What does this measure?

The proportion of children under 18 in various racial and ethnic groups who are living below the federally defined 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?

Children raised in impoverished environments are at higher risk for a wide variety of health and social problems, including poor performance in school. The challenges they face in childhood can diminish their chances for successful adult lives.

How is the Greater Capital Region performing?

Poverty rates were dramatically higher among black and Hispanic children than among white children. Roughly half of black children in Albany and Rensselaer counties and of Hispanic children in Rensselaer and Schenectady counties were poor, compared to between 8% and 13% of white children (depending on the county). The rate was slightly better for Hispanic children in Albany County at 30%. The disparities were generally more pronounced in the region than at the state or national levels.

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.