Spatial Analysis of the Characteristics of Poverty in Alachua County Chris Graziano Nick Lehman Dani Cano History of Poverty in Alachua County Home to the oldest, largest, and the most comprehensive University in Florida, Alachua County counts 24% of its population below poverty level. A number of task forces, neighborhood coalitions,and community initiatives are in place for immediate intervention and implementation of antipoverty programs. They are supported by the ten local governments and by multiple private and History of Poverty in Alachua County cont. non governmental local agencies. In addition, important contributions to poverty reduction can also be made by improvements in on going, long range policy and strategy design, implemented by a number of mandated programs and requirements, in the areas of planning, housing, economic development, social services, environmental justice, public health, infrastructure, sustainable development, etc. Objectives To accomplish the main objective of this project required the use of GIS software to spatially diagram the aspects of poverty around the county. Using mapping software available in ArcMap we could map factors that may lead to increased vulnerability or poverty. We could also analyze the ethnic make-up of poverty in Alachua County, and study this relationship in terms of education levels.In addition, the differences between urban poverty and rural poverty. Finally, we determined the locations of substandard housing and how they contribute to the density of poverty. Poverty in Alachua County Support anti-poverty goals of Alachua County by synthesizing data to locate poverty stricken areas and discover what factors are involved that create these conditions Poverty in Alachua County There are many factors to be considered in analyzing poverty in Alachua County. We have used the following indicators in our study. Socio-Demographic Economic Vulnerability Methods GIS Software ArcMap ArcCatalog Census Data Defined Poverty Levels Analyzed Census Tract data for spatial representation Analyzed Education attainment data with regards to race and age. Methods cont. Public Services and Infrastructure Determine locations of: Fire & Rescue Hospitals Schools Water Treatment Facilities Solid Waste Disposal Facilities Hazardous Waste Facilities Major Roads Economic Indicators of Poverty in Alachua County Using census data we combined income, public assistance, and housing conditions to analyze poverty in Alachua county. Socio-Demographic Indicators of Poverty in Alachua County We have spatially defined socio- demographics by interpreting education attainment, race, and age. Vulnerability Location of public services and infrastructure in relation to the census block and major roads. Vulnerability Location of public services and infrastructure within the city of Gainesville. Conclusion In conclusion we determine that although proximity to public services and infrastructure, most exemplified in rural or exurban areas, can affect the economic viability of an individual, the most important factor that contributes to continued poverty is the lack of adequate educations.