Community engagement is the extent to which individuals take responsibility for addressing civic issues and improving the life of their community. In all cases, comparisons to state statistics reflect the state excluding New York City.
Average levels of charitable giving are below the state and the nation.
In 2018, average charitable contributions in the Mid-Hudson Valley region ranged from approximately $8,500 in Orange to $5,700 in Sullivan, below the statewide and national average of $10,800 and $13,230 respectively.
The region’s voter registration rates have remained steady at above 80%, yet they are persistently a bit lower than the state.
Between 2000 and 2019, the average voter registration rate was 83% for the Mid-Hudson region and 84% for the state. Of the region’s voting-age residents, 85% were registered in 2016, compared to 86% of the state overall.
Voter registration rates vary somewhat across the region. Columbia County’s registration rate has been equal to or greater than the statewide rate in every year except 2000. In 2019, Columbia County (95%) had the highest registration rate of the seven counties.
Voter turnout in the region approaches 60% in presidential election years, and is about even with the state rate.
In the 2018 mid-term election, voter turnout in the region was 2 points lower than the state at 45%. Turnout was highest in Columbia (59%) and lowest in Sullivan County at 41%.
| INDICATORS | TREND | STATE |
|---|---|
| Average Charitable Giving | Increasing |
| Voter Registration Rate | Increasing |
| Voter Participation Rate | Decreasing |
Children & Youth
Community Engagement
Demographics
Economy
Education
Financial Stability
Health
Housing
Public Safety
