2023 Poverty Needs Assessment
2023 Key Findings
Park County, Wyoming
Key Findings
Based on input from community members in Park County, the following areas are top concerns for low-income individuals and families.
Housing
The availability of affordable housing is the top concern for community members in Park County. Housing is scarce and incredibly expensive. Neither homes to rent nor to buy are available or affordable. In addition, cottages have been converted for Airbnb or Vrbo, reducing supply even further. The housing crisis is causing many to stay in shelters and motels/hotels for extended periods (6-12 months or more) because there is nowhere else for them to go.
Employment Barriers, Particularly Low Wages and Childcare
When asked about the leading cause of poverty in Park County, the most common answer was low wages. Many also need childcare, especially for younger children. Numerous daycares statewide and locally have closed recently, preventing people from going to work. Daycare options outside of typical business hours are scarce, if nonexistent, meaning some parents cannot take jobs requiring shifts in the evenings, overnight, and on weekends (e.g., retail, hospitality, healthcare). Participants discussed the need for additional employees in various sectors. Still, barriers to gainful employment, such as lack of housing, low pay, childcare, and transportation, prevent people from filling those positions.
Transportation and Long Distances to Services
Owning a car, maintaining it, paying for needed repairs, and paying for gas can be extremely taxing on a family budget. In addition, living in a frontier county, people need transportation to get to the required services. Particularly for those in smaller towns like Meeteetse, transportation is critical.
Services for Senior Citizens
In Park County, there is a need for affordable, in-home care for the elderly to help with household chores, medication management, and hygiene routines. Organizations that serve older adults are severely understaffed. Transportation, housing, medical care, food security, cost of utilities, and prescriptions are all concerns for seniors, especially when many have fixed incomes.
Medical Care, Including Mental Health Services
While participants thought the Park County healthcare system was an asset to the community, the cost of healthcare was prohibitive. Receiving medical care (including dental work) was the second most challenging thing for survey respondents; 54% said this was difficult for them sometimes or most of the time. The two most common barriers to good health were the cost of medical care (38%) and the cost of nutritious food (36%). While local providers can address basic healthcare needs, residents must travel for specialty care. Many travel to Billings, MT (over 90 minutes one way). This requires access to transportation and time off work. The mental healthcare system in Park County was also a significant concern for participants. Qualified mental health providers are scarce, and most service providers have long waitlists. Additional hurdles to accessing mental health care include a lack of transportation to and from appointments, care costs, insurance coverage that will help pay for services, and social stigma.
Cost of Living and Inflation
Community members expressed concern over the cost of living and inflation. The cost of gas, groceries, rent, energy, and essential goods have all increased dramatically this year. Low-income populations are particularly affected by inflation, resulting in people choosing which essential services they purchase (cutting back on medication to pay for food, for instance).
Hot Springs County, Wyoming
Key Findings
Based on input from community members in Hot Springs County, the following areas are top concerns for low-income individuals and families.
Employment
Hot Springs County is struggling with recruiting and maintaining a qualified workforce. Job seekers have numerous barriers to employment, including housing, childcare, low wages, transportation, and training/education.
Housing
The availability of affordable housing is a top concern for community members in Hot Springs County. Housing is scarce and incredibly expensive. Neither homes to rent nor to buy are available or affordable. Cottages have been converted for Airbnb or Vrbo, reducing supply even further. The community offers very few low-income options.
Medical Care
While participants thought the Hot Springs County healthcare system was an asset to the community, healthcare costs are prohibitive. Receiving medical care (including dental work) was the most challenging for survey respondents; 76% said this was difficult for them sometimes or most of the time. The two most common barriers to good health were the cost of medical care (32%) and the cost of nutritious food (30%). Respondents felt medical care and health insurance were the community’s first and second most needed resources.
Qualitative Data and Analysis
Included is an analysis of information collected from low-income individuals and key sectors (community-based, faith-based, private sector organizations, public sector, and educational institutions) through focus groups and interviews.
Park County Community Input Report December 2022
Hot Springs County Community Input Report December 2022
Quantitative Data Collection
Community-Needs-Assessment-Quick-Facts-2023
Community Needs Assessment Full Qualitative Data Report 2023