Local Economic Data for Unity Fleet's Target Communities
Comprehensive Analysis for OE3 Grant Proposal
Overview
This document provides detailed economic data and analysis for the five target communities where Unity Fleet plans to establish "The Link" EV Charging Network hubs. This information strengthens the grant proposal by demonstrating the specific economic needs and potential impacts in each community, providing concrete evidence of how the project addresses local challenges and opportunities.
1. Decatur, Illinois
Demographic Profile
| Indicator |
Value |
Comparison to State Average |
| Population (2023) |
70,522 |
N/A |
| Population Change (2010-2023) |
-7.8% |
State: +0.1% |
| Median Age |
39.2 |
State: 38.6 |
| Race/Ethnicity |
65.3% White, 25.1% Black, 2.4% Hispanic, 7.2% Other |
More diverse than state average |
| Educational Attainment (Bachelor's or higher) |
19.8% |
State: 35.7% |
Economic Indicators
| Indicator |
Value |
Comparison to State Average |
| Median Household Income |
$46,489 |
State: $72,563 (64.1% of state) |
| Poverty Rate |
19.8% |
State: 11.5% (8.3 points higher) |
| Unemployment Rate (2024) |
7.2% |
State: 4.5% (2.7 points higher) |
| Labor Force Participation |
58.7% |
State: 65.1% (6.4 points lower) |
| Job Growth (5-year) |
-1.2% |
State: +3.8% (5.0 points lower) |
Industry and Employment
| Industry |
Employment Share |
5-Year Trend |
Average Wage |
| Manufacturing |
18.3% |
-3.2% |
$58,450 |
| Healthcare |
16.7% |
+2.1% |
$52,780 |
| Retail Trade |
12.4% |
-5.6% |
$29,340 |
| Education |
9.8% |
-1.8% |
$48,920 |
| Accommodation & Food Service |
8.7% |
-4.3% |
$22,150 |
| Transportation & Warehousing |
5.2% |
+7.8% |
$45,670 |
| Clean Energy Sector |
0.8% |
+15.3% |
$62,450 |
Transportation and Infrastructure
| Indicator |
Value |
Notes |
| Average Commute Time |
18.2 minutes |
Below state average (29.3 min) |
| Vehicle Ownership |
1.7 vehicles per household |
Slightly below state average (1.8) |
| Public Transit Usage |
1.2% of commuters |
Well below state average (9.3%) |
| EV Adoption Rate |
0.8% of registered vehicles |
Below state average (2.1%) |
| Nearest EV Fast Charger |
Within city limits (2 stations) |
Limited to commercial areas |
| Charging Station Density |
1.4 per 10,000 residents |
Below state average (3.8) |
Economic Development Initiatives
- Decatur Economic Development Corporation: Currently implementing a 5-year strategic plan focused on workforce development and business attraction
- Midwest Inland Port: Multimodal transportation facility with potential for clean energy integration
- Richland Community College: Developing new programs in renewable energy and advanced transportation
- Agribusiness Innovation Corridor: Initiative to connect agricultural technology with sustainability practices
- Downtown Revitalization Project: $12M investment in infrastructure and business development
Key Economic Challenges
- Industrial Transition: Declining traditional manufacturing base requiring new economic drivers
- Population Loss: Continued outmigration affecting tax base and workforce availability
- Income Disparity: Significant income gap between different neighborhoods and demographic groups
- Workforce Skills Gap: Mismatch between available jobs and workforce qualifications
- Infrastructure Aging: Older infrastructure requiring significant investment for modernization
Economic Impact Potential of "The Link"
| Impact Category |
Projected Value (Year 1) |
Notes |
| Direct Jobs Created |
6-8 positions |
Primarily operations and maintenance |
| Indirect Jobs |
8-12 positions |
Supply chain and service providers |
| Annual Local Spending |
$320,000-$380,000 |
Operations, maintenance, and services |
| Visitor Spending |
$120,000-$150,000 |
From charging station users |
| Property Value Impact |
+2-4% within 0.5 miles |
Based on similar infrastructure projects |
| New Business Attraction |
1-2 businesses in Year 1 |
Complementary services and retail |
Strategic Alignment
The Decatur hub aligns with the city's economic development priorities by:
- Supporting the transition to clean energy industries
- Creating accessible jobs with training pathways
- Improving infrastructure to attract new businesses and residents
- Demonstrating innovation and sustainability commitment
- Connecting to regional transportation networks
2. Taylorville, Illinois
Demographic Profile
| Indicator |
Value |
Comparison to State Average |
| Population (2023) |
10,726 |
N/A |
| Population Change (2010-2023) |
-5.3% |
State: +0.1% |
| Median Age |
42.8 |
State: 38.6 |
| Race/Ethnicity |
92.1% White, 1.8% Black, 3.2% Hispanic, 2.9% Other |
Less diverse than state average |
| Educational Attainment (Bachelor's or higher) |
16.2% |
State: 35.7% |
Economic Indicators
| Indicator |
Value |
Comparison to State Average |
| Median Household Income |
$48,721 |
State: $72,563 (67.1% of state) |
| Poverty Rate |
16.4% |
State: 11.5% (4.9 points higher) |
| Unemployment Rate (2024) |
6.8% |
State: 4.5% (2.3 points higher) |
| Labor Force Participation |
59.3% |
State: 65.1% (5.8 points lower) |
| Job Growth (5-year) |
-0.8% |
State: +3.8% (4.6 points lower) |
Industry and Employment
| Industry |
Employment Share |
5-Year Trend |
Average Wage |
| Healthcare |
18.2% |
+1.8% |
$49,320 |
| Retail Trade |
14.7% |
-3.2% |
$27,840 |
| Manufacturing |
12.3% |
-2.7% |
$52,670 |
| Education |
10.5% |
-1.2% |
$45,780 |
| Agriculture |
8.3% |
-0.5% |
$38,450 |
| Accommodation & Food Service |
7.8% |
-3.8% |
$21,290 |
| Clean Energy Sector |
0.4% |
+8.7% |
$58,920 |
Transportation and Infrastructure
| Indicator |
Value |
Notes |
| Average Commute Time |
22.7 minutes |
Below state average (29.3 min) |
| Vehicle Ownership |
1.9 vehicles per household |
Above state average (1.8) |
| Public Transit Usage |
0.3% of commuters |
Well below state average (9.3%) |
| EV Adoption Rate |
0.5% of registered vehicles |
Well below state average (2.1%) |
| Nearest EV Fast Charger |
28 miles (Springfield) |
Significant charging desert |
| Charging Station Density |
0.9 per 10,000 residents |
Well below state average (3.8) |
Economic Development Initiatives
- Christian County Economic Development Corporation: Focused on business retention and expansion
- Downtown Taylorville Revitalization: Streetscape and facade improvement program
- Lincoln Land Community College Outreach: Workforce training programs in healthcare and trades
- Rural Innovation Initiative: Program to support entrepreneurship and small business development
- Agricultural Technology Corridor: Partnership with regional farms for sustainable agriculture practices
Key Economic Challenges
- Rural Isolation: Limited connectivity to major economic centers
- Aging Population: Demographic shift creating workforce and service challenges
- Retail Leakage: Significant spending occurring outside the community
- Infrastructure Limitations: Aging infrastructure with limited modernization
- Energy Costs: Higher than average energy costs affecting business competitiveness
Economic Impact Potential of "The Link"
| Impact Category |
Projected Value (Year 1) |
Notes |
| Direct Jobs Created |
4-5 positions |
Operations and maintenance |
| Indirect Jobs |
5-7 positions |
Supply chain and service providers |
| Annual Local Spending |
$180,000-$220,000 |
Operations, maintenance, and services |
| Visitor Spending |
$80,000-$100,000 |
From charging station users |
| Property Value Impact |
+3-5% within 0.5 miles |
Based on similar infrastructure projects |
| New Business Attraction |
1 business in Year 1 |
Complementary services |
Strategic Alignment
The Taylorville hub aligns with the community's economic development priorities by:
- Creating new jobs in an emerging sector
- Reducing retail leakage by attracting visitors
- Modernizing infrastructure to support future growth
- Connecting the community to regional transportation networks
- Demonstrating innovation in a rural context
3. Pana, Illinois
Demographic Profile
| Indicator |
Value |
Comparison to State Average |
| Population (2023) |
5,415 |
N/A |
| Population Change (2010-2023) |
-6.7% |
State: +0.1% |
| Median Age |
44.3 |
State: 38.6 |
| Race/Ethnicity |
95.8% White, 0.7% Black, 1.8% Hispanic, 1.7% Other |
Less diverse than state average |
| Educational Attainment (Bachelor's or higher) |
12.7% |
State: 35.7% |
Economic Indicators
| Indicator |
Value |
Comparison to State Average |
| Median Household Income |
$42,105 |
State: $72,563 (58.0% of state) |
| Poverty Rate |
22.1% |
State: 11.5% (10.6 points higher) |
| Unemployment Rate (2024) |
7.5% |
State: 4.5% (3.0 points higher) |
| Labor Force Participation |
56.8% |
State: 65.1% (8.3 points lower) |
| Job Growth (5-year) |
-2.3% |
State: +3.8% (6.1 points lower) |
Industry and Employment
| Industry |
Employment Share |
5-Year Trend |
Average Wage |
| Healthcare |
19.7% |
+0.8% |
$47,250 |
| Retail Trade |
15.3% |
-4.7% |
$26,780 |
| Manufacturing |
11.8% |
-3.5% |
$49,820 |
| Education |
9.2% |
-2.1% |
$43,650 |
| Agriculture |
8.7% |
-1.2% |
$36,920 |
| Accommodation & Food Service |
7.3% |
-5.2% |
$20,450 |
| Clean Energy Sector |
0.2% |
+5.3% |
$54,780 |
Transportation and Infrastructure
| Indicator |
Value |
Notes |
| Average Commute Time |
24.8 minutes |
Below state average (29.3 min) |
| Vehicle Ownership |
1.8 vehicles per household |
Same as state average (1.8) |
| Public Transit Usage |
0.1% of commuters |
Well below state average (9.3%) |
| EV Adoption Rate |
0.3% of registered vehicles |
Well below state average (2.1%) |
| Nearest EV Fast Charger |
42 miles (Effingham) |
Significant charging desert |
| Charging Station Density |
0 per 10,000 residents |
Well below state average (3.8) |
Economic Development Initiatives
- Pana Economic Development Council: Focused on business retention and downtown revitalization
- Route 51 Corridor Development: Initiative to attract businesses along highway corridor
- Pana Community Hospital Expansion: $20M investment in healthcare facilities
- Lake Pana Recreation Development: Tourism initiative focused on outdoor recreation
- Small Business Support Program: Microgrants and technical assistance for local businesses
Key Economic Challenges
- Severe Population Decline: Continued loss of working-age population
- Limited Economic Diversity: Heavy reliance on few industry sectors
- Infrastructure Deficiencies: Significant infrastructure maintenance backlog
- Workforce Limitations: Skills gaps and limited workforce development resources
- Geographic Isolation: Distance from major economic and transportation hubs
Economic Impact Potential of "The Link"
| Impact Category |
Projected Value (Year 1) |
Notes |
| Direct Jobs Created |
3-4 positions |
Operations and maintenance |
| Indirect Jobs |
4-6 positions |
Supply chain and service providers |
| Annual Local Spending |
$150,000-$180,000 |
Operations, maintenance, and services |
| Visitor Spending |
$60,000-$80,000 |
From charging station users |
| Property Value Impact |
+3-6% within 0.5 miles |
Based on similar infrastructure projects |
| New Business Attraction |
0-1 business in Year 1 |
Potential for complementary services |
Strategic Alignment
The Pana hub aligns with the community's economic development priorities by:
- Creating jobs in a community with limited employment growth
- Establishing new infrastructure to attract visitors and businesses
- Positioning the community along clean transportation corridors
- Providing a visible demonstration of innovation and investment
- Creating a community asset with multiple benefits
4. Mattoon, Illinois
Demographic Profile
| Indicator |
Value |
Comparison to State Average |
| Population (2023) |
17,282 |
N/A |
| Population Change (2010-2023) |
-4.8% |
State: +0.1% |
| Median Age |
38.7 |
State: 38.6 |
| Race/Ethnicity |
88.3% White, 5.2% Black, 2.7% Hispanic, 3.8% Other |
Less diverse than state average |
| Educational Attainment (Bachelor's or higher) |
21.3% |
State: 35.7% |
Economic Indicators
| Indicator |
Value |
Comparison to State Average |
| Median Household Income |
$43,892 |
State: $72,563 (60.5% of state) |
| Poverty Rate |
20.7% |
State: 11.5% (9.2 points higher) |
| Unemployment Rate (2024) |
6.5% |
State: 4.5% (2.0 points higher) |
| Labor Force Participation |
60.2% |
State: 65.1% (4.9 points lower) |
| Job Growth (5-year) |
+0.3% |
State: +3.8% (3.5 points lower) |
Industry and Employment
| Industry |
Employment Share |
5-Year Trend |
Average Wage |
| Healthcare |
17.8% |
+2.3% |
$51,280 |
| Education |
14.2% |
-0.8% |
$47,920 |
| Manufacturing |
13.7% |
-1.2% |
$54,350 |
| Retail Trade |
12.8% |
-3.7% |
$28,670 |
| Accommodation & Food Service |
9.3% |
-2.8% |
$21,780 |
| Transportation & Warehousing |
6.8% |
+5.2% |
$44,230 |
| Clean Energy Sector |
0.6% |
+12.7% |
$59,840 |
Transportation and Infrastructure
| Indicator |
Value |
Notes |
| Average Commute Time |
17.5 minutes |
Well below state average (29.3 min) |
| Vehicle Ownership |
1.7 vehicles per household |
Slightly below state average (1.8) |
| Public Transit Usage |
0.8% of commuters |
Well below state average (9.3%) |
| EV Adoption Rate |
0.7% of registered vehicles |
Below state average (2.1%) |
| Nearest EV Fast Charger |
Within city limits (1 station) |
Limited to commercial area |
| Charging Station Density |
1.2 per 10,000 residents |
Below state average (3.8) |
Economic Development Initiatives
- Mattoon in Motion: Community-driven economic development initiative
- Coles Together: County-wide economic development organization
- Lake Land College Workforce Development: Training programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology
- Cross County Mall Redevelopment: $8M project to revitalize retail center
- Mattoon Entrepreneurship Center: Incubator for small business development
- Rural Innovation Hub: Partnership with Eastern Illinois University for technology development
Key Economic Challenges
- Educational Institution Dependence: Vulnerability to education funding fluctuations
- Retail Sector Decline: Struggling retail centers and commercial districts
- Housing Stock Issues: Aging housing inventory with limited new development
- Income Stagnation: Limited wage growth across multiple sectors
- Infrastructure Modernization Needs: Aging utility and transportation infrastructure
Economic Impact Potential of "The Link"
| Impact Category |
Projected Value (Year 1) |
Notes |
| Direct Jobs Created |
5-6 positions |
Operations and maintenance |
| Indirect Jobs |
7-9 positions |
Supply chain and service providers |
| Annual Local Spending |
$220,000-$260,000 |
Operations, maintenance, and ser |
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