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New York poverty rate above national average
Kate Lisa reports for New York State of Politics that 13.9 percent of New Yorkers, or 2.7 million people in the state, live in poverty, according to a report from state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's office released Dec. 8. Nationally, 12.8 percent of people live in poverty in the United States. Living in poverty is defined by making less than $13,788 for one person and $27,740 for a household of four. “While economic hardships existed long before the pandemic, it deepened the financial stress experienced by many households,” DiNapoli said in a prepared statement. “We saw what a large and broad federal response achieved, as the country made historic progress in the fight against poverty. Continued federal resources, along with a greater equity in state services, can help improve the lives of New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet.” The child poverty in the state declined from roughly 21 percent in 2010 to 18.5 percent in 2021, but poverty rates increased for seniors during the same time period, the comptroller said. New York ranked 13th among all U.S. states in poverty, and had a higher rate than neighboring states and most large states, according to the report. Read the full story at New York State of Politics.