2023 Harding County, South Dakota Demographics | Data & Analysis

Ready-to-use reports, analytics, and visualizations covering Harding County, South Dakota, including population, race, income, and more. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.

Harding County, South Dakota Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)

Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).

Total Population
1,092
Median Age
48.9 years
Median Household Income
$74,766
Bachelor's Degree+
30.35%
Uninsured Rate
3.4%
Total Households
493
Total Workers
675
Citizenship Rate
99.2%
Total Veterans
81
Top Veteran Era
Post-9/11 Only
Poverty Rate
2.8%
Families in Poverty
8
SNAP Recipients
0.61%
Households w/ SNAP
3

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates

Harding County, South Dakota 2023 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Harding County, South Dakota by age group and gender, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the total population of Harding County, South Dakota is 1,092. The median age of the population in Harding County, South Dakota is 48.9 years. The median age for males is 46.1 years, and for females it is 50.7 years.

The age distribution of the population in Harding County, South Dakota by age group is as follows:

Population Percentage by Age Group in Harding County, South Dakota, 2023
Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years 5.77%
5–17 years (children) 15.93%
18–24 years (young adults) 3.48%
25–34 years 10.71%
35–54 years 22.07%
55–64 years 21.98%
65 years and over (seniors) 20.05%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Harding County, South Dakota

The total dependency ratio in Harding County, South Dakota is 71.70. The youth dependency ratio is 37.26, and the old-age dependency ratio is 34.43. In demographic terms, the dependency ratio measures the size of the population typically not in the labor force (children under 18 and older adults 65+) relative to the working age (18-64) population. A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support the non-working age groups.


What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Harding County, South Dakota?

Race and Ethnicity Distribution Chart for Harding County, South Dakota
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

The racial makeup and ethnic composition (racial demographics) of Harding County, South Dakota is detailed below, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.

The Diversity Index for Harding County, South Dakota is calculated at 23.12, suggesting a low level of racial and ethnic diversity. This index measures the probability that two people chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.

The following table provides the breakdown of the population of Harding County, South Dakota by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Harding County, South Dakota, 2023
Racial/Ethnic Group Percentage
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) 87.36%
Two or More Races 6.87%
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 1.92%
Black/African American Alone 1.65%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 1.28%
Some Other Race Alone 0.92%
Asian Alone 0.00%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone 0.00%

Harding County, South Dakota 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Harding County, South Dakota.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the median household income in Harding County, South Dakota over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $74,766. This figure is based on a total of 493 households.

The distribution of household income in Harding County, South Dakota across various income brackets is as follows:

Household Income Distribution in Harding County, South Dakota, 2023
Income Range Percentage of Households
Less than $20,000 5.68%
$20,000 to $34,999 3.85%
$35,000 to $49,999 15.42%
$50,000 to $74,999 25.35%
$75,000 to $149,999 34.69%
$150,000 or more 15.01%

Harding County, South Dakota 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Harding County, South Dakota.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Harding County, South Dakota is based on a total of 380 properties.

The property value distribution in Harding County, South Dakota across various value brackets is as follows:

Property Value Distribution in Harding County, South Dakota, 2023
Property Value Range Percentage of Properties
Less than $25,000 5.26%
$25,000 to $49,999 6.84%
$50,000 to $99,999 23.42%
$100,000 to $199,999 25.00%
$200,000 to $499,999 33.68%
$500,000 to $999,999 4.21%
$1,000,000 or more 1.58%

Educational Attainment in Harding County, South Dakota (2023 Data)

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Harding County, South Dakota.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the educational attainment data covers the population 25 years and older in Harding County, South Dakota, totaling 817 individuals.

94.49% of Harding County, South Dakota population has a high school diploma or higher. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who hold a Bachelor's Degree or a higher professional/graduate degree is 30.35%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Harding County, South Dakota, 2023
Educational Attainment Level Percentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate 5.51%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) 31.82%
Some college or associate's degree 32.31%
Bachelor's Degree 25.95%
Graduate or professional degree 4.41%

What is the Health Insurance Coverage Rate in Harding County, South Dakota?

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Harding County, South Dakota.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the health insurance coverage data for Harding County, South Dakota shows that 3.4% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 37 individuals out of a total population of 1,081 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 15.7% for males and 11.9% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 3.1% of males and 2.3% of females are uninsured.

Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare. In Harding County, South Dakota, uninsured rates for children are 0.0% for males and 4.0% for females, while seniors have rates of 0.0% for males and 0.0% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Harding County, South Dakota, 2023
Age Group Male Uninsured % Female Uninsured %
Under 18 0.0% 4.0%
18-34 years 15.7% 11.9%
35-64 years 3.1% 2.3%
65+ years 0.0% 0.0%

Harding County, South Dakota 2023 Population by Nativity and Citizenship Status

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Harding County, South Dakota based on U.S. Census data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the nativity and citizenship data for Harding County, South Dakota shows that 99.2% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 1,083 individuals out of a total population of 1,092 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 97.7% were born in the United States, 0.0% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 0.6% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 0.8% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (9 individuals), while 0.8% are non-citizens (9 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Harding County, South Dakota, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship Status Percentage
Born in the United States 97.7%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas 0.0%
Born abroad of American parent(s) 0.6%
U.S. citizen by naturalization 0.8%
Not a U.S. citizen 0.8%
Total U.S. Citizens 99.2%

Harding County, South Dakota 2023 Demographics: Means of Transportation to Work

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Harding County, South Dakota.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the commuting patterns for Harding County, South Dakota show that 64.7% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 428 workers out of a total workforce of 662 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 0.0% (0 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (11.2%) and bicycling (0.0%).

22.7% of workers in Harding County, South Dakota report working from home. An additional 1.5% use other means such as taxicabs, motorcycles, or other forms of transportation. These alternative commuting patterns reflect changing work arrangements and transportation preferences in the modern workforce.

Commuting Methods Distribution in Harding County, South Dakota, 2023
Transportation Method Percentage Number of Workers
Car, truck, or van 64.7% 428
Public transportation 0.0% 0
Bicycle 0.0% 0
Walked 11.2% 74
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 1.5% 10
Worked from home 22.7% 150
Total Workers - 662

Harding County, South Dakota 2023 Demographics: Employment by Class of Worker

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Harding County, South Dakota, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Harding County, South Dakota totals 675 workers. Of these, 398 (59.0%) are male and 277 (41.0%) are female.

The employment distribution by class of worker in Harding County, South Dakota is as follows:

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Harding County, South Dakota, 2023
Employment Class Male Workers Female Workers
Private For-Profit 186 (27.6%) 117 (17.3%)
Private Non-Profit 21 (3.1%) 36 (5.3%)
Government (All Levels) 47 (7.0%) 51 (7.6%)
  • Local Government 15 37
  • State Government 2 4
  • Federal Government 30 10
Self-Employed 144 (21.3%) 60 (8.9%)

Class of worker categorizes employed civilians by their employment arrangement. Private sector workers are employed by for-profit or non-profit companies. Government workers include those employed at local, state, or federal levels. Self-employed workers operate their own unincorporated businesses. Understanding the class of worker distribution provides insights into the economic structure and employment diversity of Harding County, South Dakota.


Harding County, South Dakota 2023 Demographics: Veterans by Period of Service

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Harding County, South Dakota, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 81 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Harding County, South Dakota.

The largest group of veterans served during Post-9/11 Only, accounting for 28 veterans (34.6% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Vietnam Era Only, with 23 veterans (28.4%).

The complete distribution of veterans by period of military service in Harding County, South Dakota is as follows:

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Harding County, South Dakota, 2023
Period of Service Number of Veterans Percentage
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) 28 34.6%
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) 23 28.4%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) 13 16.0%
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era 6 7.4%
Gulf War and Vietnam Era 5 6.2%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) 3 3.7%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War 2 2.5%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) 1 1.2%
Total Veterans 81 100.0%

Period of military service categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans may have served during multiple periods, including World War II (December 1941–December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950–January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964–April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990–August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Understanding veteran demographics helps communities provide appropriate services, benefits, and support to those who have served.


Harding County, South Dakota 2023 Demographics: Families by Income-to-Poverty Ratio

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Harding County, South Dakota, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 288 families in Harding County, South Dakota.

Of these families, 8 (2.8%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 74 families (25.7%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 206 families (71.5%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

The complete distribution of families by income-to-poverty ratio in Harding County, South Dakota is as follows:

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Harding County, South Dakota, 2023
Income-to-Poverty Ratio Number of Families Percentage
Below 50% of Poverty 0 0.0%
50-74% of Poverty 2 0.7%
75-99% of Poverty 6 2.1%
100-124% of Poverty 1 0.3%
125-149% of Poverty 1 0.3%
150-174% of Poverty 8 2.8%
175-184% of Poverty 6 2.1%
185-199% of Poverty 8 2.8%
200-299% of Poverty 50 17.4%
300-399% of Poverty 73 25.3%
400-499% of Poverty 32 11.1%
500%+ of Poverty 101 35.1%
Total Families 288 100.0%

Income-to-poverty ratio measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold, which varies by family size and composition. A ratio below 1.00 (100%) indicates the family lives in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 represent families with low incomes who may still struggle financially despite being technically above the poverty line. Families with ratios of 2.00 (200%) or higher generally have more economic security. Understanding poverty distribution helps communities allocate resources and develop programs to support families in need.


Harding County, South Dakota 2023 Demographics: SNAP/Food Stamps Recipients

Stacked bar chart showing SNAP/Food Stamps recipient household composition by presence of children under 18 in Harding County, South Dakota, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 493 total households in Harding County, South Dakota. Of these, 3 households (0.61%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 1 (33.33%) have children under 18 years, while 2 (66.67%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Harding County, South Dakota, 2023
Household Type With Children Under 18 No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family 0 (0.00%) 0 (0.00%)
Male Householder, No Spouse 0 (0.00%) 0 (0.00%)
Female Householder, No Spouse 1 (33.33%) 0 (0.00%)
Nonfamily Households 0 (0.00%) 2 (66.67%)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program aims to help eligible households purchase nutritious food. SNAP participation rates and household composition patterns provide important insights into economic hardship and food security challenges in Harding County, South Dakota. Households with children under 18 often face greater nutritional needs, while households without children may include seniors, disabled individuals, or working adults facing economic challenges.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The age breakdown for the population of Harding County, South Dakota is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:

Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years5.77%
5–17 years (children)15.93%
18–24 years (young adults)3.48%
25–34 years10.71%
35–54 years22.07%
55–64 years21.98%
65 years and over (seniors)20.05%

The racial and ethnic composition of Harding County, South Dakota is dominated by: White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 87.36%, Two or More Races: 6.87%, Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 1.92%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Harding County, South Dakota is $74,766. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.

The household income distribution in Harding County, South Dakota is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 5.68%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 3.85%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 15.42%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 25.35%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 34.69%, High Income ($150,000+): 15.01%.

Approximately 29.01% of households in Harding County, South Dakota earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.

The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in Harding County, South Dakota is: Less than $25,000: 5.26%, $25,000-$49,999: 6.84%, $50,000-$99,999: 23.42%, $100,000-$199,999: 25.00%, $200,000-$499,999: 33.68%, $500,000-$999,999: 4.21%, $1,000,000 or more: 1.58%.

There are 380 owner-occupied housing units in Harding County, South Dakota. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 5.79% of owner-occupied housing units in Harding County, South Dakota are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.

In Harding County, South Dakota, 30.35% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.

The educational attainment breakdown for Harding County, South Dakota (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 5.51%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 31.82%, Some college or associate's degree: 32.31%, Bachelor's degree: 25.95%, Graduate or professional degree: 4.41%.

In Harding County, South Dakota, 94.49% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.

In Harding County, South Dakota, 3.4% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 37 individuals out of a total population of 1,081 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Harding County, South Dakota. For young adults (18-34 years), 15.7% of males and 11.9% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 3.1% of males and 2.3% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Harding County, South Dakota have uninsured rates of 0.0% for males and 4.0% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 0.0% for males and 0.0% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Harding County, South Dakota, 99.2% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 1,092 people, 1,083 are U.S. citizens.

Harding County, South Dakota has 9 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 0.8% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.

The nativity and citizenship breakdown for Harding County, South Dakota is: 97.7% were born in the United States, 0.0% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 0.6% were born abroad of American parent(s), 0.8% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 0.8% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Harding County, South Dakota, 64.7% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 662 total workers, 428 use personal vehicles for their commute.

0 workers in Harding County, South Dakota use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 0.0% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Harding County, South Dakota include: 22.7% work from home, 11.2% walk to work, 0.0% bicycle, and 1.5% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.

"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in Harding County, South Dakota. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.

According to the American Community Survey, Harding County, South Dakota has 675 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 27.6% of male workers and 17.3% of female workers in this category.

In Harding County, South Dakota, there are 47 male government workers and 51 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 7.0% of male workers and 7.6% of female workers.

Self-employment in Harding County, South Dakota includes 144 males (21.3%) and 60 females (8.9%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Harding County, South Dakota, 3 households (0.61% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 493 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Harding County, South Dakota, 1 (33.33%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.

SNAP recipients in Harding County, South Dakota include diverse household types. Among households with children, 1 (33.33%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 0 (0.00%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In Harding County, South Dakota, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 81 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Harding County, South Dakota. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.

The most common period of military service for veterans in Harding County, South Dakota is Post-9/11 Only, with 28 veterans (34.6% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Vietnam Era Only, with 23 veterans (28.4%).

"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in Harding County, South Dakota provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.

Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 65.4% of all veterans in Harding County, South Dakota. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 53 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.

In Harding County, South Dakota, 8 families (2.8% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 288 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.

"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In Harding County, South Dakota, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.

Beyond families living in poverty, Harding County, South Dakota has 74 families (25.7%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 10 families (3.5%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.

In Harding County, South Dakota, 0 families (0.0%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 206 families (71.5%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.