Needs Assessment

Every few years, a review is done to check how people and communities are doing and to make sure services and resources are meeting their needs. Since starting a three-year cycle in 2016, the latest report, "Needs Assessment 2022," has now been released.

The "Needs Assessment 2022" is available on an interactive online story map. It looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic and high inflation have impacted the local economy. The report also provides information on jobs, the labor force, and inequality among Fairfax County residents based on gender, race, and ethnicity.

Here are some key takeaways from the "Needs Assessment 2022":

• There have been sharp price increases for goods and services like food, healthcare, and housing.
• Transportation, food, healthcare, housing, and childcare or tuition costs all went up between 2021 and 2022.
• Lower-income families are spending more money, especially on health care and housing.
• Food insecurity is worse in certain parts of the county, with specific areas showing greater need.
• Many working-age residents who struggle with English proficiency find it harder to compete in the job market.