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�t <br /> Gifford Neighborhood Plan 2014 <br /> N <br /> ti <br /> Young Age <br /> One factor contributing to Gifford's lower income levels is the relatively young overall age of Gifford residents. Overall, the median <br /> age of Gifford residents is 33.1 years old, while the median age County-wide is 49.1. Because younger workers generally earn less <br /> than older workers, Gifford's workers are less likely to be in the higher earnings age range compared to the County as a whole. <br /> Gifford's younger age can be an advantage, since younger workers are generally more flexible and more trainable then older <br /> workers. <br /> Low Educational Attainment <br /> Another issue affecting unemployment and income is the relatively low overall educational attainment of Gifford residents. In <br /> Gifford in 2010, the percentage of residents 25 years old or older who had graduated high school was 31%, while that percentage <br /> was 86.3% for the County as a whole. Because, most higher earning non-service related jobs require a high school diploma, an <br /> increase in Gifford's high school graduation rate should be a primary focus. Generally, incomes are higher and unemployment is <br /> lower for high school graduates compared to non-graduates. <br /> Overall Economy <br /> Another issue related to low incomes and high unemployment involves the County-wide economy. Historically, the County-wide <br /> economy has had an over-reliance on retail and service sector jobs. An over-reliance on those kinds of jobs can be a problem <br /> because retail and service sector jobs tend to be lower paying. Increasing the number of higher paying jobs within the County will <br /> help Gifford. Therefore, County economic development initiatives passed by the County should increase opportunities for Gifford <br /> residents. <br /> Small Business Start-up <br /> A relative lack of successful small businesses and enabled entrepreneurs in Gifford is also cited as a reason for high unemployment. <br /> Part of that problem is the difficulty of obtaining "start-up" funding for business projects, especially without adequate business plans <br /> and equity. <br /> Transportation <br /> Despite being relatively close to several major employers, a lack of transportation to and from work is often cited as a serious <br /> problem in Gifford. Given the lower overall income levels in Gifford and the high costs associated with automobile ownership, that <br /> result is somewhat expected. Even when work is located relatively close to Gifford residents, work sites are usually not within <br /> walking distance. The County's public transportation system, however, provides some home/work transportation relief for jobs <br /> located in the eastern portion of the County. Until recently, the public transit system's time of service did not correspond with many <br /> employment start and end times. Recently however, the transit system extended hours to range from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on most routes. <br /> Community Development Indian River County 52 <br />