Community Data Dashboard

East Lake Foundation serves the East Lake neighborhood of Atlanta, GA

The East Lake Foundation is dedicated to supporting the East Lake community by partnering with residents, community organizations and education centers to provide resources and tools that help children, and their families, thrive. As a catalyst for what is now a national movement, the East Lake Foundation shares lessons learned and innovative approaches to neighborhood-based work, in partnership with Purpose Built Communities. The comprehensive, resident-centered, neighborhood-focused model that brings together quality mixed-income housing, cradle-to-college and career education, community wellness, and economic vitality inspires neighborhoods across the United States.

This dashboard shares population data that illustrates the changes of the community over time and provides survey data about how residents feel about their neighborhood and the amenities it provides. Through the Outcomes Pilot led by Purpose Built Communities and the Flourishing Neighborhood Index, the dashboard offers quantitative and qualitative information about the community. The data helps the East Lake Foundation, its community partners, and residents understand progress and is used to make informed decisions about future supports and strategies.

Note: Currently, some metrics are not priority metrics for the East Lake Foundation but are national metrics monitored by Purpose Built Communities.

In 2024, East Lake residents engaged in the Flourishing Neighborhoods Index process to understand how neighbors experience the East Lake neighborhood.

CHECK OUT EAST LAKE’S FNI DASHBOARD

East Lake | How do we estimate neighborhood indicators?

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HOUSING STABILITY

The East Lake Foundation supports safe, high-quality mixed-income housing serving residents at all income levels, with a high percentage designated to preserve affordability in the neighborhood for longtime residents.

The dashboard looks at multiple measures to understand housing stability, which tells us that a neighborhood is a place where people feel invested. Stable housing is also foundational for health, education and economic prosperity.

Housing in the historic East Lake neighborhood includes a mix of apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes occupied by both legacy and new residents. An array of housing options allows families of all income levels to remain stably housed, encourages relationships across economic difference, and helps all residents thrive.

The East Lake Foundation serves all residents while providing focused support to residents of The Villages of East Lake, a 650-unit mixed-income apartment community in the heart of the neighborhood.

HIGH POINT

61%

of residents agree that they have the ability to secure a home loan

LOW POINT

33%

agree that East Lake has an adequate supply of affordable housing

Data Source: This data is collected through the Flourishing Neighborhoods Index (FNI) by East Lake Foundation. The FNI is a tool designed to assess the overall well-being of neighborhoods by focusing on aspects such as safety, health, education, and economic stability. 169 residents of the East Lake neighborhood were surveyed. View more data and methodology here.

East Lake | Atlanta, GA

Community longevity

Share of households (renters and owners) who have lived at current address for eight or more years

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Community longevity

This variable estimates the proportion of households (renters and owners) that have lived at their current address for eight or more years. This estimate is derived from the American Community Survey (ACS), which tracks the tenure of householders. While the ACS collects data on length of residence annually, comparing this data across years is challenging due to how the Census Bureau reports it in time ranges. As a result, we present estimates for 2012 and 2022 to show the share of long-term residents. This metric provides insight into the housing stability and resident retention in a community, reflecting neighborhood cohesion and potential economic stability.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

Homeownership rate

Share of households who own their current residence

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Homeownership rate

This variable estimates the share of households that own their current residence versus those that rent. Housing units acquired with a mortgage or other lending arrangements are classified as "owned," even if repayment is not yet complete. This data helps to understand homeownership rates and housing stability within a community.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

School mobility

Share of students who change schools during the school year

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School mobility

This variable estimates the share of students in a school that change schools during the school year. This includes moves both in and out of the school. High rates of school mobility can be linked to housing instability, as families frequently relocate due to changes in housing availability, affordability, or employment circumstances. This disrupts not only the educational continuity for students but also signals potential instability in the broader community’s housing situation.

Source: State Education Agencies

ECONOMIC VITALITY

Thriving communities need economically healthy residents. The East Lake Foundation helps residents tap into employment, business ownership, and other opportunities to unlock their full economic potential.

The dashboard looks at the poverty rate and the proportion of cost-burdened households to understand how many residents are able to pay for other expenses. Together, these data points are important for understanding the vulnerabilities and financial stress within our community.

Income levels in East Lake are varied, with the proportion of low-income households shrinking over time due to the continued development of the community.

HIGH POINT

91%

have not had to make use of predatory loans

LOW POINT

37%

have the ability to spend money on non-essential purchases

East Lake | Atlanta, GA

Cost-burdened households (30%+ on housing costs)

Share of households that spend >30% of household income on housing costs

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Cost-burdened households (30%+ on housing costs)

This variable estimates the share of households that pay 30% or more of their household income on housing-related costs, such as rent or mortgage and utilities. It indicates the financial burden of housing costs on households and helps identify those at risk of housing instability. When housing costs consume a large portion of income, households may struggle to afford other essential expenses like food, healthcare, and transportation, limiting their overall financial flexibility.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

Residents below 200% FPL

Share of residents living below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line

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Residents below 200% FPL

This variable estimates the share of residents living below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL). It considers total family income, family size, number of children, and the age of the householder (under/over age 65). By expanding the threshold to 200% of the FPL, this metric provides a broader view of economic hardship, capturing low-income residents who may not fall under the official poverty line but still face significant challenges in meeting basic needs. These individuals often struggle to afford essential expenses like housing, healthcare, and food, which can impact their overall financial stability and well-being.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

EMPLOYMENT

The East Lake Foundation supports employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for residents as part of a larger commitment to economic vitality.

The dashboard looks at employment rates to understand community prosperity and upward mobility. Research evidence from Opportunity Insights shows that growing up in a community where neighbors are working is a significant predictor of future upward mobility. 

East Lake has high levels of adult employment, with most commuting out of the community or working remotely rather than working in the neighborhood.

HIGH POINT

71%

enjoy or find purpose in their current work

LOW POINT

33%

agree there is access to good job opportunities in East Lake

East Lake | Atlanta, GA

Employment rate

Share of residents 16 and older in the labor force who are currently employed

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Employment rate

This variable estimates the proportion of adults actively participating in the labor force who are currently employed. This variable is based on the universe of individuals aged 16 and over, excluding those not actively seeking work (e.g., retirees, students, or those discouraged from job hunting). The data is sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS), which defines the labor force as people either working or actively seeking employment. By calculating the share of those employed among this group, the employment rate provides a snapshot of labor market engagement and economic activity within a community. This variable is essential for understanding local job availability and workforce utilization over time.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

Median earnings

Median earnings (dollars) for full-time, year-round workers

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Median earnings

This variable estimates the typical earnings of adults working full-time, year-round, reflecting the midpoint of income distribution among such workers. Specifically, it represents the median earnings—the value at which half of workers earn more and half earn less—based on the universe of individuals aged 16 and over who meet the criteria for full-time employment (working 35 or more hours per week) throughout the year. The data is sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS), specifically Census Table S2001, and provides insight into economic well-being and income disparities within a community. By focusing on full-time, year-round workers, this variable offers a consistent measure of earnings that supports comparisons across different populations and regions over time.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

EDUCATION

The East Lake Foundation supports a cradle-to-college and career continuum providing high-quality education at every level, from birth through college and beyond.

To understand access to high-quality educational pathways, the dashboard looks at data about enrollment in pre-kindergarten programs and third-grade reading. Education, beginning at birth, is vital for healthy child development. High-quality, community-serving schools foster children’s development and prepare them for life. 

East Lake is well known for its high-quality educational resources. Early learning partners East Lake Early Learning Academy, Sheltering Arms East Lake, and Cox Pre-K are the entry point to East Lake’s education continuum, feeding into Charles R. Drew Charter School, a Kindergarten through 12th grade charter school serving more than 1,900 students.  Drew’s Project-Based Learning approach centers around a Science Technology Engineering Art and Math (STEAM) curriculum, with programs boosting the excellence of education received and long-term student success and well-being.

HIGH POINT

95%

agree that the community places value in education

LOW POINT

58%

agree that youth have access to a trusted adult

East Lake | Atlanta, GA

Pre-K enrollment

Share of 3 and 4 year olds enrolled in public or private school

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Pre-K enrollment

This variable estimates the share of children enrolled in Pre-K programs, which are designed to prepare young learners for the academic and social demands of kindergarten and beyond. Pre-K enrollment is widely recognized as a foundational step in a child’s educational journey, providing critical opportunities for cognitive, social, and emotional development. Research shows that children who attend high-quality Pre-K programs are more likely to perform well academically in later grades, graduate from high school, and achieve higher earning potential as adults. Early investment in Pre-K education helps close learning gaps, fostering long-term academic success and economic resilience.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

Third grade reading

Share of students meeting third grade reading standard

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Third grade reading

This variable estimates the share of third graders that are grade level proficient by the end of the school year on their end of year reading exams. Third-grade reading proficiency is widely recognized as a critical milestone for later academic success. Research shows that students who do not meet this benchmark are more likely to struggle in later grades, have lower high school graduation rates, and face challenges in career readiness. Proficiency in reading by third grade is essential for developing skills that impact future learning, which also affects their long-term ability to succeed economically and handle essential expenses as adults.

Source: State Education Agencies

WELL-BEING

The East Lake Foundation promotes community wellness and well-being by helping to provide the conditions residents need to thrive. These conditions include, but are not limited to, a sense of connection and belonging, access to green space, increased safety, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

Health and well-being are essential to a thriving community. Thriving neighborhoods support wellness through access to medical care, mental health support, healthy food, community spaces, arts, culture, and green areas.

The East Lake community is famous for its connection to golf. The home of East Lake Golf Club, Charlie Yates Golf Course, and First Tee – Metro Atlanta, as well as Drew Charter School with its focus on integrating golf into the curriculum, much of the community’s most well-known wellness opportunities center around golf and associated activities.

While East Lake was once a food desert without accessible gym space, today it is home to a Publix and the East Lake Family YMCA, the second-largest YMCA in Metro Atlanta by membership.

A note about this data: The CDC PLACES estimates are based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and American Community Survey (ACS), combined with census population data. These estimates are calculated using a method that combines real data from similar areas to provide insights at the neighborhood level. While the estimates are reliable, they may not directly reflect responses from residents in a specific neighborhood.

East Lake | Atlanta, GA

Estimated rate of diabetes

Estimated share of adults with diabetes

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Estimated rate of diabetes

This variable estimates the percentage of adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with diabetes. According to the CDC, 8.5% of U.S. adults had diabetes in 2021. This condition disproportionately affects certain age, racial, and ethnic groups and is closely tied to the rising prevalence of obesity. Managing diabetes through regular monitoring of blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipids, along with healthy eating and physical activity, can help prevent long-term complications like eye, foot, and kidney problems.<br><br> The CDC PLACES estimates are based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and American Community Survey (ACS), combined with census population data. These estimates are calculated using a method that combines real data from similar areas to provide insights at the neighborhood level. While the estimates are reliable, they may not directly reflect responses from residents in a specific neighborhood.

Source: Center for Disease Control PLACES

Estimated rate of hypertension

Estimated share of adults with hypertension

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Estimated rate of hypertension

This variable measures the percentage of adults with blood pressure ≥130/≥80 mmHg. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 2 U.S. adults (47.3%) have hypertension. High blood pressure significantly raises the risk of stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure, and it costs the U.S. healthcare system over $52 billion annually. Managing hypertension through lifestyle changes and medical treatment can help prevent these serious health complications.<br><br> The CDC PLACES estimates are based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and American Community Survey (ACS), combined with census population data. These estimates are calculated using a method that combines real data from similar areas to provide insights at the neighborhood level. While the estimates are reliable, they may not directly reflect responses from residents in a specific neighborhood.

Source: Center for Disease Control PLACES

Estimated rate of asthma

Estimated share of adults with asthma

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Estimated rate of asthma

This variable measures the percentage of adults currently diagnosed with asthma. According to the CDC, the rate has increased over time, rising from 6.9% in 2001 to 8.4% in 2020. The prevalence is highest among adults living below the poverty threshold (13.1%), and asthma often leads to additional health and economic challenges. Adults with asthma are more likely to report depression, unemployment, and physical limitations, emphasizing the need for ongoing medical management to improve quality of life and reduce the broader impact on daily functioning.<br><br> The CDC PLACES estimates are based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and American Community Survey (ACS), combined with census population data. These estimates are calculated using a method that combines real data from similar areas to provide insights at the neighborhood level. While the estimates are reliable, they may not directly reflect responses from residents in a specific neighborhood.

Source: Center for Disease Control PLACES

Estimated self-reported mental health

Estimated share of adults who reported having 16 or more days in the past 30 days where their mental health was good

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Estimated self-reported mental health

Mental health status measures the percentage of adults who reported having 16 or more days of good mental health in the past 30 days. According to the CDC, self-reported health status is a reliable indicator of overall well-being and predicts important outcomes like mortality and functional status. Substantial differences exist in mental health based on factors such as age, race, education, and income. Monitoring self-reported mental health helps guide interventions and track progress at both individual and population levels.<br><br> The CDC PLACES estimates are based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and American Community Survey (ACS), combined with census population data. These estimates are calculated using a method that combines real data from similar areas to provide insights at the neighborhood level. While the estimates are reliable, they may not directly reflect responses from residents in a specific neighborhood.

Source: Center for Disease Control PLACES

HEALTHCARE ACCESS

As part of its commitment to community wellness, the East Lake Foundation supports healthcare access through the East Lake Healthy Connections program, which ensures all eligible East Lake families have access to health insurance and effectively use primary and preventive medical care.

The dashboard reviews routine doctor’s visits and health insurance coverage to assess residents’ access to and use of medical care to help understand how they monitor and maintain wellness.

HIGH POINT

14%

agree that business and industry has a negative impact on health in East Lake

LOW POINT

66%

have had to rely on emergency room access instead of other healthcare options

East Lake | Atlanta, GA

Health insurance coverage

Share of adults with health insurance (public and private)

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Health insurance coverage

This variable estimates the share of residents who had any public or private health insurance coverage. It helps to understand the extent of health coverage within a community, which is important for assessing access to healthcare services.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

Private health insurance

Share of adults with private health insurance

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Private health insurance

This variable estimates the share of residents who had any private health insurance coverage. It helps to understand the extent of health coverage within a community, which is important for assessing access to healthcare services.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

Public health insurance

Share of adults with public health insurance

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Public health insurance

This variable estimates the share of residents who had any public health insurance coverage. It helps to understand the extent of health coverage within a community, which is important for assessing access to healthcare services.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

Routine visit to doctor

Share of adults who visited the doctor for routine checkup within the past year

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Routine visit to doctor

Regular checkups refer to regular medical visits that help monitor and maintain overall health, and includes receiving recommended vaccinations, screenings, and blood tests in addition to checking blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol with the purpose of maintaining wellness. According to the CDC, obtaining regular checkups can reduce morbidity and premature mortality from chronic conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and diabetes). They also help prevent complications and reduce the need for emergency room visits. These preventive measures improve long-term health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by addressing potential problems before they become urgent.

Source: Center for Disease Control PLACES