Census: Nearly one in four Ohio children live in poverty
Posted September 19, 2013 in Press Releases
Data show little change in poverty rates, drop in median income since end of recession
More than 1.8 million Ohioans lived in poverty in 2012, including nearly one of four Ohio children, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released today. A tiny decline in poverty from 2011 to 2012 reported by the Census was so small that it was well within the margin of error for the survey and not statistically significant.
“The level of poverty in Ohio, particularly for children, remains unacceptably high,” said Hannah Halbert, workforce researcher for Policy Matters Ohio.
Median household income in Ohio is down by more than $1,800 since the recession ended in 2009. A small gain from 2011 to 2012, which was not statistically significant, did not return the state to 2010 levels much less to levels enjoyed by Ohioans before the recent recession.
“Too many Ohioans are getting stuck at the lowest rung of the income ladder and kids are paying the price,” said Halbert. “Policymakers