Oregon's childhood poverty rates remain flat statewide
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — New census figures show that childhood poverty rates have improved for Portland and other parts of Oregon, but they were essentially flat statewide.
The Oregonian reports that the U.S. Census Bureau reported Wednesday that statewide poverty rates among school-aged children declined from 18.8 percent in 2013 to 18.7 percent in 2014. In 2007, the rate was 14.7 percent.
Child poverty rates improve in Portland, the greater Eugene area and around Salem for the first time since the recession. But poverty rates when up in some places, including Beaverton, Hillsboro and North Clackamas.
The yearly reports are used to determine how much extra funding each Oregon school district receives to help educate low-income students.
For 2014, the poverty line was $23,450 for a family of four.