10.1 Residents Living in Poverty

This indicator is part of Basic needs provided for.

Indicator description:

This indicator examines the percentage of adults and families in poverty in Albuquerque. The local trend is examined and the most recent Albuquerque rate is compared to other cities in the Southwest. Poverty for 2007 is defined by the Federal Government as household earnings at or below $21,203 a year for a family of four, and earnings of $10,590 per year for a single adult. Poverty is the condition of not having enough income to meet basic needs for food, clothing, shelter, health care and other basic necessities.

Why is this indicator relevant?

Many studies have documented the association between family poverty and children's health, achievement and behavior. Children who live in extreme poverty, or who live below the poverty line for multiple years appear to suffer the worst outcomes, even when accounting for other factors. Children who experience poverty during their early school years have higher dropout rates than children who suffer poverty in later years. Poor children in the US experience diminished physical health, including low birth weight, infant mortality, growth stunting and lead poisoning. They also are more likely to have learning disabilities or developmental delays. Children in poverty suffer from emotional and behavioral problems more frequently, including problems with aggression, fighting, acting out, social withdrawal and depression. Adults in poverty are able to contribute less to their families and communities.

Data Source:
American Community Survey, US Census Bureau, 2002-2007.

What can we tell from the data?

• Albuquerque is about average for the percent of residents in poverty among peer Southwest cities.
• The poverty rate in Albuquerque has remained fairly stable over the past 6 years.

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