State of Working Colorado: Child Poverty – Kids in need

The child poverty rate is the percentage of children younger than 18 living in a household earning less than the Federal Poverty Level. From 2000 to 2009, the number of Colorado kids in poverty increased from roughly 110,000 to 210,000. That was the fastest growth in child poverty recorded in any state.

In 2009, that translated into child poverty rates of 17 percent; and 37 percent using twice the Federal Poverty Level. Disturbingly, both poverty measures are notably higher for children in Colorado than the state as a whole. Despite the record-setting growth of child poverty in Colorado, the state’s 2009 child poverty rate ranks only 30th worst among other states.
 
 

 
For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.