Abbas Grammy

To measure poverty, the U.S. Census Bureau provides estimates of poverty thresholds for states and counties in order to determine the number of families living in poverty. These estimates are based on statistical models that use decennial census data, household survey data, administrative records data, and population estimates. Thy estimates are based on cash and non-cash income families receive and vary with age and family size.  The following table provides summary data on poverty thresholds in 2003.

In California, 13.8 percent of the population lives below these federally determined poverty income levels.  In the San Joaquin Valley, 17.3 percent of the population lives in poverty.  Tulare County has the highest rate of poverty of 21.5 percent, whereas Mariposa County has the lowest rate of 11.3 percent.  All counties expect Mariposa, record poverty rates above the state average.

Poverty rates are higher among families with children.  They are also higher in the San Joaquin Valley than California.  In the Valley, 24.4 percent of families with children 17 years old and younger live in poverty compared with to 19.8 percent in California.  Once again, Tulare County has the highest poverty rate of 31.2 percent and Mariposa County the lowest rate of 16.7 percent.  At least, one in every four families with children is poor in Tulare, Fresno, Madera, Merced, and Kern.

Sources:  www.census.gov and www.ers.usda.gov/Data/PovertyRates