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Show Poverty People who live in poverty suffer from higher mortality rates, increased incidence of disease, and limited access to health care services. The federal poverty level1 in 1989 as determined by the USD A was an annual income of $12,674 for a family of four. In 1994, the comparable poverty level2 for a family of four was $15,141. Despite comparatively low incomes, Utah has a relatively low proportion of people living in poverty. Both the per capita personal income and the total personal income per household in Utah are 1 U.S. Department of Commerce (1994) Statistical Abstract of the U.S. 1994 p 475. 2 U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of the Census (1995) Income. Poverty and Health Insurance 1994. Table A-2. Table 16. People Living Below the Poverty Level lower than in the U.S., but Utah's poverty rate is also lower than that of the U.S. A low poverty rate is one factor that contributes to a healthy population. Although Utah's low poverty rate gives a good indication of poverty levels in Utah relative to other states, it may not fully reveal the extent and nature of poverty within the state. Poverty statistics often exclude much of the homeless population (especially those who are unsheltered), those without telephones, and people who move frequently (the mobility rate is high among poor populations). These segments of the population are often most impoverished and, accordingly, suffer from many health problems. In addition, poverty statistics do not reflect special circumstances such as high numbers of college students who live in short-term poverty and usually enjoy relatively good health. 1979 1989 Total Persons Below % Below Poverty Level Poverty Level Total Persons % Below Below Poverty Level Poverty Level Utah U.S. 148,005 10.3 26,100,000 11.7 192,415 11.4 31,500,000 12.8 Utah as % of U.S. 88.0% 89.1% Childhood Poverty Utah's childhood poverty rate increased 17% from 1979 to 1989. Childhood poverty also increased nationally, rising 12%. The childhood poverty rate is determined by estimating the number of children who are under the age of 18 and living in a family (which they are related by blood, marriage, or adoption) with an income below the poverty level. The rise in childhood poverty can be at least partially explained by the rise in the number of children under the age of 18. As hinted at in comparisons of personal per capita income and total personal income per household, large family size serves to increase poverty rates. Children are the hardest hit by this. In addition, a high percentage of female headed households have incomes near or below the poverty line. The large increase in female headed households that has occurred over the last ten years may also help to explain the growing level of childhood poverty. Table 17. Childhood Poverty Year Persons Under 18 with Poverty Status Determined (in 1979 or 1989) Number Below Poverty Income (in 1979 or 1989) Childhood Poverty in Percentages Utah U.S. Utah U.S. Utah U.S. 1979 1989 530,690 622,104 62,654,139 62,278,655 56,986 78,041 10,025,623 11,161,836 10.7 12.5 16.0 17.9 44 Demographics |
