Children represent 24 percent of the population, but they comprise 34 percent of all people in poverty. Among all children, 45 percent live in low-income families and approximately one in every five (22 percent) live in poor families. Young children under 6 years of age appear to be particularly vulnerable, with 49 percent living in low-income families and 25 percent living in poor families. Being a child in a low-income or poor family does not happen by chance. There are a range of factors associated with children’s experiences of economic insecurity, including race/ethnicity and parents’ education and employment. This fact sheet describes the demographic, socio-economic, and geographic characteristics of young children and their parents. It highlights important factors that appear to distinguish low-income and poor children in this age group from their less disadvantaged counterparts

Addy, Sophia D.

Englehardt, William

Skinner, Curtis

English

Children represent 24 percent of the population, but they comprise 34 percent of all people in poverty.1 Among all children, 45 percent live in low-income families and approximately one in every five (22 percent) live in poor families. Our very youngest children, infants and toddlers under 3 years of age, appear to be particularly vulnerable, with 49 percent living in low-income families, including 26 percent living in poor families. Being a child in a low-income or poor family does not happen by chance. There are a range of factors associated with children’s experiences of economic insecurity, including race/ethnicity and parents’ educational attainment and employment. This fact sheet describes the demographic, socio-economic, and geographic characteristics of children and their parents. It highlights important factors that appear to distinguish low-income and poor children from their less disadvantaged counterparts

Columbia University Academic Commons

Basic Facts About Low-income ChildrenChildren Under 3 Years, 2011Sophia Addy | William Engelhardt | Curtis Skinner January 2013Children represent 24 percent of the population, but they comprise 34 percent of all people in poverty.1 Among all children, 45 percent live in low-income families and approximately one in every five (22 percent) live in poor families. Our very youngest children, infants and toddlers under 3 years of age, appear to be particularly vulnerable, with 49 per-cent living in low-income families, including 26 percent living in poor families. Being a child in a low-income or poor family does not happen by chance. There are a range of factors associated with children’s expe-riences of economic insecurity, including race/ethnicity and parents’ educational attainment and employment. This fact sheet describes the demographic, socio-economic, and geographic characteristics of children and their parents. It highlights important factors that appear to distinguish low-income and poor children from their less disadvantaged counterparts. 215 W. 125th Street, 3rd FloorNew York, NY  10027-4426Ph. 646-284-9600www.nccp.orgHow many infants and toddlers under 3 years old in the United States live in low-income families?There are more than 11 million infants and toddlers under 3 years old in the United States.◆	49 percent – 5.6 million – live in low-income families.◆	26 percent – 3 million – live in poor families.FACT  SHEE TInfants and toddlers by family income, 2011Low-income49%Abovelow-income51%100-199% FPL23%Less than100% FPL26%2The percentage of infants and toddlers living in low-income families (both poor and near poor) has been on the rise – increasing from 44 percent in 2006 to 49 percent in 2011. During this time period, the overall number of the very youngest children (children under 3 years old) decreased by 4 percent while the number who were low-income and poor increased by 7 percent and 17 percent, respectively. Has the percentage of infants and toddlers living in low-income and poor families changed over time?Percentage change of infants and toddlers living in low-income and  poor families, 2006–2011 2006 2011 Percent changeLow-income 5,211,591 5,592,674   7%Poor 2,535,419 2,967,444 17%05101520253035404550201120102009200820072006Percent (%)Infants and toddlers living in low-income and poor families, 2006–201126%49%21%44%Near Poor 100–199% FPLPoor Less than 100% FPLWhat was the federal poverty level (FPL) in 2011?2◆ $22,350 for a family of four.◆ $18,530 for a family of three.◆ $14,710 for a family of two.Is a poverty-level income enough to support a family?Research suggests that, on average, families need an income equal to about two times the federal poverty level to meet their most basic needs.3 Families with incomes below this level are referred to as low income:◆ $44,700 for a family of four.◆ $37,060 for a family of three.◆ $29,420 for a family of two.These dollar amounts approximate the average minimum income families need to make ends meet, but actual expenses vary greatly by locality. In 2011, the cost of meeting basic family needs was about $64,000 per year in Los Angeles for a family of four. In 2010, the cost was $57,000 in Newark, N.J., $47,000 in Billings, Mont., and $42,000 in Jackson, Miss.4 What is the 2012 federal poverty level (FPL)?◆ $23,050 for a family of four.◆ $19,090 for a family of three.◆ $15,130 for a family of two.  3How do infants and toddlers compare to the rest of the population?The percentage of infants and toddlers in low-income families surpasses that of adults. In addi-tion, children less than 3 years old are nearly three times as likely as adults 65 years and older to live  in poor families.Does the percentage of children in low-income families vary by children’s age?The overall percentages of chil-dren living in low-income and poor families mask important variations by age. Although chil-dren under 3 years of age repre-sent 16 percent of the population under 18 years, they are dispro-portionately low income. ◆	49 percent of children under 3 years old– 5.6 million – live in low-income families.◆	44 percent of children ages 3 through 17 years old – 26.8 million – live in low-income families.0 20 40 60 80 10065+years18 to 64yearsLess than18 yearsLess than3 yearsFamily income by age, 2011Above low-incomeNear poorPoor51%26% 23%55%22% 22%66%14% 19%66%9% 25%Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.Low-income  45%Low-income  34%Low-income  34%Low-income  49%Percent (%)Percentage of children in low-income and poor families by age, 2011010203040503–17 yearsUnder 3 yearsPoorLow-income44%26.8 million49%5.6 million22%13.1 million26%3.0 million4Does the percentage of infants and toddlers in low-income families vary by race/ethnicity?5Although black, American Indian, and Hispanic infants and toddlers are disproportionately low income, whites comprise the largest group of low-income infants and toddlers (37 percent).◆	35 percent of white infants and toddlers – 2.1 million – live in low-income families.◆	71 percent of black infants and toddlers – 1.1 million – live in low-income families.◆	30 percent of Asian infants and toddlers – 0.1 million – live in low-income families.◆	69 percent of American Indian infants and toddlers – about 62,000 – live in low-income families.◆	47 percent of infants and toddlers of some other race – 0.3 million – live in low-income families.◆	67 percent of Hispanic infants and toddlers – 2 million – live in low-income families.Does the percentage of infants and toddlers in low-income families vary by parents’ country of birth?6◆	65 percent of infants and toddlers with immigrant parents – 1.3 million – live  in low-income families.◆	46 percent of infants and toddlers with native-born parents – 4 million – live  in low-income families.020406080100HispanicOtherAmerican IndianAsianBlackWhitePoorLow-incomeTotalPercent (%)Race/ethnicity among infants and toddlers by family income, 20111%1%1%37%35%26%31%37%51%24%19%13% 2%3%4%5%5%5%Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.01020304050607080HispanicOtherAmericanIndianAsianBlackWhitePercent (%)Percentage of infants and toddlers in low-income and poor families by race/ethnicity, 2011PoorLow-income47%67%69%30%71%35%25%37%42%12%46%16%  5Parents’ Education7Higher levels of parents’ educa-tion decrease the likelihood that a child will live in a low-income or poor family. Yet, nearly one-half (46 percent) of low-income and over one-third (38 percent) of poor infants and toddlers have a parent with at least some college.◆	88 percent of infants and toddlers with parents who have less than a high school degree – 1.3 million – live in low-income families.◆	73 percent of infants and toddlers with parents who have a high school degree but no college – 1.7 million – live in low-income families.◆	34 percent of infants and toddlers with at least one parent who has some college or more education – 2.6 million – live  in low-income families.Parents’ Employment8Although infants and toddlers with a full-time, year-round em-ployed parent comprise about 43 percent of the low-income popula-tion, they are less likely to be living in a low-income family, compared to infants and toddlers with parents who work part-time/part-year or who are not employed.◆	32 percent of infants and toddlers with at least one parent who works full-time, year-round – 2.4 million – live in low-income families.◆	75 percent of infants and toddlers with at least one parent who works part-time or part-year – 2 million – live in low-income families.◆	87 percent of infants and toddlers with no employed parents – 1.2 million – live  in low-income families.Family StructureForty-six percent of children un-der 3 years of age in low-income families – 2.5 million – and 34 percent of children under 3 years old in poor families – 1.0 million – live with married parents.◆	34 percent of infants and toddlers with married parents – 2.5 million – live in low-income families.◆	76 percent of infants and toddlers with a single parent –  3 million – live in low-income families.What are the family characteristics of low-income and poor infants and toddlers?Percent (%)Parents’ education among infants and toddlers by family income, 2011020406080100PoorLow-incomeSome collegeor moreHigh school degreeLess than high school degree30%23%32%30%38%46%Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.020406080100Somecollegeor moreHighschooldegreeLess thanhigh schooldegreeNotemployedPart-timeorpart-yearFull-time,year-roundPercent (%)Percentage of infants and toddlers in low-income and poor families by parents’ employment and education, 2011PoorLow-income32%9%75%48%87%70%88%60%73%41%34%15%6Does the percentage of infants and toddlers in low-income families vary by where they live?RegionThe percentage of infants and toddlers in low-income families varies substantially by region. ◆	41 percent of infants and toddlers in the Northeast – 0.7 million – live in low-income families.◆	47 percent of infants and toddlers in the Midwest – 1.2 million – live in low-income families.◆	53 percent of infants and toddlers in the South – 2.3 million – live in low-income families.◆	49 percent of infants and toddlers in the West – 1.4 million – live in low-income families.Type of AreaSimilarly, infants and toddlers liv-ing in rural areas are more likely to live in low-income families compared to those living in urban areas. ◆	47 percent of infants and toddlers in urban areas – 4.3 million – live in low-income families.◆	58 percent of infants and toddlers in rural areas – 1 million – live in low-income families.Residential Instability and Home OwnershipResearch suggests that stable housing is important for healthy child development.9 However, infants and toddlers living in low-income families are more likely than other children to have moved in the past year and to live in families that rent a home. ◆	29 percent of infants and toddlers in low-income families – 1.6 million – moved in the last year.◆	17 percent of infants and toddlers in families with higher income – 1 million – moved in the last year. ◆	70 percent of infants and toddlers in low-income families – 3.9 million – live with a family that rents a home.◆	26 percent of infants and toddlers in families with higher income – 1.5 million – live with a family that rents a home.DCPercentage of infants and toddlers in low-income families by region, 2011South53% Northeast41%West49%Midwest47%010203040506070Not low-incomeLow-incomePercent (%)Residential instability and home ownership among infants and toddlers by family income, 2011Rent housingMoved within one year70%29%26%17%    7Are infants and toddlers in low-income families covered by health insurance?10Among all infants and toddlers, approximately 7 percent in low-income families and 7 percent in poor families are uninsured. Consistent with research suggest-ing older children are particularly at risk of being uninsured, infants and toddlers are less likely to be without health insurance cover-age compared to older children.11 Public insurance reaches the largest share of economically dis-advantaged infants and toddlers, covering about three-fourths (75 percent) of these children in low-income families and 86 percent of these children in poor families.◆	7 percent of infants and toddlers living in low-income families – 0.4 million – are uninsured.◆	22 percent of infants and toddlers living in low-income families – 1.2 million – are covered by private insurance.◆	75 percent of infants and toddlers living in low-income families – 4.2 million – are covered by public insurance.Percent (%)Percentage of children uninsured in low-income and poor families by age, 2011PoorLow-income0246810123–17 yearsUnder 3 years11%7%11%7%Type of health insurance coverage among infants and toddlers by family income, 2011Percent (%) PublicPrivate020406080100PoorLow-income22%75%86%11%8EndnotesThis fact sheet is part of the National Center for Children in Poverty’s demographic fact sheet series and is updated annually. Estimates published in this year’s fact sheet are directly comparable with last year (2010) but not with earlier years, as the data analyzed changed from the Current Population Survey (used in years before 2010) to the American Community Survey (ACS). Unless otherwise noted, analysis of the 2011 American Community Survey (ACS) was conducted by Sophia Addy of NCCP. Yumiko Aratani provided feedback that contributed to the analysis. Estimates include children living in households with at least one parent and most children living apart from both parents (for example, children being raised by grandparents). Children living independently, living with a spouse, or in group quarters are excluded from these data. Children 14 years old and under living with only unrelated adults were not included because data on their income status were not available. Among children who do not live with at least one parent, parental characteristics are those of the householder and/or the householder’s spouse. Special thanks to Morris Ardoin, Amy Palmisano, and Telly Valdellon.1. In this fact sheet, poverty is defined as family income less than 100 percent of the poverty threshold; low income is defined as family income less than 200 percent of the poverty threshold. 2. These numbers are from the federal poverty guidelines issued annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The demographic findings in this fact sheet were calculated using more complex versions of the federal poverty measure – the thresholds issued by the U.S. Census Bureau. Please see http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/11poverty.shtml for the 2011 poverty thresholds. For more information on measuring poverty and the differences between the federal pov-erty guidelines and the thresholds, see the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website.3. Cauthen, Nancy K.; & Fass, Sarah. (2008). Measuring income and poverty in the United States. New York, NY: National Center for Children in Poverty, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health.4. These figures were derived from NCCP’s Basic Needs Budget Calculator.5. In the most recent ACS, parents could report children’s race as one or more of the following: “White,” “Black,” “American Indian or Alaska Native,” or “Asian and/or Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.” In a separate question, parents could report whether their children were of Hispanic origin. For the data reported, children whose parent reported their race as White, Black, American Indian or Alaska Native, or Asian and/or Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and their ethnicity as non-Hispanic are assigned their respective race. Children who were reported to be of more than one race were assigned as Other. Children whose parent identified them as Hispanic were categorized as Hispanic, regardless of their reported race. 6. Children living in households with one immigrant parent and one native-born parent (approximately 0.8 million) are not included in these estimates.7. Parent’s education is the education level of the most highly educated parent living in the household. Parents can either have no high school degree; a high school degree, but no college; or some college or more.8. Parent’s employment is the employ-ment level of the parent in the household who maintained the highest level of employment in the previous year. Parents can either have no employment in the previous year, part-year or part-time employment, or full-time, year-round employment. Part-year or part-time em-ployment is defined as either working less than 50 weeks in the previous year or less than 35 hours per week. Full-time, year-round employment is defined as working at least 50 weeks in the previous year and 35 hours or more per week for more than half the year.9. Aratani, Yumiko. (2009). Homeless chil-dren and youth. New York, NY: National Center for Children in Poverty, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health.10. People can report more than one type of insurance coverage. Children not cov-ered by private or public health insurance at the time of the survey are considered uninsured. 11. Schwarz, Susan Wile. (2009). Adoles-cent mental health in the United States. New York, NY: National Center for Chil-dren in Poverty, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health.For comparable information about all children, see Basic Facts About Low-income Children: Children Under 18 Years, 2011, or about young children, see Basic Facts About Low-income Children: Children Under 6 Years, 2011, or Basic Facts About Low-income Children: Children Aged 6 through 11 Years, 2011, or about adolescent children, see Basic Facts About Low-income Children: Children Aged 12 through 17 Years, 2011.

Basic Facts About Low-income Children: Children Under 3 Years, 2011

Basic Facts About Low-income ChildrenChildren Under 6 Years, 2011Sophia Addy | William Engelhardt | Curtis Skinner January 2013Children represent 24 percent of the population, but they comprise 34 percent of all people in poverty.1 Among all children, 45 percent live in low-income families and approximately one in every five (22 percent) live in poor families. Young children under 6 years of age appear to be particularly vulnerable, with 49 percent living in low-income families and 25 percent living in poor families. Being a child in a low-income or poor family does not happen by chance. There are a range of factors associated with children’s experiences of economic insecurity, including race/ethnicity and parents’ education and employment. This fact sheet describes the demographic, socio-economic, and geographic character-istics of young children and their parents. It highlights important factors that appear to distinguish low-income and poor children in this age group from their less disadvantaged counterparts. 215 W. 125th Street, 3rd FloorNew York, NY  10027-4426Ph. 646-284-9600www.nccp.orgHow many young children under 6 years old in the United States live in low-income families?There are nearly 24 million young children under 6 years old in the United States.u	49 percent – 11.5 million – live in low-income families.u	25 percent – 6 million – live in poor families.FACT  SHEE TChildren under 6 years old by family income, 2011Low-income49%Abovelow-income51%100-199% FPL23%Less than100% FPL25%Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.2The percentage of young children living in low-income families (both poor and near poor) has been on the rise – increasing from 43 percent in 2006 to 49 percent in 2011. During this time period, the overall number of young chil-dren under 6 years old remained relatively constant, while the numbers who were low income and poor increased by 12 percent and 22 percent, respectively. Has the percentage of young children living in low-income and poor families changed over time?Percentage change of children under 6 years old living in low-income and poor families, 2006–2011 2006 2011 Percent changeLow-income 10,329,019 11,533,628 12%Poor 4,934,758 6,039,500 22%01020304050201120102009200820072006Percent (%)Children under 6 years old living in low-income and poor families, 2006–201125%49%21%43%Near Poor 100–199% FPLPoor Less than 100% FPLWhat was the federal poverty level (FPL) in 2011?2u $22,350 for a family of four.u $18,530 for a family of three.u $14,710 for a family of two.Is a poverty-level income enough to support a family?Research suggests that, on average, families need an income equal to about two times the federal poverty level to meet their most basic needs.3 Families with incomes below this level are referred to as low income:u $44,700 for a family of four.u $37,060 for a family of three.u $29,420 for a family of two.These dollar amounts approximate the average minimum income families need to make ends meet, but actual expenses vary greatly by locality. In 2011, the cost of meeting basic family needs was about $64,000 per year in Los Angeles for a family of four. In 2010, the cost was $57,000 in Newark, N.J., $47,000 in Billings, Mont., and $42,000 in Jackson, Miss.4 What is the 2012 federal poverty level (FPL)?u $23,050 for a family of four.u $19,090 for a family of three.u $15,130 for a family of two.    3How do young children compare to the rest of the population?The percentage of young children in low-income families surpasses that of adults. In addition, chil-dren under 6 years old are more than twice as likely as adults age 65 years and older to live in poor families.Does the percentage of children in low-income families vary by children’s age?The overall percentages of chil-dren living in low-income and poor families mask important variations by age. Although chil-dren under 6 years of age repre-sent 33 percent of the population under 18 years, they are dispro-portionately low income. u	49 percent of children under 6 years old – 11.5 million – live  in low-income families.u	43 percent of children 6 through 17 years old – 20.8 million – live in low-income families.Family income by age, 2011Above low-incomeNear poorPoor0 20 40 60 80 10065+years18 to 64yearsLess than18 yearsLess than6 years51%25% 23%55%22% 22%66%14% 19%66%9% 25%Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.Low-income  45%Low-income  34%Low-income  34%Low-income  49%010203040506–17 yearsUnder 6 yearsPercent (%)Percentage of children in low-income and poor families by age, 2011PoorLow-income43%20.8 million49%11.5 million21%10.0 million25%6.0 million4Does the percentage of young children in low-income families vary by race/ethnicity?5Although black, American Indi-an, and Hispanic children under 6 years of age are disproportion-ately low income, white children comprise the largest group of low-income young children, and children of Hispanic origin make up the largest group of poor young children.u	35 percent of white children under 6 years old – 4.2 million – live in low-income families.u	70 percent of black children under 6 years old – 2.3 million – live in low-income families.u	30 percent of Asian children under 6 years old – 0.3 million – live in low-income families.u	70 percent of American Indian children under 6 years old – 0.1 million – live in low-income families. u	47 percent of children under 6 years old of some other race – 0.6 million – live in low-income families.u	67 percent of Hispanic children under 6 years old – 4.1 million – live in low-income families.Does the percentage of young children in low-income families vary by parents’ country of origin?6u	65 percent of children under 6 years old with immigrant parents – 2.8 million – live in low-income families.u	46 percent of children under 6 years old with native-born parents – 8.2 million – live in low-income families.Percent (%)Race/ethnicity among children under 6 years old by family income, 2011020406080100HispanicOtherAmerican IndianAsianBlackWhitePoorLow-incomeTotal1%1%1%37%35%25%30%36%51%24%20%14% 2%3%4%5%5%5%Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.010203040506070HispanicOtherAmericanIndianAsianBlackWhitePercent (%)Percentage of children under 6 years old in low-income and poor families by race/ethnicity, 2011PoorLow-income47%67%70%30%70%35%25%37%42%12%45%15%    5Parents’ Education7Higher levels of parents’ educa-tion decrease the likelihood that a child will live in a low-income or poor family. Yet, nearly one-half (47 percent) of low-income and over one-third (38 percent) of poor young children have a parent with at least some college education.u	88 percent of children under 6 years old with parents who have less than a high school degree – 2.6 million – live in low-income families.u	72 percent of children under 6 years old with parents who have a high school degree but no college – 3.5 million – live in low-income families.u	34 percent of children under 6 years old with at least one parent who has some college or more education – 5.4 million – live in low-income families.Parents’ Employment8Although young children with a full-time, year-round employed parent comprise 45 percent of the low-income population, they are less likely to be living in a low-income family, compared to young children with parents who work part-time/part-year or who are not employed.u	33 percent of children under 6 years old with at least one parent who works full-time, year-round – 5.2 million – live in low-income families.u	76 percent of children under 6 years old with at least one parent who works part-time or part-year – 4 million – live in low-income families.u	88 percent of children under 6 years old with no employed parents – 2.4 million – live in low-income families.Family StructureForty-seven percent of young children in low-income families – 5.4 million – and 35 percent of young children in poor families – 2.1 million – live with married parents.u	35 percent of children under 6 years old with married parents – 5.4 million – live in low-income families.u	75 percent of children under 6 years old with a single parent – 6.2 million – live in low-income families.What are the family characteristics of low-income and poor young children?020406080100PoorLow-incomePercent (%)Parents’ education among children under 6 years old by family income, 201130%23%32%30%38%47%Some collegeor moreHigh school degreeLess than high school degree020406080100Somecollegeor moreHighschooldegreeLess thanhigh schooldegreeNotemployedPart-timeorpart-yearFull-time,year-roundPercent (%)Percentage of children under 6 years old in low-income and poor families by parents’ employment and education, 2011PoorLow-income33%9%76%50%88%72%88%60%72%39%34%15%6Does the percentage of young children in low-income families vary by where they live?RegionThe percentage of children under 6 years of age in low-income fami-lies varies substantially by region.u	40 percent of children under 6 years old in the Northeast –  1.5 million – live in low-income families.u	48 percent of children under 6 years old in the Midwest –  2.4 million – live in low-income families.u	52 percent of children under 6 years old in the South – 4.8 million – live in low-income families.u	49 percent of children under 6 years old years in the West – 2.9 million – live in low-income families.Type of AreaSimilarly, children under 6 years of age living in rural areas are more likely to live In low-income families compared to those living in urban areas.u	47 percent of children under 6 years old in urban areas –  8.7 million – live in low-income families.u	57 percent of children under 6 years old in rural areas –  2 million – live in low-income families.Residential Instability and Home OwnershipResearch suggests that stable hous-ing is important for healthy child development.9 However, young children living in low-income families were nearly twice as likely as other children to have moved in the past year and nearly three times as likely to live in families that rent a home.u	27 percent of children under 6 years old in low-income families – 3.1 million – moved in the last year.u	15 percent of children under 6 years old in families with higher income – 1.9 million – moved in the last year.u	68 percent of children under 6 years old in low-income families – 7.9 million – live with a family that rents a home.u	25 percent of children under 6 years old in families with higher income – 3 million – live with a family that rents a home.010203040506070Not low-incomeLow-incomePercent (%)Residential instability and home ownership among children under 6 years old by family income, 2011Rent housingMoved within one year68%27% 25%15%DCPercentage of children under 6 years old in low-income families by region, 2011South52% Northeast40%West49%Midwest48% 7Are young children in low-income families covered by health insurance?10Among all young children under 6 years of age, approximately 8 percent in low-income families and 7 percent in poor families are uninsured. Consistent with research suggesting older children in general are particularly at risk of being uninsured, low-income and poor children under 6 years old are less likely to be without health insurance coverage com-pared to older children in low- income and poor families.11 Public insurance reaches the larg-est share of economically disad-vantaged children under 6 years old covering 73 percent of low-income children and 85 percent of poor children in this age group.u	8 percent of children under 6 years old living in low-income families – 0.9 million – are uninsured.u	23 percent of children under 6 years old living in low-income families – 2.7 million – are covered by private insurance.u	73 percent of children under 6 years old living in low-income families – 8.4 million – are covered by public insurance.Percent (%)Percentage of children uninsured in low-income and poor families by age, 2011PoorLow-income024681012146–17 yearsUnder 6 years12%8%12%7%Type of health insurance coverage among children under 6 years old  by family income, 2011Percent (%) PublicPrivate020406080100PoorLow-income23%73%85%11%8EndnotesThis fact sheet is part of the National Center for Children in Poverty’s demographic fact sheet series and is updated annually. Unless otherwise noted, analysis of the 2011 American Community Survey (ACS) was conducted by Sophia Addy of NCCP. Yumiko Aratani provided feedback that contributed to the analysis. Estimates include children living in households with at least one parent and most children living apart from both parents (for example, children being raised by grandparents). Children living independently, living with a spouse, or in group quarters are excluded from these data. Children 14 years old and under living with only unrelated adults were not included because data on their income status were not available. Among children who do not live with at least one parent, parental characteristics are those of the householder and/or the householder’s spouse. Special thanks to Morris Ardoin, Amy Palmisano, and Telly Valdellon.1. In this fact sheet, poverty is defined as family income less than 100 percent of the poverty threshold; low income is defined as family income less than 200 percent of the poverty threshold. 2. These numbers are from the federal poverty guidelines issued annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The demographic findings in this fact sheet were calculated using more complex versions of the federal poverty measure – the thresholds issued by the U.S. Census Bureau. Please see http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/11poverty.shtml for the 2011 poverty thresholds. For more information on measuring poverty and the differences between the federal pov-erty guidelines and the thresholds, see the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website.3. Cauthen, Nancy K.; & Fass, Sarah. (2008). Measuring income and poverty in the United States. New York, NY: National Center for Children in Poverty, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health.4. These figures were derived from NCCP’s Basic Needs Budget Calculator. 5. In the most recent ACS, parents could report children’s race as one or more of the following: “White,” “Black,” “American Indian or Alaska Native,” or “Asian and/or Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.” In a separate question, parents could report whether their children were of Hispanic origin. For the data reported, children whose parent reported their race as White, Black, American Indian or Alaska Native, or Asian and/or Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and their ethnicity as non-Hispanic are assigned their respective race. Children who were reported to be of more than one race were assigned as Other. Children whose parent identified them as Hispanic were categorized as Hispanic, regardless of their reported race.6. Children under 6 years old living in households with one immigrant parent and one native-born parent (approxi-mately 1.5 million) are not included in these estimates. 7. Parent’s education is the education level of the most highly educated parent living in the household. Parents can either have no high school degree; a high school degree, but no college; or some college or more.8. Parent’s employment is the employ-ment level of the parent in the household who maintained the highest level of employment in the previous year. Parents can either have no employment in the previous year, part-year or part-time employment, or full- time, year-round employment. Part-year or part-time em-ployment is defined as either working less than 50 weeks in the previous year or less than 35 hours per week. Full-time, year-round employment is defined as working at least 50 weeks in the previous year and 35 hours or more per week for more than half the year.9. Aratani, Yumiko. (2009). Homeless chil-dren and youth. New York, NY: National Center for Children in Poverty, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health.10. People can report more than one type of insurance coverage. Children not cov-ered by private or public health insurance at the time of the survey are considered uninsured.11. Schwarz, Susan Wile. (2009). Adoles-cent mental health in the United States. New York, NY: National Center for Chil-dren in Poverty, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health.For comparable information about all children, see Basic Facts About Low-income Children: Children Under 18 Years, 2011, or about infants and toddlers, see Basic Facts About Low-income Children: Children Under 3 Years, 2011, or about young children, see Basic Facts About Low-income Children: Children Aged 6 through 11 Years, 2011, or about adolescent children, see Basic Facts About Low-income Children: Children Aged 12 through 17 Years, 2011.

Basic Facts About Low-income Children: Children Under 6 Years, 2011

Children represent 24 percent of the population, but they comprise 34 percent of all people in poverty.1 Among all children under 18 years of age, 45 percent live in low-income families and approximately one in every five (22 percent) live in poor families. Being a child in a low-income or poor family does not happen by chance. There are a range of factors associated with children’s experiences of economic insecurity, including race/ethnicity and parents’ education and employment. This fact sheet describes the demographic, socio-economic, and geographic characteristics of children and their parents. It highlights the important factors that appear to distinguish low-income and poor children from their less disadvantaged counterparts

FACT  SHEE TBasic Facts About Low-income ChildrenChildren Under 18 Years, 2011Sophia Addy | William Engelhardt | Curtis Skinner January 2013Children represent 24 percent of the population, but they comprise 34 percent of all people in poverty.1 Among all children under 18 years of age, 45 percent live in low-income families and approximately one in every five (22 percent) live in poor families. Being a child in a low-income or poor family does not happen by chance. There are a range of factors associated with children’s experiences of economic insecurity, including race/ethnicity and parents’ education and employment. This fact sheet describes the demographic, socio-economic, and geographic characteristics of children and their parents. It highlights the important factors that appear to distinguish low-income and poor children from their less disadvantaged counterparts.215 W. 125th Street, 3rd FloorNew York, NY  10027-4426Ph. 646-284-9600www.nccp.orgHow many children under 18 years old in the United States live in low-income families?There are more than 72 million children under 18 years old in the United States.u 45 percent – 32.4 million – live in low-income families.u 22 percent – 16.1 million – live in poor families.Children by family income, 2011Low-income45%Abovelow-income55%100-199% FPL22%Less than100% FPL22%Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.2The percentage of children living in low-income families (both poor and near poor) has been on the rise – increasing from 40 percent in 2006 to 45 percent in 2011. During this time period, the overall number of children of all ages increased by less than one percent while the numbers who were low-income and poor increased by 13 percent and 23 percent, respectively. Has the percentage of children living in low-income and poor families changed over time?Percentage change of children living in low-income and poor families, 2006–2011 2006 2011 Percent changeLow-income 28,530,186 32,379,884 13%Poor 13,078,106 16,105,863 23%What was the federal poverty level (FPL) in 2011?2u $22,350 for a family of four.u $18,530 for a family of three.u $14,710 for a family of two.Is a poverty-level income enough to support a family?Research suggests that, on average, families need an income equal to about two times the federal poverty level to meet their most basic needs.3 Families with incomes below this level are referred to as low income:u $44,700 for a family of four.u $37,060 for a family of three.u $29,420 for a family of two.These dollar amounts approximate the average minimum income families need to make ends meet, but actual expenses vary greatly by locality. In 2011, the cost of meeting basic family needs was about $64,000 per year in Los Angeles for a family of four. In 2010, the cost was $57,000 in Newark, N.J., $47,000 in Billings, Mont., and $42,000 in Jackson, Miss.4 What is the 2012 federal poverty level (FPL)?u $23,050 for a family of four.u $19,090 for a family of three.u $15,130 for a family of two.05101520253035404550201120102009200820072006Percent (%)Children living in low-income and poor families, 2006–201122%45%18%40%Near Poor 100–199% FPLPoor Less than 100% FPL 3How do children compare to the rest of the population?The percentage of all children under 18 years old in low-income families surpasses that of adults. In addition, children are over twice as likely as adults 65 years and older to live in poor families.Does the percentage of children in low-income families vary by children’s age?The overall percentages of chil-dren living in low-income and poor families mask important variation by age. Although chil-dren under 6 years of age repre-sent 33 percent of the population under 18 years, they are dispro-portionately low income.u 49 percent of children under 3 years of age – 5.6 million – live in low-income families.u 48 percent of children 3 through 5 years old – 5.9 million – live in low-income families.u 45 percent of children 6 through 11 years old – 10.9 million – live in low-income families.u 41 percent of children 12 through 17 years old – 10 million – live in low-income families.0 20 40 60 80 10065+years18–64yearsLess than18 yearsFamily income by age, 2011Above low-incomeNear poorPoor9%14%22%25%19%22%66%66%55%Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.Low-income  45%Low-income  34%Low-income  34%Percent (%)Percentage of children in low-income and poor families by age, 2011PoorLow-income0102030405012–17 years6–11 years3–5 yearsUnder 3 years41%10.0 million45%10.9 million48%5.9 million49%5.6 million19%4.7 million22%5.4 million25%3.1 million26%3.0 million4Does the percentage of children in low-income families vary by race/ethnicity?5Although black, American Indian, and Hispanic children  are disproportionately low income, whites comprise the largest group of all low-income children and Hispanics make  up the largest group of poor children under 18 years old.u 31 percent of white children – 12.1 million – live in low-income families.u 65 percent of black children – 6.5 million – live in low-income families.u 32 percent of Asian children – 1 million – live in low-income families.u 63 percent of American Indian children – 0.4 million – live in low-income families.u 45 percent of children of some other race – 1.4 million – live in low-income families.u 65 percent of Hispanic children – 11 million – live in low-income families.Does the percentage of children in low-income families vary by parents’ country of birth?6u 63 percent of children of immigrant parents – 8.4 million – live in low-income families.u 41 percent of children of native born parents – 22.6 million – live in low-income families.Percent (%)Race/ethnicity by family income, 20111%1%1%020406080100HispanicOtherAmerican IndianAsianBlackWhitePoorLow-incomeTotal36%34%23%32%37%53%24%20%14% 3%3%5%4%4%4%Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.010203040506070HispanicOtherAmericanIndianAsianBlackWhitePercent (%)Percentage of children in low-income and poor families by race/ethnicity, 2011PoorLow-income45%65%63%32%65%31%23%34%36%13%39%13% 5Parents’ Education7Higher levels of parents’ educa-tion decrease the likelihood that a child will live in a low-income or poor family. Yet, 47 percent of low-income children and over one-third (39 percent) of poor children have a parent with at least some college. u 86 percent of children with parents who have less than a high school degree – 7.4 million – live in low-income families.u 66 percent of children with parents who have a high school degree but no college – 9.7 million – live in low-income families.u 31 percent of children with at least one parent who has some college or more education – 15.3 million – live in low-income families.Parents’ Employment8Although children with a full-time, year-round employed parent comprise about 48 percent of the low-income population, they are less likely to be living in a low-income family, compared to children with parents who work part-time/part-year or who are not employed.u 30 percent of children with at least one parent who works full-time, year-round – 15.4 million – live in low-income families.u 75 percent of children with at least one parent who works part-time or part-year – 10.4 million – live in low-income families.u 89 percent of children with no employed parents – 6.5 million – live in low-income families.Family StructureAbout one-half of children (48 percent) in low-income families – 15.5 million – and 37 percent of children in poor families – 6 mil-lion – live with married parents.u 32 percent of all children with married parents – 15.5 million – live in low-income families.u 70 percent of all children with a single parent – 16.9 million – live in low-income families.What are the family characteristics of low-income and poor children?Percent (%)Parents’ education by family income, 2011020406080100PoorLow-incomeSome collegeor moreHigh school degreeLess than high school degree30%23%31%30%39%47%020406080100Percent (%)Percentage of children in low-income and poor families by parents’ employment and education, 2011PoorLow-incomeSomecollegeor moreHighschooldegreeLess thanhigh schooldegreeNotemployedPart-timeorpart-yearFull-time,year-round89%72%75%47%8%30% 31%66%34%86%56%13%6Does the percentage of children in low-income families vary by where they live?RegionThe percentage of children in low-income families varies sub-stantially by region.u 37 percent of children in the Northeast – 4.4 million – live in low-income families.u 42 percent of children in the Midwest – 6.6 million – live in low-income families.u 48 percent of children in the South – 13.2 million – live in low-income families.u 46 percent of children in the West – 8.1 million – live in low-income families.Type of AreaSimilarly, children living in rural areas are more likely to live in low-income families compared to those living in urban areas.u 43 percent of children in urban areas – 24.5 million – live in low-income families.u 52 percent of children in rural areas – 5.7 million – live in low-income families.Residential Instability and Home OwnershipResearch suggests that stable housing is important for healthy child development.9 However, children living in low-income families are twice as likely as other children to have moved in the past year and three times as likely to live in families that rent a home.u 21 percent of children in low-income families – 6.9 million – moved in the last year.u 11 percent of children in families with higher income – 4.3 million – moved in the last year.u 62 percent of children in low-income families – 20 million – live with a family that rents  a home.u 20 percent of children in families with higher income – 8.1 million – live with a family that rents a home.DCPercentage of children in low-income families by region, 2011South48% Northeast37%West46%Midwest42%010203040506070Not low-incomeLow-incomePercent (%)Residential instability and home ownership by family income, 2011Rent housingMoved within one year62%21% 20%11% 7Are children in low-income families covered by health insurance?10Among all children under 18 years of age, approximately 11 percent in low-income families and 10 percent in poor families are without health insurance coverage. Consistent with re-search suggesting older children in general are particularly at risk of being uninsured, chil-dren 12 through 17 years old in low-income and poor families are more likely to be uninsured compared to younger children in low-income and poor families.11 Public insurance reaches the larg-est share of economically disad-vantaged children, covering 67 percent of low-income children and 80 percent of poor children.u 11 percent of children living in low-income families – 3.4 million – are uninsured. u 27 percent of children living in low-income families – 8.9 million – are covered by private insurance. u 67 percent of children living in low-income families – 21.6 million – are covered by public insurance.Percent (%)Percentage of children uninsured in low-income and poor families by age, 2011PoorLow-income024681012141612–17 years6–11 years3–5 yearsUnder3 yearsTotal under18 years11%14%10%8%7%10%13%10%8%7%Percent (%)Type of health insurance coverage among all children by family income, 2011PublicPrivate01020304050607080PoorLow-income27%67%80%15%8EndnotesThis fact sheet is part of the National Center for Children in Poverty’s demographic fact sheet series and is updated annually. Unless otherwise noted, analysis of the 2011 American Community Survey (ACS) was conducted by Sophia Addy of NCCP. Yumiko Aratani provided feedback that contributed to the analysis. Estimates include children living in households with at least one parent and most children living apart from both parents (for example, children being raised by grandparents). Children living independently, living with a spouse, or in group quarters are excluded from these data. Children 14 years old and under living with only unrelated adults were not included because data on their income status were not available. Among children who do not live with at least one parent, parental characteristics are those of the householder and/or the householder’s spouse. Special thanks to Morris Ardoin, Amy Palmisano, and Telly Valdellon.1. In this fact sheet, poverty is defined as family income less than 100 percent of the poverty threshold; low income is defined as family income less than 200 percent of the poverty threshold. 2. These numbers are from the federal poverty guidelines issued annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The demographic findings in this fact sheet were calculated using more complex versions of the federal poverty measure – the thresholds issued by the U.S. Census Bureau. Please see http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/data/threshld/index.html for the 2011 poverty thresholds. For more information on measuring poverty and the differences between the federal poverty guidelines and the thresholds, see the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website.3. Cauthen, Nancy K.; & Fass, Sarah. (2008). Measuring income and poverty in the United States. New York, NY: National Center for Children in Poverty, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health.4. These figures were derived from NCCP’s Basic Needs Budget Calculator.5. In the most recent ACS, parents could report children’s race as one or more of the following: “White,” “Black,” “American Indian or Alaska Native,” or “Asian and/or Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.” In a separate question, parents could report whether their children were of Hispanic origin. For the data reported, children whose parent reported their race as White, Black, American Indian or Alaska Native, or Asian and/or Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and their ethnicity as non-Hispanic are assigned their respective race. Children who were reported to be of more than one race were assigned as Other. Children whose parent identified them as Hispanic were categorized as Hispanic, regardless of their reported race. 6. Children living in households with one immigrant parent and one native-born parent (approximately 4.1 million) are not included in these estimates.7. Parent’s education is the education level of the most highly educated parent living in the household. Parents can either have no high school degree; a high school degree, but no college; or some college or more.8. Parent’s employment is the employ-ment level of the parent in the household who maintained the highest level of employment in the previous year. Parents can either have no employment in the previous year, part-year or part-time employment, or full-time, year-round employment. Part-year or part-time em-ployment is defined as either working less than 50 weeks in the previous year or less than 35 hours per week. Full-time, year-round employment is defined as working at least 50 weeks in the previous year and 35 hours or more per week for more than half the year.9. Aratani, Yumiko. (2009). Homeless chil-dren and youth. New York, NY: National Center for Children in Poverty, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health.10. People can report more than one type of insurance coverage. Children not cov-ered by private or public health insurance at the time of the survey are considered uninsured.11. Schwarz, Susan Wile. (2009). Adoles-cent mental health in the United States. New York, NY: National Center for Chil-dren in Poverty, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health.For comparable information about infants and toddlers, see Basic Facts About Low-income Children: Children Under 3 Years, 2011 or about young children, see Basic Facts About Low-income Children: Children Under 6 Years, 2011 and Basic Facts About Low-income Children: Children Aged 6 through 11 Years, 2011, or about adolescent children, see Basic Facts About Low-income Children: Children Aged 12 through 17 Years, 2011.

Basic Facts About Low-income Children: Children Under 18 Years, 2011

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Basic Facts About Low-income Children: Children Under 6 Years, 2011

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