Welcome to COMMUNITIES COUNT 2008!

The 2008 Report updates indicators of community life that were reported in previous years' reports, tracking social, economic, health, environmental or cultural conditions of value or concern to people residing in King County.  With this information, the public, local governments, and private funders can make informed decisions toward building and sustaining healthy communities.

What Is New in the 2008 Report?

In response to stakeholder recommendations, it takes an in-depth look at an issue of special relevance to the quality of community life in King County: 

Affordable Housing, Transportation and Quality of Life in King County

Housing is the largest household expense for most families, generally followed by transportation. As housing costs have risen in King County, more families are moving farther from job centers in search of affordable housing. How are families deciding whether to pay more for housing near their workplace or to live farther from work and pay high transportation costs and endure long commutes? What are the trade-offs to balance housing, transportation and quality of life?

To answer some of these questions, Communities Count interviewed 40 families across King County. We spoke with renters and owners from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. Most have lived in their house less than five years. We spoke withyoung couples, single person households, families with children, single parents and seniors.  To read some of their stories, click here.