2009 Poverty
Poverty rates increase.
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Why is this important?
For both individuals and for families, the experience of economic hardship places greater strains on the quality of life in many aspects. The ability to obtain adequate shelter, nutrition, clothing and education are directly tied to one’s economic situation.
How are we doing?
Long Island has lower rates of poverty than exist in New York State and nationally. In 2007, the poverty rate for individuals on Long Island was 5.3%. This compares with a NYS rate of 14% and a national rate of 13.2%. The poverty rate for children under 18 was somewhat higher. In 2007, 6.3% of Long Island children were in poverty.
The trend between 2003 and 2007 is toward increasing poverty. There was a 22% increase in poverty through that period.
*Poverty rates differ from reports from prior years based on new data source. Data reported represent two-year averaging of ACS annual data.