New York is a large and multi-dimensional state. The state boasts a population of more than 19 million people and more than 8 million household units across rural, suburban and metropolitan areas. New York is home to one of the largest, busiest, and most diverse metropolitan areas in the world (New York City), the largest natural conservation park in the country (Adirondack Park), and an international border with Canada. From New England to the East, to Ohio and the Great Lakes to the West, to the Mid-Atlantic to the South, New York sits at the crossroads of several important regions of the country.

In addition to its unique geographic characteristics, New York is home to a vibrant and diverse population. About one in five New Yorkers are foreign-born, 15.9% are Black or African American, 17.6% are Hispanic of any race, and 28.5% over the age of five speak a language other than English at home.

Of New York residents 25 and over, 84.2% have graduated from high school and 31.8% have obtained a four-year college degree.(1) An estimated 61.4% of New Yorkers aged 16 and older are in the labor force.*

Many state residents experience poverty. According to a 2006-2008 estimate, 10.5% of New York families and 14.2% of all individuals live below the poverty line.(2) New Yorkers, like all Americans, have continued to face a difficult economy that has failed to recover from the recession of late 2007. Since the publication of the 2010 New York Civic Health Index in December 2010, New Yorkers have continued to live, work, plan and hope in an economic climate that they see as stagnant.

Since January of 1999, the Siena College Research Institute (SRI) has measured and reported the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI), tracking consumers’ willingness to spend in New York. In late 2007, that score moved from the point where optimism far exceeded pessimism to one which reflected more New Yorkers experiencing financial decline rather than success and expecting continued economic hardships in the market place. While 2011 began with a ray of hope - that is, the CCI overall score hit the point in January at which optimism equaled pessimism - as the year progressed, New Yorkers’ confidence fell by October 2011 to its lowest point in two and a half years.(3)

Economic conditions weigh heavily on many New Yorkers. Throughout 2011, at least 60% of state residents have said the price of gasoline poses at least a somewhat serious financial hardship for their household, up from 58% in December 2010; and by October 2011, 73% indicated the cost of groceries was a hardship, up from 64% at the end of 2010.(4) Sentiment among New Yorkers towards the real estate market hit a two-year low in the third quarter of 2011 when 49% of residents said the condition of the market had, in their eyes, worsened over the last 12 months, and only 31% anticipated improvement in the year to come.(5)

With a state unemployment figure of 7.7% and a New York City rate of 8.7% in August 2011(6), it is not surprising that 18% of residents say they, or a household member, have lost a job or been laid off in the last six months and 25% have seen their work hours cut back.(7) In addition, 26% of New Yorkers know someone who has lost their home in foreclosure over the last 12 months.(8)

Today, for the first time in three years, 50% of New Yorkers think that “our country’s best economic days are behind us.”(9) Consequently, large majorities of residents are reducing expenses more than ever before by eliminating impulse purchases, cutting back on entertainment, couponing, substituting lower quality goods and delaying major purchases.(10) In 2011, only one in five New Yorkers admit to having an income greater than their expenses. And as they look forward to their retirement years, two-thirds say social security could be bankrupt in 20 years unless something is done.(11)

Not only are New Yorkers legitimately worried about their own financial circumstances, but they continue to be concerned about the economic condition of the state. Throughout the year, nearly 90% said the state’s fiscal condition was either fair or poor.* However, the percentage of New Yorkers indicating the state’s fiscal condition as poor did lessen while those grading it as fair increased.

Although that may seem just one small positive indicator, we do note a growing faith and confidence among the people of New York in their government. Andrew Cuomo was elected Governor as 2010 ended and took office in January 2011. While the previous governor, David Paterson, left office suffering a negative approval rating (32% favorable, 60% unfavorable), Andrew Cuomo has been viewed favorably by approximately 70% of New Yorkers for the year.(12)

In fact, during 2010 more than 60% of New Yorkers thought the state was headed in the wrong direction at times, while only as few as 18% thought it was on the right track. However, throughout 2011, under Governor Cuomo’s direction, approximately equal percentages of residents when surveyed say the state is on the right track as those that say the state is moving in the wrong direction.

In short, it has been a difficult and, at times, frightening year for the people of New York. The economy is struggling and for many New Yorkers those struggles are not simply played out in newspapers and on television, but are issues and concerns they confront daily. Although New Yorkers do not see relief in the immediate future, the new governor has provided new confidence. His legislative successes in 2011 – an on-time budget, a property tax cap, fiscal restraints – have perhaps contributed to the people of New York feeling their state is beginning to move in a better direction.

While New York and New Yorkers struggle with a problematic economy, the state and its people remain resilient and committed to addressing the social needs of their neighbors. In fact, 87% of New Yorkers say it is somewhat or very important to contribute to addressing the needs of people in their community.(13) This report demonstrates that in spite of obdurate economic pressures, the civic health of New Yorkers – their social connectedness, trust in institutions, expression of civic duty and responsibilities, and their commitment to being informed about their community – remains stable.