How to Develop a Community Profile

The first section of the community profile is the Forward. It contains information highlighting the purpose for compiling a community profile for the area targeted. It shows the course in which the community is going and the important issues that are currently affecting the area. A reviewing or "editorial board" is formed to oversee any projects or initiatives that result from the profile.

During the Introduction, the community will be summarized by demographics and map indicators. Census and local statistics can be used to obtain information on demographics. Some of the relevant demographics are: population, income, race, age, and education level. Documenting the rising or declining population and significant adjoining cities helps evaluate migration and its resulting effects.

The meat and potatoes of a community profile are in the Themes portion. This is the area of the profile that gives the reader an accurate picture of what is happening within the area profiled. One of the largest contributing factors to a troubled city is poor economic conditions. This part will highlight the present state of the local economy and in what direction it is headed. It will also indicate the amount of people that's income falls below the poverty level. Community services such as health care, child care, and educational resources are documented to reflect the availability of these services to the local populace. If there is limited child care and medical facilities, how are the people going to get care? Are there any free or low cost clinics for poverty stricken areas?

Striving to increase positive migration into a community is similar to shopping for a house. Curb appeal is a large factor when prospective buyers compare homes. The same concept is true when people are looking into moving to a new city. If there a significant amount of run-down, vacant homes and graffiti it negatively impacts a person's choice to move to that area. It can also impede community development and decrease property value resulting in economic struggles. The community profile will highlight the status of the housing market, and the physical environment surrounding it.

Local crime rates, alcohol abuse, and the makeup of police and fire departments are included to describe the status of public safety in the community. The criminal statistics give the reader the ability to see the crime rates broken up geographically and by type of offense. These statistics can be used to develop initiatives to prevent and combat criminal activity. In conclusion, a community profile gives the reader a comprehensive view at the status of a geographic area or city. The community profile will highlight the status of the housing market, and the physical environment surrounding it.