Quality of Life
This compilation of data related to quality of life in metropolitan Phoenix has been completed as part of the development of Arizona State University's ongoing indicators project. A number of the items taken on by Morrison Institute are similar to those reported in the What Matters series of quality of life reports. Primary data have been gathered in some instances, while widely used and accepted secondary sources have been used for others. Some indicators have been added that were not on the original list of deliverables to ensure a well-rounded picture of various topics.
The definition of "metropolitan Phoenix" can sometimes be a challenge to understand and can differ from issue to issue. Because the U.S. Census Bureau includes Pinal County in its description of the "metropolitan statistical area" and information for many indicators cannot be supplied for "metropolitan Phoenix", data for Maricopa and Pinal Counties have been provided when appropriate and possible. For a number of areas, information is only available at the state level. Because metropolitan Phoenix is the biggest component of Arizona's population, economy, wealth, and other characteristics, state statistics provide a good sense of the status of the metropolitan area.
This compilation includes selected measures for:
- Public Libraries
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Personal giving
- Volunteering
- Voting
- Poverty and Income Distribution
- Arts and Culture
Emphasis is on measures and sources that can be replicated and analyzed over time. Even if the current organizations do not have a plan to maintain the data, there is sufficient material and detail to replicate it with support from other sources.
