Studies & Surveys
Broadband Survey
Blackford County Government and Blackford County Economic Development hired Pyramid Consulting to conduct a broadband assessment in 2020. In 2021, the Purdue Center for Regional Development and Purdue Extension conducted a broadband demand survey in Blackford County. While close to 83% of survey respondents had internet access at home, close to 54% were not satisfied because it was too slow or unreliable. Almost 42% paid $75 or more per month while 33% is willing to pay between $50 and $74.99 per month for adequate, reliable internet. Learn more by downloading the studies below.
- Blackford County Broadband Assessment – Pyramid Consulting
- Broadband Data Validation & Demand Aggregation Survey Report – Purdue University
Focus forward plan
The Blackford County Focus Forward Initiative was a collaborative endeavor to gain alignment and strategic focus between the leadership of several Blackford County Organizations that work on community and economic development efforts. Conducted from August of 2016 to May of 2017, the Focus Forward Plan encapsulates the efforts that have gone into this Initiative and sets forth an actionable strategy to advance the Blackford County community for the next five years.
Hotel feasibility study
The hotel feasibility study considers development of a proposed hotel at one of five commerically-zoned sites in Blackford County, specifically in Hartford City. Existing lodging options in the city include a bed and breakfast and an independent motel, which are within close proximity to one another. The next closest lodging options are in Gas City (nine miles west), Portland (14 miles east), Marion (14 miles west) and Muncie (26 miles south).
Housing Study
Blackford County Economic Development Corporation contracted with the Purdue Extension – Community Development (CDEXT) to carry out a multi-dimensional analysis of housing – aimed at highlighting key data and elevating stakeholder input to help guide the work of local and regional government and economic development leaders.
This report provides a synopsis of the major projects completed by CDEXT and key findings associated with each of the initiatives it undertook.
- Blackford County Housing Summit Presentation (PDF)
- Blackford County Housing Summit Presentation (PowerPoint)
- Blackford County Economy Snapshot (PowerPoint)
- Blackford County Housing Data Comparison (PowerPoint)
- Blackford County Survey Analysis (PowerPoint)
- Blackford County Housing Final Report (PowerPoint)
- Blackford Count Housing Snapshot (PowerPoint)
- Hartford City Housing Snapshot (PowerPoint)
- Montpelier Housing Snapshot (PowerPoint)
- Online Listening Sessions (Word)
Wage & Benefit Survey
The East Central Indiana Regional Partnership conducted a wage and benefit online survey among businesses in their region. The survey gathered data for three weeks in October and November 2021 resulting in 179 valid responses.
The survey asked about total number of employees, including hourly and salaried employees. It also asked about the entry, average, and highest wages for 114 different jobs grouped into 14 major categories. Types of benefits offered were also included in the survey including but not limited to health and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, bonus programs, and personal time off and vacation.
