Charted: Progress in poverty levels

The number of Northwest Arkansas residents earning less than the poverty threshold for their family size decreased for most major demographics between 2019 and 2024.

• The data come from a recent U.S. Census Bureau report on poverty.
• The only increase noted in the report was for high school graduates under age 25.

Of note: Benton County saw the most wage growth among large U.S. counties between the first quarters of 2024 and 2025.

• The average weekly pay was up 14.6%.