Poverty in Washington
What is the poverty rate in Washington?
The poverty rate in Washington is 12.2%. One out of every 8.2 residents of Washington lives in poverty.
How many people in Washington live in poverty?
859,950 of 7,037,413 residents reported income levels below the poverty line in the last year.
How does the Poverty Rate in Washington compare to the national average?
Washington ranks 18th in Poverty Rate at 12.2%(poverty rankings by state).The Poverty Rate of Washington is moderately lower than the national average of 14.6%.
Washington Poverty Rate County Map
Washington Poverty Rate By Sex
What is the poverty rate for men vs women living in Washington?
Male
The Poverty Rate for men who live in Washington is 11.3%.
Female
The Poverty Rate for women who live in Washington is 13.1%.
Poverty Rate Disparity for Male vs Female Residents of Washington
Female residents of Washington are moderately(15%) more likely to live in poverty than males.
396,258 of 3,502,836 males in Washington live below the poverty line.
463,692 of 3,534,577 females in Washington live below the poverty line.
Washington Poverty Rate By Age
What's the Poverty Rate in Washington By Age?
Breakdown of Washington Poverty Rate By Age
- Children Under 6 in Washington have a Poverty Rate of 16.6%.
- Children 6 to 11 Years Old in Washington have a Poverty Rate of 16.0%.
- Adolescents 12 to 17 Years Old in Washington have a Poverty Rate of 14.8%.
- Adults 18 to 59 Years Old in Washington have a Poverty Rate of 12.3%.
- Adults 60 to 74 Years Old in Washington have a Poverty Rate of 7.8%.
- 75 to 84 Years Old in Washington have a Poverty Rate of 8.5%.
- Over 85 Years Old in Washington have a Poverty Rate of 10.8%.
Historical Washington Poverty Rate
| Year | Poverty Rate | YoY % Change | National |
|---|---|---|---|
2010 |
13.4% | 15.3% | |
2011 |
13.9% | 3.0% | 15.9% |
2012 |
13.5% | 2.0% | 15.9% |
2013 |
14.1% | 4.0% | 15.8% |
2014 |
13.2% | 7.0% | 15.5% |
2015 |
12.2% | 8.0% | 14.7% |
2016 |
11.3% | 8.0% | 14.0% |
2017 |
11.0% | 2.0% | 13.4% |
Washington Poverty Rate By Race
| Race | Population | Poverty Rate | National Poverty Rate | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Black |
251,919 |
22.7% | 25.2% | 3.5% |
American Indian |
91,418 |
25.3% | 26.8% | 1.3% |
Asian |
570,724 |
10.6% | 11.9% | 8.0% |
Pacific Islander |
45,057 |
17.6% | 19.0% | 0.6% |
Other |
288,191 |
22.8% | 23.8% | 4.0% |
Two Or More Races |
383,344 |
15.7% | 18.4% | 5.3% |
White |
4,916,673 |
9.8% | 10.3% | 68.6% |
Hispanic |
865,738 |
21.5% | 22.2% | 12.1% |
What's the Poverty Rate in Washington By Race?
22.7% of Black residents of Washington live below the poverty line.
The Poverty Rate of black residents in Washington is dramatically lower than the national average of 25.2%. 57,248 of 251,919 black Washingtonians live below the poverty line. Approximately 3.5% of the total population of Washington are black.
10.6% of Asian residents of Washington live below the poverty line.
The Poverty Rate of asian residents in Washington is the same as than the national average. 60,422 of 570,724 asian Washingtonians live below the poverty line. Approximately 8.0% of the total population of Washington are asian.
9.8% of White residents of Washington live below the poverty line.
The Poverty Rate of white residents in Washington is the same as than the national average. 483,465 of 4,916,673 white Washingtonians live below the poverty line. Approximately 68.6% of the total population of Washington are white.
21.5% of Hispanic residents of Washington live below the poverty line.
The Poverty Rate of hispanic residents in Washington is the same as than the national average. 186,188 of 865,738 hispanic Washingtonians live below the poverty line. Approximately 12.1% of the total population of Washington are hispanic.
Washington Poverty Rate By School Enrollment
Understanding where poverty hits hardest in Washington can be better understood by segmenting poverty by whether or not the resident is in school or not.
- Enrolled in School in Washington have a Poverty Rate of 17.3%.
- Not Enrolled in School in Washington have a Poverty Rate of 10.3%.
The Poverty Rate of Washington residents enrolled in school is moderately lower than the national average of 20.1%. This translates to 288,091 of 1,665,347 Washingtonians enrolled in school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 23.2% of the total population of Washington are currently enrolled in school.
The Poverty Rate of Washington residents not enrolled in school is moderately lower than the national average of 12.2%. This translates to 527,806 of 5,114,692 Washingtonians not enrolled in school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 71.3% of the total population of Washington are currently not enrolled in school.
Poverty for younger ages in Washington is seen as the most undesirable for the future of the community.
- Enrolled in Nursery School in Washington have a Poverty Rate of 12.7%.
- Enrolled in Elementary School(Grades 1-4) in Washington have a Poverty Rate of 16.2%.
The Poverty Rate of Washington residents enrolled in nursery school is dramatically lower than the national average of 18.0%. This translates to 12,968 of 102,210 Washingtonians enrolled in nursery school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 1.4% of the total population of Washington is currently enrolled in nursery school.
The Poverty Rate of Washington residents enrolled in elementary school(grades 1-4) is significantly lower than the national average of 21.2%. This translates to 57,218 of 353,185 Washingtonians enrolled in elementary school(grades 1-4) living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 4.9% of the total population of Washington are currently enrolled in elementary school(grades 1-4).
Poverty for developing children and young adults in Washington can have drastic impacts on graduation and college attendance rates.
- Enrolled in Middle School(Grade 5-8) in Washington have a Poverty Rate of 14.8%.
- Enrolled in High School (Grades 9-12) in Washington have a Poverty Rate of 15.3%.
The Poverty Rate of Washington residents enrolled in middle school(grade 5-8) is meaningfully lower than the national average of 19.0%. This translates to 50,988 of 343,737 Washingtonians enrolled in middle school(grade 5-8) living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 4.8% of the total population of Washington are currently enrolled in middle school(grade 5-8).
The Poverty Rate of Washington residents enrolled in high school (grades 9-12) is moderately lower than the national average of 17.7%. This translates to 55,052 of 359,088 Washingtonians enrolled in high school (grades 9-12) living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 5.0% of the total population of Washington 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 Washington have a Poverty Rate of 25.3%.
- Enrolled in Graduate or Professional School in Washington have a Poverty Rate of 15.3%.
The Poverty Rate of Washington residents enrolled in undergraduate school is slightly higher than the national average of 23.4%. This translates to 85,652 of 337,981 Washingtonians enrolled in undergraduate school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 4.7% of the total population of Washington are currently enrolled in undergraduate school.
The Poverty Rate of Washington residents enrolled in graduate or professional school is moderately lower than the national average of 17.2%. This translates to 12,269 of 80,202 Washingtonians enrolled in graduate or professional school living below the poverty line within the past year. Approximately 1.1% of the total population of Washington is currently enrolled in graduate or professional school.
Washington Poverty Rate By Place of Birth
What is the poverty rate for residents of Washington born US Citizens vs Foreign-Born?
11.8%
The Poverty Rate for residents of Washington who were born citizens of the United States is 11.8%.
14.9%
The Poverty Rate for residents of Washington who were born citizens of a country other than the US is 14.9%.
Poverty Rate for residents of Washington born US Citizens vs Foreign-Born
Foreign-born residents of Washington have a higher poverty rate than those who were born US citizens.
Of the 6,060,365 residents of Washington who were born citizens of the United States, 714,323 (11.8%) had income levels below the poverty line within the past year.
Conversely, 145,627 (14.9%) of 977,048 residents of Washington who were born citizens of a country other than the US reported income levels below the poverty line within the past year.
Washington Poverty Rate By City
| City | Rank | Poverty Rate | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
Aberdeen |
352nd |
23.3% | 16,281 |
Anacortes |
178th |
10.0% | 16,425 |
Arlington |
182nd |
10.1% | 18,884 |
Artondale |
80th |
5.7% | 12,937 |
Auburn |
255th |
13.6% | 77,440 |
Bainbridge Island |
53rd |
4.8% | 23,689 |
Battle Ground |
188th |
10.4% | 19,439 |
Bellevue |
125th |
7.4% | 139,014 |
Bellingham |
344th |
21.6% | 85,388 |
Bonney Lake |
131st |
7.6% | 19,560 |
Bothell West |
84th |
5.8% | 20,472 |
Bothell |
88th |
5.9% | 44,082 |
Bremerton |
315th |
18.1% | 39,584 |
Bryn Mawr-Skyway |
286th |
15.5% | 18,365 |
Burien |
281st |
15.2% | 50,729 |
Camas |
31st |
3.7% | 22,086 |
Centralia |
339th |
21.2% | 16,771 |
Cottage Lake |
20th |
2.8% | 23,941 |
Covington |
75th |
5.5% | 19,918 |
Des Moines |
223rd |
12.0% | 31,080 |
East Wenatchee |
312th |
17.7% | 13,624 |
Eastmont |
35th |
4.0% | 21,951 |
Edmonds |
95th |
6.1% | 41,309 |
Elk Plain |
250th |
13.4% | 14,280 |
Ellensburg |
377th |
34.1% | 19,307 |
Everett |
296th |
16.3% | 107,560 |
Fairwood |
54th |
4.8% | 19,531 |
Federal Way |
229th |
12.3% | 94,905 |
Ferndale |
271st |
14.4% | 13,171 |
Five Corners |
207th |
11.4% | 18,405 |
Fort Lewis |
294th |
16.1% | 13,920 |
Frederickson |
164th |
9.1% | 21,737 |
Graham |
103rd |
6.6% | 26,939 |
Hazel Dell |
226th |
12.1% | 21,449 |
Issaquah |
118th |
7.2% | 35,629 |
Kelso |
371st |
28.7% | 11,864 |
Kenmore |
135th |
7.7% | 22,154 |
Kennewick |
302nd |
16.7% | 78,858 |
Kent |
277th |
14.8% | 126,561 |
Kirkland |
101st |
6.5% | 86,772 |
Lacey |
172nd |
9.8% | 46,655 |
Lake Forest Park |
44th |
4.4% | 13,247 |
Lake Stevens |
146th |
8.3% | 31,022 |
Lake Tapps |
55th |
4.8% | 13,091 |
Lakeland North |
176th |
9.9% | 12,487 |
Lakeland South |
123rd |
7.4% | 13,982 |
Lakewood |
322nd |
19.3% | 59,102 |
Longview |
351st |
23.0% | 36,740 |
Lynden |
124th |
7.4% | 13,452 |
Lynnwood |
273rd |
14.4% | 37,242 |
Maple Valley |
48th |
4.5% | 25,375 |
Martha Lake |
157th |
8.7% | 18,566 |
Marysville |
161st |
9.0% | 66,178 |
Mercer Island |
43rd |
4.3% | 24,768 |
Mill Creek East |
65th |
5.1% | 20,514 |
Mill Creek |
87th |
5.9% | 19,706 |
Monroe |
201st |
11.2% | 18,149 |
Moses Lake |
265th |
14.0% | 22,038 |
Mount Vernon |
307th |
17.5% | 33,787 |
Mountlake Terrace |
132nd |
7.6% | 20,922 |
Mukilteo |
58th |
4.9% | 21,101 |
North Lynnwood |
195th |
10.9% | 20,626 |
Oak Harbor |
249th |
13.4% | 22,527 |
Olympia |
317th |
18.4% | 49,928 |
Orchards |
190th |
10.5% | 21,299 |
Parkland |
308th |
17.5% | 37,019 |
Pasco |
300th |
16.5% | 70,607 |
Port Angeles |
353rd |
23.3% | 19,419 |
Port Orchard |
245th |
13.1% | 13,476 |
Prairie Ridge |
142nd |
8.1% | 12,733 |
Pullman |
381st |
37.5% | 32,382 |
Puyallup |
192nd |
10.6% | 39,637 |
Redmond |
92nd |
6.0% | 60,712 |
Renton |
196th |
10.9% | 99,692 |
Richland |
174th |
9.9% | 53,991 |
Salmon Creek |
173rd |
9.8% | 21,068 |
Sammamish |
14th |
2.4% | 62,877 |
SeaTac |
285th |
15.5% | 28,597 |
Seattle |
231st |
12.5% | 688,245 |
Shoreline |
162nd |
9.0% | 55,431 |
Silver Firs |
28th |
3.4% | 22,937 |
Silverdale |
121st |
7.2% | 20,664 |
Snoqualmie |
5th |
1.3% | 12,944 |
South Hill |
138th |
8.0% | 56,379 |
Spanaway |
217th |
11.8% | 30,528 |
Spokane Valley |
269th |
14.1% | 94,424 |
Spokane |
323rd |
19.4% | 212,982 |
Sunnyside |
360th |
25.4% | 16,248 |
Tacoma |
304th |
17.0% | 207,280 |
Tukwila |
340th |
21.2% | 20,025 |
Tumwater |
171st |
9.7% | 22,005 |
Union Hill-Novelty Hill |
24th |
3.3% | 22,109 |
University Place |
205th |
11.3% | 32,528 |
Vancouver |
267th |
14.0% | 171,393 |
Walla Walla |
318th |
18.7% | 32,585 |
Washougal |
163rd |
9.1% | 15,241 |
Wenatchee |
234th |
12.6% | 33,544 |
West Richland |
168th |
9.5% | 13,797 |
White Center |
326th |
19.7% | 15,300 |
Yakima |
336th |
20.4% | 93,182 |
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 Washington
How are the Social Security Payments distributed throughout Washington? We breakdown social security benefits by city and county statewide and rank communities with the most and least social security income per capita.
Washington Social Security
Food Stamp Recipients in Washington
Which areas receive the most food stamp public assistance in Washington? We breakdown food stamps by city and county statewide and rank communities with the most and least food and nutrional supplements given to residents.
Washington Food Stamps