Child Poverty in the States Still Record High Levels

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Children's Defense Fund analysis of new 2013 state data released by the U.S. Census Bureau reveals child poverty rates remain at record high levels. Children are the poorest age group, and the poorest are children of color and those under 6. Two states, New Jersey and West Virginia, experienced increases in child poverty, while eight states experienced significant decreases from 2012. In 42 states child poverty remains at record high levels, significantly higher than in 2007 before the recession began.

In 20 States more than 40 percent of Black Children are Poor  
In 35 States more than 30 percent of Hispanic Children are Poor 
In 21 States more than 25 percent of Children Under 6 are Poor 
In 19 States more than 10 percent of Children are Extremely Poor 
In 42 States Child Poverty Rates Significantly Higher than Pre-Recession 

"Child poverty is a moral blight on America," said Marian Wright Edelman, president of the Children's Defense Fund. "That children are the poorest, most vulnerable age group is disgraceful and we must protect them with a national floor of decency. Children of color and those under six during the years of rapid brain development are the poorest. Five years into the recovery poor children in the majority of states still have not benefited. We need to make sure political leaders asking for our votes this campaign season make voiceless, voteless children a priority. If we want to build a strong workforce, military and economy, we can and must end child poverty now."

Poverty is defined as an annual income below $23,834 for an average family of four, or less than $1,986 a month, $458 a week, or $65 a day. Extreme poverty is defined as less than half of the annual poverty level, or less than $11,917 for a family of four.

Click here for New Children's Defense Fund Complete Analysis for National Poverty.                                  

The Children's Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind^® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

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Patti Hassler, Vice President of Communications and Outreach
202-662-3554 (office)
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SOURCE Children's Defense Fund