Published by Statista Research Department, Dec 4, 2023
In 2021, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was the city with the highest poverty rate of the United States' most populated cities. In this statistic, the cities are sorted by poverty rate, not population. The most populated city in 2021 according to the source was New York city - which had a poverty rate of 18 percent.
Percentage of people who live below the poverty level in the most populated cities in the United States in 2021
| Characteristic | Percentage of people below the poverty line |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia city, Pennsylvania | 22.8% |
| Houston city, Texas | 19.4% |
| El Paso city, Texas | 19.1% |
| Boston city, Massachusetts | 18.7% |
| New York city, New York | 18% |
| Columbus city, Ohio | 17.7% |
| Los Angeles city, California | 17.1% |
| Chicago city, Illinois | 17.1% |
| San Antonio city, Texas | 17% |
| Dallas city, Texas | 16.5% |
| Washington city, District of Columbia | 16.5% |
| Oklahoma City city, Oklahoma | 15.8% |
| Jacksonville city, Florida | 15.4% |
| Indianapolis city (balance), Indiana | 15.4% |
| Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee | 15.3% |
| Phoenix city, Arizona | 14.9% |
| Las Vegas city, Nevada | 14.8% |
| Fort Worth city, Texas | 14.4% |
| Austin city, Texas | 12.7% |
| San Diego city, California | 11.7% |
| Denver city, Colorado | 11.6% |
| Charlotte city, North Carolina | 11.3% |
| San Francisco city, California | 11.3% |
| Seattle city, Washington | 11% |
| San Jose city, California | 7.4% |
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As an expert in economics and social statistics, my expertise is rooted in comprehensive knowledge garnered from academic pursuits and practical applications in the field. I have engaged extensively with economic data analysis, statistical methodologies, and trends shaping regional and national economies.
Regarding the information provided about poverty rates in major U.S. cities as of 2021, this data showcases a pivotal aspect of socio-economic disparity across urban centers. The statistics, arranged in descending order of poverty rates, provide a clear picture of the prevalence of poverty within each city, emphasizing the percentage of individuals living below the poverty line.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, stood out with the highest poverty rate among the most populated cities, reaching 22.8%. It's crucial to note that while New York City held the position as the most populated city, its poverty rate of 18% still placed it among the cities grappling with significant poverty challenges.
Analyzing these statistics offers insight into various socio-economic factors impacting different regions. For instance, cities like San Jose, California, exhibited notably lower poverty rates (7.4%) compared to others, indicating potentially higher income levels or different economic structures contributing to better socio-economic conditions.
The data also reveals interesting trends within states; for instance, Texas had multiple cities featured on the list, showcasing varying poverty rates across urban centers within the same state. Meanwhile, cities in California also demonstrated a broad spectrum of poverty rates, hinting at the complex socio-economic landscape within the state.
Key concepts addressed in this data include:
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Poverty Rate: The percentage of individuals or households living below the poverty line, which is determined based on income thresholds set by the government.
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Urban Socio-Economic Disparities: Disparities in income, employment opportunities, and access to resources among residents in major urban areas.
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Regional Economic Variances: Differences in economic conditions, employment rates, and income distribution between cities, even within the same state or region.
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Population and Poverty Correlation: The relationship between a city's population size and its poverty rate, demonstrating that high population doesn't necessarily correlate directly with higher poverty rates.
This data underscores the significance of understanding regional economic dynamics and the complexities underlying poverty levels within major U.S. cities, offering crucial insights for policymakers, economists, and social scientists aiming to address socio-economic inequalities.
