Underprivileged Groups
Definition: People who don't have the same standard of living or rights as the majority of people in society, such as having fewer advantages, privileges, or opportunities.

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Low-income individuals and families
Stanislaus County faces significant challenges with poverty and low incomes. As of 2021, 13.7% of the county's population lived below the poverty line. This is higher than the California average of 11.6%. For a family of four, the poverty threshold is an annual income of $26,500 or less.

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Unhoused/Homeless
Homelessness remains a pressing issue in Stanislaus County. The 2022 Point-in-Time Count identified 2,927 individuals experiencing homelessness in the county. This represents a 37% increase from the previous count in 2020. Of those counted, 1,857 were unsheltered, living on the streets or in places not meant for human habitation.

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Poverty Level / Low Income
Beyond those in poverty, many more residents struggle with low incomes. In 2021, the median household income in Stanislaus County was $65,606, significantly lower than the California median of $84,907. Nearly 40% of households in the county earn less than $50,000 per year.

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Underemployed / Unemployed
While unemployment has improved since the height of the pandemic, it remains an issue. As of March 2023, the unemployment rate in Stanislaus County was 6.3%, higher than the state average of 4.4%. Many employed individuals are underemployed, working part-time or in low-wage jobs that don't meet their financial needs.

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Formerly Incarcerated
Stanislaus County faces significant challenges related to incarceration and reintegration of justice-involved individuals. The county jail population of 1,463 adults.  Upon release, this combined population of former jail and prison inmates confronts a harsh reality: unemployment rates for formerly incarcerated individuals can reach 27%, far surpassing the county's overall 6.3% rate. They urgently require comprehensive support to avoid reoffending and successfully reintegrate into a community already grappling with socioeconomic challenges.

 

Underserved Groups
Definition: People or communities that receive inadequate or disproportionately low levels of service, especially from the state. This includes individuals with disabilities, seniors, people who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, or those with limited English proficiency.

 

Rural populations
Stanislaus County has significant rural areas that often lack access to services. Approximately 15% of the county's population lives in unincorporated areas, many of which are rural. These communities often face challenges in accessing healthcare, public transportation, and other essential services.

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Individuals with disabilities
About 12.5% of Stanislaus County residents under 65 have a disability. This population often faces barriers in employment, transportation, and accessing services. The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is typically double that of those without disabilities.

 

Seniors
As of 2021, 14.5% of Stanislaus County's population was 65 years or older. This growing demographic often faces challenges with healthcare access, social isolation, and financial security. Many seniors live on fixed incomes that struggle to keep pace with rising costs of living.

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People with limited English proficiency (LEP)
Approximately 39% of Stanislaus County residents speak a language other than English at home. Of these, many have limited English proficiency, which can create barriers to accessing services, education, and employment opportunities.

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Refugees and immigrants
Stanislaus County has a significant immigrant population, with 21.3% of residents being foreign-born. This group often faces challenges with language barriers, cultural adaptation, and accessing services. Undocumented immigrants face additional barriers due to their legal status.

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Queer Community
While specific county-level data is limited, LGBTQ+ individuals often face discrimination and barriers to services. National statistics suggest that LGBTQI+ individuals have higher rates of poverty, homelessness, and mental health challenges compared to the general population.

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Lack Medical/Dental Care/Insurance
As of 2021, 7.5% of Stanislaus County residents under 65 lacked health insurance. This leaves a significant portion of the population vulnerable to medical debt and limited access to preventive care.

Spanish Speaking Only
Approximately 31.5% of Stanislaus County residents speak Spanish at home. Those who speak only Spanish may face significant barriers in accessing services, education, and employment opportunities.

Veterans
Stanislaus County is home to over 27,000 veterans. While veterans have access to some specialized services, many still face challenges with mental health, employment, and reintegration into civilian life.

Disadvantaged Communities
Definition: Communities with environmental justice concerns and those with predominantly low-income people and/or communities of color. Disadvantaged communities often lack political leverage and may have an annual median household income that is less than 80% of the statewide median.

Communities affected by environmental hazards
Certain areas of Stanislaus County face disproportionate environmental burdens. For example, some communities near agricultural areas may be exposed to pesticides and other pollutants. The California EnviroScreen tool identifies several census tracts in the county as being in the top 25% most disadvantaged communities in the state based on environmental and socioeconomic factors.

Low-income communities
As mentioned earlier, 13.7% of the county's population lives below the poverty line. These low-income communities often face multiple, compounding disadvantages including limited access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

Racial and ethnic minorities
Stanislaus County has a diverse population, with 47.2% identifying as Hispanic or Latino, 4.1% as Asian, and 2.8% as Black or African American. These groups often face systemic disadvantages and discrimination in various aspects of life.

Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities (DUCs)
The following areas are officially designated DUCs by Stanislaus County, reflecting their environmental, economic, and political challenges:

• Cowan Tract: 95358 (Modesto)

• Crows Landing: 95313

• Grayson: 95363 (Patterson)

• Keyes: 95328

• Monterey Park Tract: 95358 (Modesto)

• Riverdale Park Tract: 95358 (Modesto)

• Westley: 95387

Other underserved areas
The following areas are targets for infrastructure improvements and environmental justice initiatives:

• Airport Neighborhood: 95354 (Modesto)

• West Modesto (Census tracts 2200 and 2303): 95351

• South Modesto (Census tracts 2100 and 2302): 95358

• Keyes: 95328 (already listed above)

• Ceres: 95307

• Grayson: 95363 (already listed above)

• Empire (Census tracts 2002, 2802): 95319

Vulnerable Populations
Definition: Populations at higher risk for health problems or with limited ability to access services due to various barriers.

Individuals with chronic health conditions
While specific county-level data is limited, national trends suggest that chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color. In Stanislaus County, where these demographics are significant, this likely represents a substantial vulnerable population.

People experiencing mental health issues
Mental health is a significant concern in Stanislaus County. In 2019, the age-adjusted suicide rate in the county was 12.4 per 100,000 population, higher than the California average of 10.5.

Living With Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. Applying this to Stanislaus County's adult population would suggest that over 80,000 adults in the county may be living with mental illness.

Neurodivergent / Learning Difficulty
While specific county data is limited, national estimates suggest that learning disabilities affect about 5% of school-age children. In Stanislaus County, this could represent thousands of students who may need additional support.

Poor Physical Health / Disabled
As mentioned earlier, 12.5% of Stanislaus County residents under 65 have a disability. This population often faces significant barriers in daily life and may require additional support services.

Substance Dependence
Substance abuse is a significant issue in Stanislaus County. In 2019, the age-adjusted drug-induced death rate in the county was 18.4 per 100,000 population, higher than the California average of 14.0.  Per the Stanislaus County Coroner Data, Stanislaus County has recorded 176 total drug-related deaths by overdose and poisoning in calendar year 2022, equivalent to the number of deaths in 2021. However, 2021 deaths increased by 33% over 2020 and deaths increased by 112% between 2019 and 2020.

Marginalized Populations
Definition: Groups pushed to the periphery of society due to various factors, often facing systemic barriers to access and opportunity.

Racial and ethnic minorities
As mentioned earlier, Stanislaus County has significant racial and ethnic minority populations. These groups often face systemic barriers and discrimination in various aspects of life, including education, employment, and healthcare.

LGBTQI+ individuals
While specific county-level data is limited, LGBTQI+ individuals often face discrimination and marginalization. National statistics suggest higher rates of poverty, homelessness, and mental health challenges among this population.

Immigrants and refugees
With 21.3% of the county's population being foreign-born, immigrants and refugees represent a significant marginalized group. They often face challenges with language barriers, cultural adaptation, and accessing services.

Systematically Disadvantaged Populations
Definition: Groups that have been systematically denied full opportunities to participate in economic, social, and civic life.

Communities with historical exploitation
Certain communities in Stanislaus County, particularly communities of color and immigrant communities, have faced historical exploitation, especially in the agricultural sector. This historical disadvantage often translates into ongoing socioeconomic challenges.

Areas with high unemployment and poverty rates
As mentioned earlier, Stanislaus County has higher unemployment and poverty rates compared to state averages. Certain areas within the county likely face even higher rates, creating pockets of systematic disadvantage.

Special Needs Populations
Definition: Individuals who require additional support due to physical, mental, or developmental conditions.

Individuals with disabilities
As noted earlier, 12.5% of Stanislaus County residents under 65 have a disability. This population often requires specialized services and accommodations.

Children with special educational needs
While specific county-level data is limited, national estimates suggest that about 14% of public school students receive special education services. In Stanislaus County, this could represent thousands of students requiring additional support.

Elderly individuals requiring assistance
With 14.5% of the county's population aged 65 or older, there is a significant population of seniors who may require assistance with daily living activities, healthcare, and other needs.

Neurodivergent / Learning Difficulty
While specific data for Stanislaus County is limited, we can estimate the impact based on national statistics. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that about 14% of all public school students receive special education services. Applying this to Stanislaus County's student population of approximately 110,000, we can estimate that around 15,400 students may have special educational needs.
The California Department of Education reported that in the 2021-2022 school year, 13.3% of students in Stanislaus County were classified as having disabilities. This translates to about 14,630 students, which is slightly higher than the national average.

Poor Physical Health / Disabled
As mentioned earlier, 12.5% of Stanislaus County residents under 65 have a disability. This translates to approximately 65,000 individuals who may face significant barriers in daily life and require additional support services.
According to the California Health Interview Survey, 21.7% of adults in Stanislaus County reported their health as fair or poor in 2021, compared to 19.7% statewide. This suggests that a significant portion of the county's population is dealing with health issues that may impact their quality of life and ability to work.

Additional Considerations
Food Insecurity
Food insecurity is a significant issue in Stanislaus County. According to Feeding America, the food insecurity rate in Stanislaus County was 10.5% in 2021, affecting approximately 58,330 people. This is higher than the California average of 9.5%.

Digital Divide
The digital divide is another factor contributing to disadvantage in Stanislaus County. According to the American Community Survey, about 15% of households in Stanislaus County lack broadband internet subscription. This digital gap can significantly impact access to education, job opportunities, and essential services.

Educational Attainment
Educational attainment in Stanislaus County lags behind state averages. Only 18.4% of adults aged 25 and older in the county have a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to 35.3% statewide. This educational gap can limit economic opportunities and contribute to ongoing cycles of disadvantage.

Child Poverty
Child poverty is a particular concern in Stanislaus County. According to the 2021 American Community Survey, 18.5% of children under 18 in the county live below the poverty line, compared to 15.6% statewide. This early-life disadvantage can have long-lasting impacts on health, education, and future economic prospects.

Transportation Access
Limited public transportation options in parts of Stanislaus County, particularly in rural areas, can exacerbate other forms of disadvantage. Lack of reliable transportation can impact access to jobs, healthcare, and other essential services.

Healthcare Access
While 92.5% of Stanislaus County residents under 65 have health insurance, access to healthcare remains a challenge for many. The county has been designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area for primary care, dental health, and mental health, indicating a lack of healthcare providers relative to the population's needs.

Climate Vulnerability
Stanislaus County, like much of California, faces increasing risks from climate change. Extreme heat events, droughts, and poor air quality disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including the elderly, those with chronic health conditions, and low-income communities that may lack resources for adaptation.

In conclusion, the challenges facing disadvantaged groups in Stanislaus County are complex and interconnected. Many individuals and communities face multiple, overlapping forms of disadvantage, from economic hardship and health issues to educational gaps and environmental risks. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive, coordinated efforts across various sectors, including government, healthcare, education, and community organizations. It's crucial to recognize that improving conditions for these disadvantaged groups not only benefits the individuals directly affected but also contributes to the overall health, well-being, and economic vitality of the entire county.