Marginal Community in Panther County Demands Action: Citrus Bends Socioeconomic Plight

Abstract

In Panther County there is one community which stands out as being the most in need, Citrus Bend. It lacks any resources or recreation centers and has the highest crime rate in the county as well as the country. Although it is the smallest city in population at about 9,000 residents, 34% of that population is unemployed. Meaning that there are 3,060 people without work while the remaining population has an average income of $19,000 dollars. This is a marginalized area that is in need of services across departments, though the most clear needs are in employment, crime, juvenile crime, and education. My role in my group is that of Director, P.C. Women and Children’s Shelter. Where I feel somewhat lost is, what are the gender and age demographics of Citrus Bend? While it can be inferred by lack of resources and unemployment that there could be the need for at least a homeless shelter, there are other questions. What types of crime are the most frequent? If Citrus Bend has a low percentage of minors and low percentage of domestic violence cases, my role may not be as needed as other members of my group. By viewing such data in the county, it may also show that the more affluent areas may be in need of other services as well. A city may have low unemployment and low crime rate by average, but be found to have the highest rate of domestic violence in the county.