Poverty
Poverty imposes far-reaching hardships, not only on the poor but also on all who share their communities. The poverty rate in the Hampton Roads region is the third lowest among the regions but exceeds the state average.
Why is This Important?
Poverty has a significant impact on individuals and society at large. Children who live in poverty are more likely to suffer from poor nutrition during infancy, experience emotional distress, and are at an increased risk for academic failure and teenage pregnancy. Adult men and women who live in poverty are at a high risk of violence. Poverty can also affect senior citizens' ability to obtain health care and prescription medications or to care for themselves.
How is Hampton Roads Doing?
The Hampton Roads region ranked third lowest among the regions in Virginia for the percent of residents whose income was below the federal poverty level in 2008, which was $10,991 for an individual. The poverty rate in the Hampton Roads region (11.0 percent) exceeded the Northern (5.4 percent) and Central (10.7 percent) regions, as well as the Virginia rate overall (10.2 percent).
The Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (Hampton Roads) metropolitan statistical area showed no change in poverty levels between 2005 and 2008. Among peer MSAs, Hampton Roads ranks second lowest, but is higher than the leading MSA in Virginia (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) and the state average.
What Influences Poverty?
Poverty is strongly influenced by both educational attainment and the economy. Education generally makes workers more knowledgeable and productive, which increases average wages and employment levels. In the short run, the local, state, and national economy can affect poverty through fluctuations in wages, job availability, and prices. During an economic downturn, there may be less demand for workers; and with fewer jobs and possibly lower wages, poverty can be expected to increase. Inflation may also increase poverty rates due to the unexpected costs of everyday consumption. Specifically in the Hampton Roads region, the U.S. military and its related activities have a strong influence on the poverty rates in the area.
Data Definitions and Sources
Poverty Data by locality (2000-2008), State and U.S. (2000-2004), U.S. Census Bureau: Small Area Income & Poverty Estimates.
Poverty Data by MSA, State and U.S. (2005-2008), U.S. Census Bureau: American Communities Survey.
Beginning with the estimates for 2005, data from the American Community Survey was used to estimate poverty rates for states and metro areas; all prior years used data from the Annual Social and Economic Supplements of the Current Population Survey.
See the Data Sources and Updates Calendar for a detailed list of the data resources used for indicator measures on Hampton Roads Performs.
