Prosperity
Lauded as one of America’s best places to live, Hamilton County is a great place to call home. Yet, the ability to live in the community is limited for some due to the cost of housing and the lack of widespread accessible transportation. Local governments are working hard to address this issue, which will be critical to continued prosperity for all income levels.
Fact: Despite being the wealthiest county in Indiana, 20% or more than 26,000 households live on the ALICE scale, a United Way indicator for those who live above the federal poverty level but who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, but Employed. Much of that income is consumed by housing, and the ALICE numbers are rapidly increasing.
Hamilton County Tourism supports its community by supporting work to inform and educate about the need for more varied housing availability so that everyone, no matter what stage of life, can afford to live in the community.
Fact: Almost 10,000 direct jobs are supported through traveler spending in the county, accounting for almost $400 million in wages.
Hamilton County Tourism recognizes that the hospitality industry struggles to support sufficient wages to live in the county at some levels but also understands that a career that begins in hospitality provides more income opportunity over a person’s lifetime, according to research by the U.S. Travel Association. HCT will support programs to train individuals for workforce entry or re-entry into the hospitality sector.
Current Projects:
Hamilton County Housing Collaborative
Invest Hamilton County Workforce Initiative
Annual Invest Hamilton County Hospitality Workforce Data Report