Phoenix poverty falls to lowest level in years
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Poverty in metro Phoenix declined between 2019 and 2024 and sits at a lower level than in similarly sized U.S. cities, according to newly released U.S. Census Bureau data.
Why it matters: The improvement is another feather in the cap for state and local leaders who worked to make Phoenix's economy more resilient following the Great Recession, which was particularly devastating in the Valley.
By the numbers: The percentage of Phoenix residents living below the poverty level fell to 10.3% last year, from 12.1% in 2019.
- The federal poverty threshold is an annual income of $32,130 for a family of four.
Zoom in: Poverty decreased most significantly among Phoenix residents under 18 years old, the data reveals.
- The childhood poverty rate fell from 17.2% to 12.5% between 2019 and 2024.
- First Things First, Arizona's early childhood agency, has attributed the declining rate to rising wages, more single mothers participating in the workforce, and social safety net programs.
Reality check: The child poverty rate in Phoenix remains higher than the adult poverty rate.
The intrigue: Between 2019 and 2024, poverty declined among residents without a high school diploma (22.4% to 20.3%) and rose slightly among those with a college degree (4.4% to 4.6%).
- Yes, but: College attainment is still a chief indicator of economic prosperity.
Zoom out: Phoenix had a lower 2024 poverty rate than similarly populated Houston (14.3%) and Philadelphia (10.8%) and all U.S. cities with larger populations.