Rebecca Ryan, an economic development consultant brought to Stark County by the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, uses social capital, defined as diversity and overall social inclusiveness of an area, as one of seven indices to evaluate a community. Her study, released to the public in 2006, rated Stark County as slightly below the national average in the social capital index. Ryan recommended working to encourage social inclusiveness.
Stark County’s population is made up of individuals of different race, economic status, sexual orientation, religious affiliation and disability. The separation of the racial populations is apparent and is reflected in Census data. Slightly more than 90 percent of Stark County’s population is white. African-Americans/blacks make up a little more than seven percent of the population. Latinos, one of the fastest growing segments of Stark County’s population, represent between one and two percent of the population. Most of the non-white populations of Stark County live in inner city neighborhoods in Alliance, Canton and Massillon.
Although the separation of individuals based on characteristics other than race is not as apparent, the interaction between these individuals is limited. Provincial attitudes perceived physical separation and artificial barriers makes interaction and inclusion difficult. While there is an increasing attention to diversity, there has not been a measurable difference.
US Census Bureau - American Factfinder
US Census Bureau - Population Estimates
Attracting and Retaining Talent to Canton/Stark County: Executive Summary |
