Explore the number of structures destroyed in each state by wildfire. Structures lost—rather than acres burned—provides a more complete measure of the broad impacts of wildfire.
Archives for 2020
Is rural America really doing so badly?
Nearly half of rural communities have grown so much since the 1970s they are now classified as “urban.” Those that remain are diverse, but often have more specialized economies.
Outdoor Recreation: A top driver of Wisconsin’s economy
The outdoor recreation economy contributes $7.8 billion, or 2.4% to Wisconsin’s GDP and generates more than 93,000 jobs across diverse sectors.
Outdoor Economy Conference: How to Build an Outdoor Community (slides)
Slide show: Ray Rasker’s keynote to the 2020 Outdoor Economy Conference highlights ways to build an outdoor community.
Fiscal policy is failing rural America
State and federal fiscal policies hurt rural communities by limiting how local governments can grow, diversify, and invest revenue.
Montana wildfire risk is widespread and growing
The number of western Montana homes in areas with high wildfire hazard has doubled, outpacing development rates in areas with low wildfire hazard.
How communities reduce flood risk: five midwestern case studies
Communities highlighted in this report have successfully reduced flood risk through strategic partnerships, innovative solutions, and creative funding.
Building funding strategies for flood mitigation projects
This guide provides advice for developing funding strategies for flood mitigation projects, including where to find funding and how to make an economic pitch for mitigation projects.
Community resilience in the era of megafires
Kimiko Barrett, Ph.D., demonstrates how community resilience to wildfire needs to include planning and adaptation strategies for homes and neighborhoods.
Community benefits of the Merced River Trail
The Merced River Trail in Mariposa County, California will create benefits for the economy and businesses, quality of life, and public health.
Communities threatened by wildfires, 2000-2019
From 2000-2019, nearly 2,000 U.S. communities were threatened by wildfires or potential ember spread, showing the need for adaptive planning strategies.
Census response rates in communities of color
People of color are at a high risk of being undercounted in the 2020 Census, jeopardizing federal funding, social services, and government representation.
Census response rates in Asian Communities
Asian communities are at a high risk of being undercounted in the 2020 Census, jeopardizing federal funding, social services, and government representation.
Census response rates in Black Communities
Black communities are at a high risk of being undercounted in the 2020 Census, jeopardizing federal funding, social services, and government representation.
Census response rates in Hispanic and Latino Communities
Hispanic and Latino communities are at a high risk of being undercounted in the 2020 Census, jeopardizing federal funding, social services, and government representation.
Census response rates in Native American Communities
American Indian and Alaska Native communities are at a high risk of being undercounted in the 2020 Census, jeopardizing federal funding, social services, and government representation.
Wildfire and Vulnerable Populations: Testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee
Testimony on wildfires and vulnerable populations to a forum before the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.
Welcome to Kristin Smith!
Kris Smith joined Headwaters Economics staff on May 1st. As a program manager, Kris will lead community engagement related to flood mitigation and contribute to research on public finance and fiscal policy.
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.
How affordable is housing in your county?
Find information on housing affordability by county and compare within your state. See the average share of wages spent on rent and mortgages in every U.S. county.