Census Numbers Show Rise In Poverty Numbers

WASHINGTON -  Between 2007 and 2009, the poverty rate for children ages 5 to 17 in families rose in 295 counties and declined in 19 counties, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released showing income and poverty in 2009 for every school district and county in the nation. However, in the majority of counties across the United States, the poverty rate for children ages 5 to 17 in families showed no statistically significant change between these years. By comparing the 2009 estimates released today with those from 2007, variations can be seen from data collected prior to the recession.

     The 2009 Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) are available for roughly 3,140 counties and nearly 14,000 Title I-eligible school districts. The 2009 estimates also show that 1,084 counties had child poverty rates (ages 5 to 17 in families) significantly above and 866 significantly below the national poverty rate of 18.2 percent.

     SAIPE, released annually, also provides county and state estimates for the total number of people in poverty, the number of children under 5 in poverty (for states only), the number of children 5 to 17 in families in poverty, the number of children under 18 in poverty and median household income. This release includes publication of the 2009 SAIPE Highlights Document, which presents SAIPE data trends and explains the sources and approach.

     SAIPE combines the latest American Community Survey (ACS) data with aggregate data from federal tax information, administrative records on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participation, 2000 Census statistics and annual population estimates.

     The 2009 ACS 1-year estimates were released in September. The 2005-2009 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates will be released later this month and provide data for all counties and school districts — along with additional geographies — and many more subjects.

     School district estimates from SAIPE, produced for the Department of Education to implement provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, are available for the total population, the number of children 5 to 17 and the number of children 5 to 17 in families in poverty.

     These data, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, are used as one of the criteria to allocate federal funds to local jurisdictions. In addition, state and local programs use these data for distributing funds and managing school programs.