Poverty in Arizona
What is the poverty rate in Arizona?
The poverty rate in Arizona is 17.0%. One out of every 5.9 residents of Arizona lives in poverty.
How many people in Arizona live in poverty?
1,128,046 of 6,654,096 residents reported income levels below the poverty line in the last year.
How does the Poverty Rate in Arizona compare to the national average?
Arizona ranks 43rd in Poverty Rate at 17.0%(poverty rankings by state).The Poverty Rate of Arizona is moderately higher than the national average of 14.6%.
Arizona Poverty Rate County Map
Arizona Poverty Rate By Sex
What is the poverty rate for men vs women living in Arizona?
Male
The Poverty Rate for men who live in Arizona is 16.0%.
Female
The Poverty Rate for women who live in Arizona is 17.9%.
Poverty Rate Disparity for Male vs Female Residents of Arizona
Female residents of Arizona are moderately(11%) more likely to live in poverty than males.
522,398 of 3,275,200 males in Arizona live below the poverty line.
605,648 of 3,378,896 females in Arizona live below the poverty line.
Arizona Poverty Rate By Age
What's the Poverty Rate in Arizona By Age?
Breakdown of Arizona Poverty Rate By Age
- Children Under 6 in Arizona have a Poverty Rate of 26.2%.
- Children 6 to 11 Years Old in Arizona have a Poverty Rate of 24.5%.
- Adolescents 12 to 17 Years Old in Arizona have a Poverty Rate of 21.4%.
- Adults 18 to 59 Years Old in Arizona have a Poverty Rate of 16.7%.
- Adults 60 to 74 Years Old in Arizona have a Poverty Rate of 10.2%.
- 75 to 84 Years Old in Arizona have a Poverty Rate of 8.9%.
- Over 85 Years Old in Arizona have a Poverty Rate of 11.2%.
Historical Arizona Poverty Rate
| Year | Poverty Rate | YoY % Change | National |
|---|---|---|---|
2010 |
17.4% | 15.3% | |
2011 |
19.0% | 8.0% | 15.9% |
2012 |
18.7% | 1.0% | 15.9% |
2013 |
18.6% | 0.0% | 15.8% |
2014 |
18.2% | 2.0% | 15.5% |
2015 |
17.4% | 5.0% | 14.7% |
2016 |
16.4% | 6.0% | 14.0% |
2017 |
14.9% | 10.0% | 13.4% |
Arizona Poverty Rate By Race
| Race | Population | Poverty Rate | National Poverty Rate | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Black |
277,676 |
22.6% | 25.2% | 4.1% |
American Indian |
291,691 |
35.7% | 26.8% | 4.3% |
Asian |
209,129 |
13.1% | 11.9% | 3.1% |
Pacific Islander |
12,220 |
21.7% | 19.0% | 0.2% |
Other |
463,095 |
26.9% | 23.8% | 6.8% |
Two Or More Races |
230,591 |
18.4% | 18.4% | 3.4% |
White |
3,715,012 |
10.9% | 10.3% | 54.6% |
Hispanic |
2,050,972 |
25.1% | 22.2% | 30.1% |
What's the Poverty Rate in Arizona By Race?
22.6% of Black residents of Arizona live below the poverty line.
The Poverty Rate of black residents in Arizona is dramatically lower than the national average of 25.2%. 62,682 of 277,676 black Arizonans live below the poverty line. Approximately 4.1% of the total population of Arizona are black.
13.1% of Asian residents of Arizona live below the poverty line.
The Poverty Rate of asian residents in Arizona is the same as than the national average. 27,329 of 209,129 asian Arizonans live below the poverty line. Approximately 3.1% of the total population of Arizona are asian.
10.9% of White residents of Arizona live below the poverty line.
The Poverty Rate of white residents in Arizona is the same as than the national average. 405,553 of 3,715,012 white Arizonans live below the poverty line. Approximately 54.6% of the total population of Arizona are white.
25.1% of Hispanic residents of Arizona live below the poverty line.
The Poverty Rate of hispanic residents in Arizona is dramatically higher than the national average of 22.2%. 513,987 of 2,050,972 hispanic Arizonans live below the poverty line. Approximately 30.1% of the total population of Arizona are hispanic.
Arizona Poverty Rate By School Enrollment
Understanding where poverty hits hardest in Arizona can be better understood by segmenting poverty by whether or not the resident is in school or not.
- Enrolled in School in Arizona have a Poverty Rate of 22.8%.
- Not Enrolled in School in Arizona have a Poverty Rate of 14.3%.
The Poverty Rate of Arizona residents enrolled in school is moderately higher than the national average of 20.1%. This translates to 385,856 of 1,690,120 Arizonans enrolled in school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 24.8% of the total population of Arizona are currently enrolled in school.
The Poverty Rate of Arizona residents not enrolled in school is moderately higher than the national average of 12.2%. This translates to 675,873 of 4,717,115 Arizonans not enrolled in school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 69.3% of the total population of Arizona are currently not enrolled in school.
Poverty for younger ages in Arizona is seen as the most undesirable for the future of the community.
- Enrolled in Nursery School in Arizona have a Poverty Rate of 19.6%.
- Enrolled in Elementary School(Grades 1-4) in Arizona have a Poverty Rate of 25.0%.
The Poverty Rate of Arizona residents enrolled in nursery school is slightly higher than the national average of 18.0%. This translates to 16,604 of 84,511 Arizonans enrolled in nursery school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 1.2% of the total population of Arizona is currently enrolled in nursery school.
The Poverty Rate of Arizona residents enrolled in elementary school(grades 1-4) is moderately higher than the national average of 21.2%. This translates to 89,626 of 358,063 Arizonans enrolled in elementary school(grades 1-4) living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 5.3% of the total population of Arizona are currently enrolled in elementary school(grades 1-4).
Poverty for developing children and young adults in Arizona can have drastic impacts on graduation and college attendance rates.
- Enrolled in Middle School(Grade 5-8) in Arizona have a Poverty Rate of 22.4%.
- Enrolled in High School (Grades 9-12) in Arizona have a Poverty Rate of 21.6%.
The Poverty Rate of Arizona residents enrolled in middle school(grade 5-8) is moderately higher than the national average of 19.0%. This translates to 80,088 of 357,471 Arizonans enrolled in middle school(grade 5-8) living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 5.2% of the total population of Arizona are currently enrolled in middle school(grade 5-8).
The Poverty Rate of Arizona residents enrolled in high school (grades 9-12) is meaningfully higher than the national average of 17.7%. This translates to 79,697 of 369,789 Arizonans enrolled in high school (grades 9-12) living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 5.4% of the total population of Arizona are currently enrolled in high school (grades 9-12).
Adult students in college, graduate or professional schools generally bring employers, revenue and higher living wages post-graduation and are seen as a positive to the community.
- Enrolled in Undergraduate School in Arizona have a Poverty Rate of 23.9%.
- Enrolled in Graduate or Professional School in Arizona have a Poverty Rate of 17.6%.
The Poverty Rate of Arizona residents enrolled in undergraduate school is slightly higher than the national average of 23.4%. This translates to 84,822 of 355,618 Arizonans enrolled in undergraduate school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 5.2% of the total population of Arizona are currently enrolled in undergraduate school.
The Poverty Rate of Arizona residents enrolled in graduate or professional school is slightly higher than the national average of 17.2%. This translates to 13,786 of 78,521 Arizonans enrolled in graduate or professional school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 1.2% of the total population of Arizona is currently enrolled in graduate or professional school.
Arizona Poverty Rate By Place of Birth
What is the poverty rate for residents of Arizona born US Citizens vs Foreign-Born?
16.0%
The Poverty Rate for residents of Arizona who were born citizens of the United States is 16.0%.
23.2%
The Poverty Rate for residents of Arizona who were born citizens of a country other than the US is 23.2%.
Poverty Rate for residents of Arizona born US Citizens vs Foreign-Born
Foreign-born residents of Arizona have a higher poverty rate than those who were born US citizens.
Of the 5,759,273 residents of Arizona who were born citizens of the United States, 920,207 (16.0%) had income levels below the poverty line within the past year.
Conversely, 207,839 (23.2%) of 894,823 residents of Arizona who were born citizens of a country other than the US reported income levels below the poverty line within the past year.
Arizona Poverty Rate By City
| City | Rank | Poverty Rate | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
Anthem |
7th |
4.4% | 22,980 |
Apache Junction |
116th |
20.4% | 38,452 |
Arizona City |
114th |
20.4% | 11,030 |
Avondale |
88th |
16.3% | 81,590 |
Avra Valley |
109th |
19.9% | 5,227 |
Benson |
145th |
25.9% | 4,916 |
Bisbee |
146th |
26.3% | 5,261 |
Buckeye |
64th |
12.9% | 62,090 |
Bullhead City |
106th |
19.3% | 39,824 |
Camp Verde |
128th |
22.8% | 11,091 |
Casa Grande |
101st |
17.9% | 52,501 |
Casas Adobes |
47th |
10.0% | 68,919 |
Catalina Foothills |
21st |
6.2% | 50,202 |
Catalina |
46th |
9.9% | 7,751 |
Cave Creek |
27th |
7.5% | 5,423 |
Chandler |
39th |
9.1% | 245,160 |
Chinle |
198th |
49.0% | 5,698 |
Chino Valley |
66th |
13.1% | 11,155 |
Citrus Park |
3rd |
2.3% | 4,924 |
Coolidge |
137th |
24.2% | 12,221 |
Corona de Tucson |
2nd |
1.8% | 7,583 |
Cottonwood |
115th |
20.4% | 11,634 |
Doney Park |
28th |
7.6% | 5,522 |
Douglas |
165th |
31.9% | 16,576 |
Drexel Heights |
110th |
19.9% | 28,187 |
Eagar |
60th |
11.9% | 4,894 |
El Mirage |
93rd |
17.0% | 34,400 |
Eloy |
166th |
32.5% | 17,537 |
Flagstaff |
123rd |
21.7% | 69,903 |
Florence |
77th |
14.6% | 26,066 |
Flowing Wells |
144th |
25.4% | 14,972 |
Fort Mohave |
50th |
10.7% | 14,583 |
Fortuna Foothills |
51st |
10.8% | 28,200 |
Fountain Hills |
9th |
4.9% | 24,047 |
Gilbert |
19th |
5.9% | 232,176 |
Glendale |
112th |
20.3% | 241,543 |
Globe |
111th |
20.2% | 7,341 |
Golden Valley |
129th |
23.3% | 8,694 |
Goodyear |
36th |
8.7% | 74,953 |
Green Valley |
12th |
5.5% | 21,912 |
Guadalupe |
169th |
32.7% | 6,270 |
Holbrook |
124th |
22.0% | 5,005 |
Kingman |
107th |
19.4% | 28,855 |
Lake Havasu City |
57th |
11.4% | 53,463 |
Lake Montezuma |
117th |
20.5% | 5,013 |
Litchfield Park |
45th |
9.7% | 5,686 |
Marana |
34th |
8.2% | 41,720 |
Maricopa |
32nd |
8.1% | 46,248 |
Mesa |
84th |
15.8% | 479,317 |
New Kingman-Butler |
159th |
30.0% | 13,060 |
New River |
13th |
5.5% | 14,847 |
Nogales |
156th |
29.4% | 20,233 |
Oro Valley |
16th |
5.8% | 42,889 |
Page |
97th |
17.4% | 7,515 |
Paradise Valley |
15th |
5.8% | 13,961 |
Paulden |
91st |
16.7% | 5,064 |
Payson |
58th |
11.7% | 15,338 |
Peoria |
33rd |
8.2% | 161,383 |
Phoenix |
118th |
20.9% | 1,574,421 |
Picture Rocks |
70th |
13.7% | 8,666 |
Prescott Valley |
80th |
15.0% | 41,995 |
Prescott |
73rd |
13.9% | 41,468 |
Queen Creek |
29th |
7.9% | 33,298 |
Rincon Valley |
20th |
5.9% | 6,151 |
Rio Rico |
82nd |
15.8% | 18,891 |
Saddlebrooke |
8th |
4.8% | 10,300 |
Safford |
95th |
17.2% | 9,662 |
Sahuarita |
22nd |
6.5% | 28,257 |
San Luis |
150th |
27.5% | 31,509 |
San Tan Valley |
56th |
11.4% | 90,665 |
Scottsdale |
37th |
8.9% | 239,283 |
Sedona |
54th |
10.9% | 10,246 |
Show Low |
113th |
20.4% | 10,860 |
Sierra Vista Southeast |
59th |
11.7% | 15,591 |
Sierra Vista |
76th |
14.2% | 43,585 |
Snowflake |
68th |
13.3% | 5,668 |
Somerton |
155th |
29.2% | 15,508 |
South Tucson |
193rd |
46.2% | 5,624 |
Summit |
164th |
31.4% | 5,349 |
Sun City West |
24th |
6.8% | 25,085 |
Sun City |
41st |
9.1% | 39,000 |
Sun Lakes |
14th |
5.6% | 14,800 |
Surprise |
42nd |
9.1% | 129,534 |
Tanque Verde |
10th |
5.1% | 16,197 |
Tempe |
121st |
21.3% | 178,339 |
Thatcher |
83rd |
15.8% | 4,982 |
Three Points |
154th |
29.1% | 5,453 |
Tolleson |
130th |
23.3% | 7,052 |
Tuba City |
162nd |
31.1% | 9,022 |
Tucson Estates |
81st |
15.3% | 12,047 |
Tucson |
134th |
24.1% | 530,905 |
Vail |
38th |
8.9% | 11,735 |
Valencia West |
65th |
13.0% | 11,468 |
Verde Village |
100th |
17.9% | 12,584 |
Village of Oak Creek (Big Park) |
26th |
7.1% | 6,436 |
Wickenburg |
75th |
14.2% | 6,906 |
Williamson |
11th |
5.2% | 5,108 |
Winslow |
140th |
24.7% | 9,517 |
Youngtown |
127th |
22.7% | 6,625 |
Yuma |
92nd |
16.9% | 93,851 |
Research & Reports
National Poverty Statistics
Where are the most poverty-stricken areas in your state? We breakdown over 3,000 counties nationwide and show the rank the best and worst communities by poverty rate in your area.
See Poverty Statistics
Social Security Payments in Arizona
How are the Social Security Payments distributed throughout Arizona? We breakdown social security benefits by city and county statewide and rank communities with the most and least social security income per capita.
Arizona Social Security
Food Stamp Recipients in Arizona
Which areas receive the most food stamp public assistance in Arizona? We breakdown food stamps by city and county statewide and rank communities with the most and least food and nutrional supplements given to residents.
Arizona Food Stamps