Significantly higher rates of adult smoking, and motor vehicle crash
death rates. Similar rates of adult obesity, physical inactivity,
excessive drinking. Lower rates of sexually transmitted infections.
25
Although this data is of interest for community health planning, the error margins in the data set for Amador are
high, and if they are taken into account, most of the differences between Amador indicators and California
indicators disappear. Therefore, the data should be used with caution, unless the word significant is used, which
means it exceeds the confidence margins. Nonetheless, the 2 significant health concerns in Amador County are
motor vehicle crash deaths and smoking, both of which may contribute to the higher than normal premature
death rate (deaths before age 75). While it is true, that the types of roads and highways in foothill and
mountainous counties can be unforgiving, there is a significant rate of DUI arrests, which could be a major
contributing factor.
Data Source: County Health Ranking and Roadmaps Program, Univ. Washington, Robert Woods Foundation
http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/#app/california/2012
Seniors
Two surveys were recently done in Mother Lode communities in 2011. One was done by the Area 12 Agency on
Aging (which included individuals age 50 and above in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties), and the other was
done by the Mother Lode Office of Catholic Charities (which included individuals age 60 and above from the
counties of Amador, Tuolumne, Calaveras and Mariposa). In Amador County, 204 seniors responded to the
A12AA survey. The summary below reflects regional data from both surveys. It is assumed that senior issues in
the region are very similar. Where Amador County specific data is available, it will be used.
Well Being: The majority of respondents reported being happy. Over 75% had lived in their communities for
over 10 years, 71% lived with others, primarily with a spouse or partner. Most (66%) lived within 2 hours of
their nearest child, and 84% reported that their nearest friend lived less than 20 minutes away. Most seniors
responding had good social connections, with frequent contact with neighbors, friends or relatives, attending
social events or religious services, and many doing volunteer work or helping neighbors. Only 22% of seniors
reported that they would like to be doing more social activities.
Financial: The greatest source of income was Social Security. Of the respondents over age 60, 17% continue
to work, either full time or part time. Of those not working, one-fourth stated they would like to be working for
pay. For those who participated in the survey prior to retirement, 63% thought that they might have to work
after retirement for sufficient income. Less than half of the respondents had additional income from pensions
and less than a third reported having income from savings. 68% had household income of less than $50,000 per
year; 29% had household income of less than $20,000 per year. The biggest challenges with insufficient funds
were in obtaining dental care (13%), obtaining eyeglasses or filling prescriptions (8%), paying for food (7%) or
paying utility bills (6%).
Housing and Transportation: Almost all respondents (90%) wished to stay in their current homes as long as
possible, and were confident in their ability to afford to do so. While over one-third acknowledged that this
would require some residential repairs, less than half of these noted that they did not plan to make them,
primarily due to cost, the inability to do it themselves, or uncertainty over whether they would still be living
there. Most (78%) of seniors live in a one-family house, with the next largest groups living in mobile home parks
(11%) or apartments/condominiums (4%). Most (88%) owned their own home. Half (50%) did not think that
26
their living situation would change in the future, with the remainder thinking of moving to residences that would
provide them with more support. Seniors felt safe in their neighborhoods (93%), with the greatest number
identifying that streets and sidewalks need repair/ don’t exist (28%), and the lack of public transportation (25%
of respondents). Most seniors (88%) drive a car to do their errands, 9% ride in a car, while only 2% utilize a
transportation service. Only 1% reported using public transportation. Almost one-fifth reported difficulty in
getting where they needed to go.
Health: Most seniors (70%) report good to excellent health and over half of the respondents ( 57%) reported
having adequate post-retirement
health care. The primary health
Primary Health Care Insurance for Seniors in the
care insurance for seniors was
Gold Country Region
Medicare, followed by
2011
employer/union, military plans, or
self or spouse funded policies.
Other None
2%
4%
Most seniors sought care at
Military (VA)
8%
doctor’s offices or clinics, with 2%
Self or spouse
noting that they do not have a
funded
regular place to go. The majority
7%
reported having regular
Employer or
preventative health measures and
union
Medicare/MC
tests. Arthritis was the most
11%
Advantage
commonly reported health
65%
Medi-Cal
problem, followed by high blood
3%
pressure, overweight/obesity, and
diabetes. While 20% reported
feeling depressed or anxious in the
last year, only half (53%)of these individuals sought professional help for these issues. 73% reported doing
physical activities at least one or two times a week.
Fewer seniors reported food insecurity (16%) than the general population (CHIS) regional survey of 34%, and
most (84%) reported that they could buy fruits and vegetables conveniently.
Needs and Concerns: Very few of the people surveyed (7%) reported having trouble with the “activities of
daily living” (bathing dressing, eating, mobility) but, of these, 40% stated that they were not getting the help
they needed. A higher percent (12%) reported having trouble with the “instrumental activities of daily living”
(shopping, housework, preparing meals, taking medications, finances) and, of these, 37% reported that they
were not getting the help they needed. More than one-fourth of the respondents provide some level of
caregiving for relatives (63%), friends (29%) or others, with most reporting spending 1-3 hours per week in these
activities in the Catholic Charity survey, and 20 hours per week in the A12AA survey. The difference here may be
the number of individuals age 50-60 who are caring for an aging parent. Another possibility is that the wording
of the question elicited different responses.
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The needs and concerns most cited as “big issues” were paying for dental, having enough money to live on,
driving, home repairs/maintenance, paying for health care, power outages and severe weather. Amador
seniors identified needing help with a number of issues, with over 10% of respondents identifying paying for
dental, driving, planning future care, having enough money, home repairs, paying for health care, power
outages, falls in home and severe weather. Immediate family members help the most with household chores
and repairs/maintenance. Most people that seniors rely on to help them (58%) are not paid.
Looking ahead, seniors are most worried about taking care of themselves and their homes, being able to drive,
and declining health.
Local Needs Assessments
There are a number of organizations that prepare community profiles, and assessments in Amador
County, with different focus areas.
Further data can be found by contacting local organizations. A brief, but not comprehensive list includes:
Amador County Public Health (Maternal and Child Health Assessment), Amador County General Plan Community
Profile, First 5 Amador Strategic Plan, and Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency client survey data ,
annual report, and Head Start/Early Head Start annual report.
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