Community Indicators

What are Community Indicators?

Community Indicators are measurements of specific variables that reflect the status of a social, economic and/or environmental system. They are often used to show changes in the system over time. Examples might include the number of smog days per year as an indicator of air quality, or waiting lists for social housing as an indicator of the availability of affordable housing.

Why Do We Need Community Indicators?

The strength of a person's pulse provides information about the person's overall health. Similarly, community indicators provide information about the well-being of a community. They show the progress the community is making towards its vision of a becoming healthy place to live. Community indicator projects can have many positive results. They

• bring people together to talk about what is important to them in their community
• raise awareness of the strength and weaknesses of the community
• identify key community issues
• spark new community initiatives
• guide politicians and decision-makers in allocating resources

Indicators in action
Hamilton-Wentworth Vision 2020

"As part of a process to envision a more sustainable future for Hamilton-Wentworth, in 1993 Regional Council adopted Vision 2020, a description of an economically vibrant, socially equitable and environmentally responsible community. Hundreds of goals and strategic actions are part of making Vision 2020 a reality. Vision 2020 considers the everyday choices, large and small, that will shape the future of Hamilton-Wentworth."

To track their progress towards their hundreds of goals, Vision 2020 established an internationally recognized sustainability indicators program.

The indicators measure specific aspects of several identified theme areas such as education, health and well being and the environment. Over time, the indicators will allow the community to identify areas where they have made progress and areas that require action.

How Do We Select Community Indicators?

There is no standard, one-size-fits-all, set of indicators. They are entirely dependent on the unique nature of your community and what you intend to do with the indicators in the future. Examples might include the number of smog days per year or the literacy rate in your community. While they are all unique, there are some things to keep in mind when establishing indicators:

Indicators should be:

• simple
• statistically measurable
• relevant to policy
• reflect community values
• inexpensive and easy to collect
• adaptable to change and trends
• comparable to other years and other places
• meaningful to community members
• attractive to local media

Helpful Links

Indicators of Healthy and Vibrant Communities Roundtable (pdf)
Catin, Sylvie et al.

Vision 2020
http://www.vision2020.hamilton-went.on.ca
Hamilton-Wentworth sustainability indicators project.

Vital Signs : 2007 National Report (pdf)
Community Foundations of Canada