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Understanding Poverty Across New York Poverty in New YorkPoverty affects individuals, families, and communities across every region of New York State. Understanding poverty means looking beyond one number and considering the local conditions, barriers, and systems that shape economic security. View Poverty Reports Find a CAAPoverty is Local Poverty Looks Different Across New YorkPoverty is not experienced the same way in every community. In some places, the challenge may be housing affordability or transportation. In others, it may be access to child care, employment opportunities, health care, broadband, food, energy assistance, or other basic needs. New York’s Community Action Agencies work locally to understand these needs, connect people to services, and help communities respond to the causes and conditions of poverty. Poverty Can Affect Many Parts of Daily LifePoverty is about more than income. It can affect whether people can meet basic needs, plan for the future, and access the supports and opportunities needed to thrive. Basic NeedsFood, housing, utilities, transportation, health care, child care, and other essentials can become difficult to afford or access. OpportunityPoverty can limit access to education, job training, stable employment, reliable transportation, technology, and financial stability. Community Well-BeingWhen many households face economic hardship, communities may also experience greater strain on local systems, schools, employers, and service providers. Statewide Context Poverty Across Urban, Rural, and Suburban CommunitiesPoverty exists in every type of community across New York. Urban neighborhoods, rural towns, small cities, suburban areas, and tribal communities may all experience poverty differently. Local context matters. A household’s needs may be shaped by housing costs, wages, transportation access, household size, disability, age, language access, health needs, child care availability, regional job markets, or the availability of nearby services. Because these needs vary by place, Community Action Agencies use local knowledge, community partnerships, and data to help shape services and strategies that respond to the people and communities they serve. Data Snapshot One Number Does Not Tell the Whole StoryThe U.S. Census Bureau’s QuickFacts currently lists New York’s persons in poverty percentage at 14.0%. This statewide number is useful, but it does not show the full picture of how poverty differs by county, household type, age, race and ethnicity, disability status, housing costs, or local conditions. NYSCAA’s Poverty Reports provide a deeper look at statewide and county-level poverty indicators and are available on the Poverty Reports page. View Census QuickFacts View Poverty ReportsHow Community Action RespondsCommunity Action Agencies work with individuals, families, and partners to respond to immediate needs while also addressing longer-term barriers to stability and opportunity. Connect People to ServicesCAAs help people access programs, referrals, and resources that support stability and meet local needs. Build PartnershipsCAAs work with schools, governments, nonprofits, businesses, health providers, funders, and other community partners. Strengthen CommunitiesCAAs use local planning, community voice, and data to support broader work that addresses poverty at the community level. Learn More Poverty ResourcesPoverty GuidelinesView the federal poverty guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. View Poverty GuidelinesPoverty SimulationLearn more about the experience of poverty through NYSCAA’s poverty simulation resource. View Poverty SimulationNeed Help Finding Services?Community Action Agencies serve communities across New York State. Use NYSCAA’s directory to find an agency near you. Find a Community Action Agency |