Why it matters: Poverty remains one of New Orleans’ most enduring and persistent challenges.
The big picture: The most recent data shows 18.1% of residents were below the poverty level in 2024, up from 16.4% in 2019.
- Childhood poverty saw the largest increase, jumping to 26%.
- Houston (21%), Philadelphia (20%) and New York City (18%) have the highest poverty rates among the country’s most populous cities.
By the numbers: The federal poverty income threshold is $15,940 for an individual and $31,812 for a four-person household with two children.
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- The national poverty rate was 12.9%…