Description of the Indicator
This indicator measures the percentage of children under age 18 living below the poverty level in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, compared with Pennsylvania.
Why is it important?
Child poverty is an important measure of economic well-being and opportunity. Children living in poverty may face greater barriers related to housing stability, food security, education, health care access, transportation, and long-term economic mobility.
How is the region performing?
In 2024, Luzerne County had the highest child poverty rate among the four counties at 24.7 percent, followed by Lackawanna County at 19.7 percent, Wyoming County at 17.3 percent, and Wayne County at 14.6 percent. Pennsylvania’s child poverty rate was 15.6 percent. Since 2020, child poverty declined in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, while increasing in Wayne and Wyoming counties.