Publication
The 2022 State of Ohio Families: Challenges and Promises
Authors
Jacqueline Kirby Wilkins, Associate Dean and Director, Ohio State University Extension
James S. Bates, Associate Professor and Field Specialist in Family Wellness, OSU Extension
Michael R. Betz, Assistant Professor, Department of Human Sciences, College of Education and Human Ecology, and Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) State Specialist, OSU Extension
David J. Civittolo, Associate Professor and Interim Assistant Director of Community Development, OSU Extension
Julie Fox, Associate Professor and Director of Strategic Initiatives and Urban Engagement, OSU Extension
Lauren E. Jones, Associate Professor, Department of Human Sciences, College of Education and Human Ecology
Erik J. Porfeli, Chair and Professor, Department of Human Sciences, College of Education and Human Ecology
Patrice K. Powers-Barker, Educator, FCS, OSU Extension
Heather L. Reister, Educator, FCS, OSU Extension
Daniel T. Remley, Associate Professor, Food Innovation Center, and Field Specialist in Food, Nutrition, and Wellness, OSU Extension
Andrew Wapner, Director, Center for Public Health Practice, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Public Health, College of Public Health
Quick Take
Nearly 4.8 million families live in Ohio, making up a fraction of the 80 million that reside across the nation. As these households continue to evolve in response to political, social, and economic changes, understanding their health and well-being remains a vital area of research.
Ohio State University Extension professionals and other partners recently produced a review that serves as a snapshot of Ohio families in 2022. To do this, they analyzed a variety of national, state, and local databases as well as consulted experts who study families at The Ohio State University. Their review summarizes current demographic data for Ohio, describes challenges facing families across the state, and outlines promising programs and policies that may benefit them.
Review Findings
The review found that Ohio families face many challenges related to educational attainment; workforce development and unemployment; early care and learning; aging and grandparenthood; the food system; homeownership, housing, and homelessness; substance abuse and mental health; and health disparities. Despite these hurdles, the review authors outline how Ohio has made improvements in many of these areas thanks to partnerships, prevention education and early intervention, research, and innovative community programs and policies.
Demographics
In terms of demographics, the review noted that Ohio’s population has been slowly increasing. While household income in Ohio remains below the national median, it increased from $45,151 in 2010 to $58,116 in 2020. The poverty rate decreased from 24% in 2011 to 19% in 2020, but child poverty rates remain high in certain Ohio counties. Since 2015, marriage and divorce rates in the state have declined.
To explore more demographic data for Ohio, check out the Knowledge Exchange’s Community Profiles tool.
Workforce Development
Although data suggests that the state’s economy is strong, there are racial disparities in employment gains in Ohio. The landscape for available jobs is also shifting.
To meet the needs of growing industries like healthcare and construction, and to sustain economic growth, the authors note that more qualified high school and college graduates are being encouraged to enter these sectors. Resources like the Innovative Workforce Incentive Program and Ohio TechNet offer workplace development support.
Childcare
The childcare industry is also struggling in Ohio. Staffing vacancies leftover from COVID-19 are impacting capacity. And childcare costs are increasing faster than other facets of families’ budgets, causing some parents to choose between dropping out of the workforce to stay home with their children or spending more of their budget on childcare.
OSU Extension offers a pathway to certification and higher education through Child Development Associate credentialing. Ohio’s governor also signed a bill that provided emergency relief grants and “Hero Pay” to childcare workers.
Health
Ohio ranks 46th in measures of public health and healthcare spending compared with other states. The state also faces disparities in health outcomes between races, ethnicities, and geographic areas. These differences are especially pronounced for Black families in Ohio.
To help with nutrition and food issues, the Healthy Food for Ohio program supports development of grocery stores in underserved parts of the state. And Ohio State’s Initiative for Food and AgriCultural Transformation is working with the Council for Development Finance Agencies to revamp Ohio’s food system infrastructure.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Mental health disorders are also a problem in Ohio. An estimated 7% of Ohio’s population (41,000 people) need mental health services but do not have access to them. Suicide rates in the state also increased by 64% from 2000 to 2018, a rate that outpaced the rest of the nation. These rates were much higher in rural areas than in urban areas, suggesting gaps in access to treatment.
Initiatives to combat mental health and substance abuse issues have been implemented with programs like Take Charge Ohio, Generation Rx, and Project Dawn.
Citation
Wilkins, J.K., Bates, J.S., Betz, M.R., Civittolo, D.J., Fox, J., Jones, L.E., Porfeli, E.J., Powers-Barker, P.K., Remley, D.T., Wapner, A. “The 2022 State of Ohio Families: Challenges and Promises.” Marriage and Family Review, February 2023. Volume 59, Issue 1. 6-35, https://doi.org/10.1080/01494929.2022.2125480