Description of the Indicator
This indicator measures the shares of children living below the poverty level in each geography analyzed. The childhood poverty rate is shown for residents under 18 years old.
Why is it important?
Understanding this indicator helps social services professionals and other leaders and stakeholders determine a community’s need for support and the impact of existing resources. Children living below the federal poverty level often face a cycle of poverty that can persist into adulthood, creating long-term financial barriers. These children are more likely to experience food insecurity, limited access to quality education, unstable housing, reduced employment opportunities later in life, and inadequate healthcare. These interconnected challenges affect their immediate well-being and hinder their ability to achieve economic stability and success in the future.
How is the region performing?
Luzerne County has the highest proportion of children under 18 living below the poverty level among the analyzed geographies – nearly one in four. After 2020, Wayne County experienced a steady increase in the share of children living below the poverty level, which began to stabilize in 2024. Lackawanna and Wyoming Counties’ rates increased compared to 2023. In contrast, Pennsylvania has shown a steady decrease in the percentage of children living below the poverty level since 2020.