An analysis of economic stress across the U.S. found that the conditions in the Capital Region have gotten worse since October 2007, but that they are still better locally than on the national level. East Baton Rouge Parish had an 8.06 on the AP Economic Stress Index, which is based on unemployment, foreclosures and bankruptcy rates. The higher the score, the higher the economic stress. The average county’s stress score rose to 10.6 in June, up from 10 in May, mainly because of rising unemployment. That compares to the 4.04 recorded in October 2007. Similar figures were seen in Ascension Parish, which went from a 3.53 to a 7.69 in June, and Livingston Parish, which had an 8.13, compared with 3.63 in October 2007.
Under a rough rule of thumb, a county is considered stressed when its score zooms past 11. Iberville was the only parish in the Capital Region to have a score of more than 11. To see the map, click here.
