Housing in recreation-dependent counties is less affordable
Recreation dependence, population growth from new residents, and income inequality are strongly associated with less affordable housing in non-metro counties.
A note from our Director regarding COVID-19
Explore COVID-19 unemployment by county
As U.S. jobless claims reach historic levels from the coronavirus pandemic, find the latest county-level unemployment numbers.
The health and fiscal vulnerability of rural recreation counties
Where rural recreation counties rely on public funding for health care, fiscal solutions should diversify the ways local governments can save and spend.
People are hungry: Food insecurity in America
For millions of Americans experiencing food insecurity with low incomes, low food access, and no car, putting healthy food on the table is a logistical nightmare.
Seniors in counties without hospitals are at the greatest risk
Nearly one in five U.S. counties has a higher-than-average share of seniors and no hospital beds.
Preparing for wildfires during a pandemic
Managing wildfires during a pandemic will test the capacity of our first responders, but individual homeowners can take steps now to reduce wildfire risks.
Wildfire Risk to Communities: A tool to understand, explore, and reduce risk
The new Wildfire Risk to Communities website—developed by the USDA Forest Service in partnership with Headwaters Economics and Pyrologix—offers maps and data about community wildfire risk nationwide.
The Changing Geography of U.S. Electricity Generation
Most U.S. states are adding electricity generation capacity faster than capacity is being retired. Renewable energy adds the most capacity in 18 states.
The Evolution of U.S. Electricity Generation Capacity
The capacity to generate electricity has transitioned from coal to natural gas to renewable energy, a trend projected to continue.
Headwaters Economics
An independent, nonprofit research group that works to improve community development and land management decisions.
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Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire
Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire (CPAW) works with communities to reduce wildfire risk through improved land use planning. The program is a partnership of Headwaters Economics, Wildfire Planning International, and the USDA Forest Service.