While Lane County has begun to recover from the impacts of the 2008 recession, as reflected in declining unemployment and rising median income, Lane County still lags behind the state and the nation on several measures of economic stability. About 20% of Lane County’s population lives in poverty and 52% of Lane County’s students participate in the Free/Reduced Lunch program. High school graduation rates, a strong predictor of health across the lifespan, are increasing but still lag behind the state overall. Housing costs also continue to present a significant challenge, especially for residents whose income is less than $35,000 per year.