The Civic Information Index focuses efforts to revitalize local news on the core purpose of journalism: “to provide citizens with the information they need to be free and self-governing," Kovach & Rosenstiel, The Elements of Journalism.
Centering on this notion — that the core purpose of news media is to strengthen civic health — the Index combines 21 publicly available, county-level datasets to assess the strength of a community’s civic health. It combines data on elements of civic health such as volunteer rates, library visits, housing insecurity and medical debt, enabling media entrepreneurs and information providers to engage and collaborate with their audiences and communities through a renewed emphasis on the outcomes journalists and other civic health actors hope to achieve.
Bulloch County's civic health lags behind neighbors in Bryan and Effingham Counties but soars above Evans, Candler and Screven, as revealed by the comprehensive Civic Information Index. This index meticulously measures the civic well-being of every county nationwide, pinpointing both areas of strength and those requiring attention.
Bulloch County's overall score in this crucial assessment fell short compared to surrounding counties, underscoring a pressing need to continue a focus on revitalizing community engagement and advance equity-building initiatives.
In connecting the dots among the diverse factors that drive civic health, the Civic Information Index highlights how journalism and information ecosystems are a critical part of the civic infrastructure serving people and communities.
The Civic Information Index provides a detailed assessment of civic health across U.S. counties, evaluating them based on four key pillars:
- News and Information: Assesses access to local news sources and information dissemination.
- Civic Participation: Measures engagement in activities like voting, volunteering, and community involvement.
- Equity and Justice: Evaluates fairness and inclusivity in community resources and opportunities.
- Health and Opportunity: Looks at access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
Each county receives a percentile score in these areas, indicating how it compares to others nationwide. An overall index score is then calculated to provide a holistic view of the county's civic health.
Bulloch County’s Civic Health at a Glance
- Overall Index Score (25th Percentile)
Bulloch County falls in the bottom 25% nationwide, with its overall performance trailing behind nearby counties. This indicates that despite strengths in certain areas, the county’s civic ecosystem is struggling to keep pace with its neighbors. - News and Information (64th Percentile)
Access to local news is a bright spot for Bulloch County. Residents have relatively good access to information about community events and issues due in part to Grice Connect's focus on filling local news gaps and in rebuilding the social capital of our community. This resource can be leveraged to improve other areas, such as participation and equity. - Civic Participation (10th Percentile)
Civic participation is one of Bulloch County’s weakest areas, falling in the 10th percentile. This suggests a significant gap in voter engagement, volunteering, and community involvement compared to surrounding counties. Encouraging more residents to take an active role in local organizations and decision-making processes is key to improvement. - Equity and Justice (20th Percentile)
Bulloch County’s low score in equity and justice highlights systemic challenges in fairness and access to resources. Addressing these disparities is essential to creating a more inclusive community. - Health and Opportunity (41st Percentile)
Bulloch County ranks in the 41st percentile for health and opportunity. While better than some other pillars, this score still leaves room for growth, especially in areas like access to healthcare, affordable housing, and job training programs.
Comparison with Surrounding Counties
When compared to neighboring counties, Bulloch County falls behind in several key indicators of civic health, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for community leaders and organizations to work collaboratively to address the root causes of these disparities.
The Civic Information Index shows that, while Bulloch performs relatively well in News and Information (64th percentile), its low scores in Civic Participation (10th), Equity and Justice (20th), and Health and Opportunity (41st) highlight systemic issues that hinder broader community engagement and access.
By examining the strategies that higher-performing nearby counties have implemented, Bulloch can begin to adopt best practices that strengthen civic life and promote equity across the county.
Opportunities for Change
The index provides recommendations for improvement including:
- Increase Civic Participation: Create programs and outreach initiatives that encourage residents to get involved in community activities and local governance.
- Address Equity Issues: Focus on closing resource gaps and ensuring fairness in housing, education, and access to justice.
- Expand Health and Opportunity: Partner with healthcare providers and local organizations to increase access to essential services.
The Civic Information Index offers a clear picture of the challenges facing Bulloch County, especially when compared to surrounding areas. With targeted efforts and community-driven solutions, there’s an opportunity to strengthen civic health, promote equity, and build a more engaged and empowered community.
