Children in High-Poverty Neighborhoods: Trends since 2000

Mark S. Mather, Population Reference Bureau (PRB)
Nadwa Mossaad, Population Reference Bureau (PRB)

Research has shown that children growing up in neighborhoods with high poverty rates are at higher risk of health problems, teen pregnancy, dropping out of school, and other social and economic problems compared to children living in more affluent communities. In this paper, we use data from the 2000 Census and the 2005-2009 American Community Survey to provide a first look at post-2000 trends in the number and share of children living in high-poverty neighborhoods. We disaggregate results by race/ethnicity and by state to determine whether children in certain population subgroups or geographic areas have fared better than others. Results of this analysis will also help data users assess the reliability and usefulness of the American Community Survey as a replacement for the decennial census long form.

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Presented in Session 75: Using the American Community Survey