Are often the critical variables when it comes to support for children and families. In a new report drawn from 2010 Arizona Health Survey (AHS) data, Young Children of South Phoenix, researchers noted some of the differences between the predominately Hispanic population (62.3%) in a 12-zip code area of South Phoenix and the rest of Maricopa County, Arizona and the U.S.

Interestingly, when compared to the most vulnerable census tracts in the U.S., the South Phoenix population relies less on public assistance (9.6% compared to 25.5% U.S.) and has a lower rate of single parents (32.5% compared to 53.1% U.S.) However, compared to the rest of Maricopa County, South Phoenix has a significantly greater proportion of people over 25 with less than a high school education (43.5% compared to 15% Maricopa) and poor families with children (23.1% compared to 10.8% Maricopa). It stands to reason that fewer economic and educational resources make it more difficult to provide a nurturing climate for children and families.

The South Phoenix report was made possible by oversampling – including in-person interviews – supported by First Things First, Arizona’s early childhood development and health agency. Visit the AHS website for more reports and information gleaned from the state’s largest and most comprehensive health survey.