A Look at the Counties: Improving Relations Between Racial and Ethnic Groups
At the county level, tolerance for racial and ethnic diversity resonates most in Ulster County where it ranks ninth on residents’ list of priorities. The issue receives an average rating of 7.4 from county residents. This compares with the average score of 7.1 it received five years ago.
In Dutchess, Orange, and Putnam Counties, the issue of improving relations between racial and ethnic groups ranks eleventh out of nineteen priorities. In fact, in Dutchess County, it receives an average score of 7.4. This compares with the average rating of 7.2 it received among Dutchess County residents in 2002. Despite its comparable average rating, it dropped in rank as a county priority from ninth five years ago to eleventh now.
The largest decrease in average score for this issue at the county level was in Columbia County. Five years ago, improving relations between racial and ethnic groups received an average rating of 6.9 from Columbia County residents and ranked tenth. Now, its average score is 6.5 and it ranks thirteenth on the list of county residents’ priorities.
Improving relations between racial and ethnic groups ranks thirteenth among Sullivan County residents with an average score of 6.7. Greene County residents continue to rate this issue as a lower priority than residents in the other Mid-Hudson Valley counties. Not only does it receive an average rating of only 6.1 among Greene County residents but it ranks fifteenth on the list of priorities for county residents.
