Step 1: Community Selection
Pick a rural community, either in Arkansas or somewhere in the US that you would like to study throughout this course.
ALTHEIMER, ARKANSAS
Step 2: Community
Profile
Each section should be written in paragraph form and include headings and subheadings. See detailed
instructions for each section.
When you save your paper, please include the community name in the document name. (COMMUNITY PROFILE, SPRING 2026)
Community Demography
Provide a description of the community demography. Include maps, pictures, and/or graphics with
your description. Demography should include information such as population, ethnicity, average
income, poverty rate, birth rate, occupations, etc. Describe the current racial/ethnic makeup of the
community, median per capita and family income, education levels, gender ratios, and other relevant
data you find in your research. Describe the level of poverty in the community. Would you describe this
community as poor, working class, or middle class? Cite the sources of each piece of information.
Remember to review the rubric. The minimum word count for this section is 200 words.
Geography
Provide a description of the community geography. Include maps, pictures, and/or graphics with
your description. Geography of the area should include information about a) the physical environment
(nature, natural resources, farming, recreational areas, etc.); b) what type of industry the land supports, if any (who is largest employer, what are the most common occupations); and c) where the nearest towns/cities are in relation to the community. Cite the sources of information.
Remember to review the rubric. The minimum word count for this section is 200 words.
Community History
Discuss the history of the community from its beginning to present day. This section will include major
historical events that shaped the community and must be divided into subsections. Maps and pictures
will enhance this section.
Remember to review the rubric. The minimum word count for this section is 400 words.
1.How did the community begin? When was this place formally established, and by whom?
2.History of the community to the present. Identify and summarize the most significant historical
events. You must include at least three significant events (not including the establishment of the community).
You might consider:
a. What are the major changes that have impacted the community? This might be the placement and development of industry or agriculture, the placement of rail lines or other transportation hubs, or other changes.
b. When did social institutions, like schools or colleges, libraries, law enforcement, churches, local newspapers, and other civic organizations become established?
3.Maps, pictures, charts should be included and will add a lot to the paper
Population Trends
In this section you will discuss the population trends. Is this community losing or gaining population, or
staying about the same?
Compare the current population with its past. Remember to review the rubric.
The minimum word count for this section is 150 words.
Population Trends
suggested information:
What are the population trends like? Is this community losing or gaining population, or staying
about the same? Make sure to broadly describe population trends from the beginning of the
community.
Then, focus on the most recent population data, like from 2000 forward. Compare this with data
points from the past
- Describe any changes in the racial and ethnic makeup of the community, median per capita and
family income, etc. May include charts/graphs.
Community Culture and Social Organization
This section will examine community amenities, organizations, businesses, social services, etc. You will
also discuss the community culturewhat is the glue that creates a sense of belonging in the community? You will also want to discuss any social problems or issues the community is facing.
Remember to review the rubric. The minimum word count for this section is 400 words (you will most
likely need a lot more than that).
Suggested information:
What community amenities are available (parks, pools, community center, senior center,
churches, state or national parks).
What are some of the community organizations?
What kinds of companies or businesses are present? What kind of jobs do people have in the
community? Whats the communitys largest employer?
What kinds of charities or social services are available in the community?
What churches or religious groups are present in the community?
Is there any major tourism or other service-based industries?
What defines the culture? What is the glue that creates a sense of belonging? Describe socialites and/or kinship systems.
What are the social problems? How do they approach or build solutions to the social problems?
How is the community affected by globalization? Does it provide products that trade beyond its
nations borders? Are migrant groups settling in the community? Why and for what reason?
Community Profile
Additional information/details
All assignments should contain a title page which should include a creative title for the paper, the
course name, your name, the semester, the Universitys name, and the date. The title should be
originally created by you (not just the name of the community).
Papers should be written in sentence/paragraph form with references.
Use headings/subheadings.
Paper should flow together cohesively.
The paper must contain a final reference page (APA style). All references should be included on
the reference list and in the body of the paper.
Citations will be done in American Psychological Association (APA) style.
All written documents should have 1-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman font, and double
line spacing throughout.