Cutting-edge population study sheds new light on our Jewish communities
The long-awaited results of our Jewish Federation’s 2019 population study, Community Portrait, are finally out — the first new major data in ten years examining the socio-economic, demographic and public health shifts that have occurred in our region’s Jewish communities. In order to fully understand our community’s evolving needs, the Jewish Federation does such a survey once every decade. This study, however, was even more comprehensive than usual, thanks to state-of-the-art methodology that allowed us to discover more than ever before, including some surprises. Major findings include:
- The Greater Philadelphia Jewish community is larger than originally anticipated, with 194,200 Jewish households; Jews account for 9% of the five-county region’s population. That crowns us America’s third-largest Jewish community — a distinction we’ll cling to until other metro areas, like Chicago, conduct updated surveys of their own. (“Enjoy number three, it may not last,” the study co-author joked.)
- 15% of Jewish households in Greater Philadelphia are living in or near poverty. Among Jewish households that are income-eligible for SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, only 43% receive them, suggesting an unmet need.
- The interfaith population is growing. With 47% of marriages in Jewish households now interfaith, our community matches national trends.
The full 256-page Community Portrait report is a gold mine of information about our Jewish communities’ changing religious affiliations, political views, physical and mental health, racial diversity and values. As the data continues to be analyzed over the coming weeks and months, the insights will help improve the ways our Jewish Federation and other nonprofits serve our communities. “The information in this study can save lives,” says population study Co-Chair Adam Laver. “We are ready to roll up our sleeves and continue the work of building vibrant communities.”
Dig deeper with us! To read Community Portrait’s Executive Summary or the full report, click here; or read some of the media coverage over at WHYY and KYW. We’re also looking forward to discussing the fascinating data in a series of Town Hall meetings throughout our region. The first will take place on March 12th at 8:30 a.m. and again at 5:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Services Building, 2100 Arch Street. To attend a meeting, RSVP here.
