What does this measure?

The proportion of people in various racial and ethnic groups with incomes below the poverty line. Poverty thresholds vary by family composition and year. In 2007, the threshold for a three-person family with one child was $16,689. For a five-person family with four children, it was $24,366.

Why is this important?

The percentage of people in poverty in various race and ethnic groups is a measure of the overall economic health of these groups. It also indicates the level of need for social and government supports.

How is the Greater Capital Region performing?

Poverty rates were higher among black and Hispanic residents than among white residents. Roughly a third of black residents in Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady counties were living in poverty, compared to 9% of white residents in those counties. Poverty was highest among Hispanics in Schenectady and Rensselaer counties, at about 40%, compared to 24% in Albany County. Compared to the state and nation, poverty rates for black and Hispanic residents of the region were generally higher, with the exception of Hispanic residents of Albany County.

Notes about the data

Figures are from the Census Bureau's 2005-07 American Community Survey. The bureau combined three years of responses to the survey to provide estimates for smaller geographic areas and increase the precision of its estimates. The survey provides data on characteristics of the population that used to be collected only during the decennial census. Data are not shown for all groups in all counties because sample sizes were too small to report reliable results. Poverty status is not reported for people in institutions, including college dormitories and military barracks, and people in living situations without conventional housing.