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Local Poverty

Poverty is real in our area, and significant to those experiencing it. The statistics below indicate the realities of poverty in the five-county Traverse Bay region.


Number and Percentage of People in Poverty

 Local Poverty by County (Click for larger view) [Click here to view full size picture]
Local Poverty by County (Click for larger view)
In the Traverse Bay Region, it is estimated that 13,294 individuals were living in poverty in 2003, representing 8.2% of the population.

Poverty Perspectives

 

  • A person making minimum wage ($6.95/hr.) earns less than $14,500 a year.
  • A person making $12/hr. earns less than $25,000 a year.
  • 25% of households earn less than $25,000 annually.
  • 20% of the single, female headed households live in poverty.
  • 20% of high school dropouts live in poverty.

Federal Poverty Guidelines by Annual Income and Household Size

 Poverty Gap (click for larger view) [Click here to view full size picture]
Poverty Gap (click for larger view)
Federal Poverty Guidelines designate a poverty line of $20,000 per year for a family of four. According to Northwest Michigan Human Services Agency, costs of living for a family of four exceed that amount by $8,848.

Cost of Living in the Traverse Bay Region

 Costs of Living (click for larger view) [Click here to view full size picture]
Costs of Living (click for larger view)
Cost of living estimates for a family of four provided by Northwest Michigan Human Services Agency.


This page last updated on 3/4/2010.
 
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