Child poverty falls nationwide but increases in Columbus
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Columbus was one of just two major metros to see a notable increase in child poverty between 2024 and 2025, per new U.S. Census Bureau data.
Why it matters: Columbus is growing, developing and getting more expensive, all while tens of thousands of children and families grapple with life below the poverty line.
The big picture: Across the country, the percentage of children living in poverty is dropping.
- Nationwide, it fell from 15.5% in 2024 to 14.8% in 2025.
Yes, but: Not in Central Ohio.
- Or Baltimore, the other large metro area of at least 1 million residents to see a statistically significant increase.
By the numbers: From 2024 to 2025, the Columbus metro area's child poverty rate increased from 13.4% to 18.2%.
- That's an increase of nearly 24,000 kids in poverty, from 66,873 to 90,650.
- The rate skyrocketed within Columbus city limits — up from 22.4% in 2024 to 27.9% in 2025.
State of play: These numbers aren't surprising to those who work with children experiencing poverty.
- "I'm actually surprised the number's not even higher," says Gina Ginn, CEO of Columbus Early Learning Centers, which works with low-income families.
Reality check: In fact, a much higher percentage of children come from families who are struggling.
- The federal poverty level for a family of two adults and two children is just $32,649.
- That's why many organizations, like Franklin County CARES, prefer 200% of the poverty level as a metric.
- They report a shocking 48.3% of Columbus children were under that 200% level in 2024.
What they're saying: Columbus Councilwoman Melissa Green, a licensed social worker and chair of the city's health, human services and equity committee, tells Axios the area's economic growth has not "translated into economic security" for residents.
- "Social workers like me have been feeling the deepening of this divide … for a decade, and now you're starting to see it reflected on paper."
Threat level: Low-income families and the organizations that support them are dealing with continued federal and state cuts to programs they need.
- Mid-Ohio Food Collective has lost millions from state and federal cuts.
- The most recent state budget slashed $2 million from Children's Hunger Alliance.
- The state rejected a Gov. Mike DeWine-proposed $1,000 tax credit for families with kids under 7.
The last word: "At some point in time, we aren't going to be able to keep pace with how quickly families' needs are growing," Ginn says.
- "That's what keeps me up at night. … I don't know how we can continue to keep carrying more and more of the burden with less and less resources."