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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 level in 1989, as determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was an annual income of $12,674 for a family of four. In 1995, the comparable poverty level for a family of four was $15, 569. Despite comparatively low income average, Utah has a relatively low proportion of people living in poverty. Both per capita personal income and total personal income per household in Utah are 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 a factor that contributes to a healthy population. Table 14. People Living Below the Poverty Level 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 may frequently 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. 1989 1995 1996 Total Persons Below Poverty Level % Below Poverty Level Total Persons Below Poverty Level % Below Poverty Level Total Persons Below Poverty Level % Below Poverty Level Utah 192,415 11.4 168,000 8.4 153,000 7.7 U.S. 31,500,000 12.8 36,425,000 13.8 36,529,000 13.7 * The 1989 figures are derived from the national Census. The 1995 figures are from the current population survey. Table 14 . Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (1999). Statistical Abstract of the United States 1998. Availible: [online] Http://www.census.gov *Table 15 provides a geographic breakdown and changes the measure to families rather than persons. 62 |