Poverty Rates in Rhode Island
Providence and Woonsocket Have Much More Poverty than State Average
With a poverty rate of 11.6%, Rhode Island has the 25th highest poverty rate in the United States, a position that it shares with the state of Washington.
This is just slightly better than the poverty rate of Ohio, and just slightly higher than the poverty rates of Maine and Idaho.
Where the Worst Poverty in Rhode Island Occurs
The highest poverty rates in Rhode Island are found in the highly populated major cities of the state (25,000 or more people).
Two of the state’s seven major cities have a poverty rate that reaches critical levels (at least 50% above the state average). These cities and their poverty rates are the following:
- Providence (29.1%)
- Woonsocket (19.4%)
None of Rhode Island’s five counties have poverty rates that reach critical levels. In fact, only one of the five counties have a poverty rate above the state average at all, and this is Providence County with a poverty rate of 14.8%.
Why the Worst Poverty in Rhode Island Exists
People living in heavily populated urban areas like the cities of Rhode Island are completely reliant on the market for all of their most basic needs. These needs include utilities, food, shelter, and health care, among other things.
These needs are then all added up to equal the cost of living. If the cost of living is higher than the total income of a household, then we see pockets of poverty begin to form in these urban areas.
Many people do not realize that most people living in poverty do work. However, the jobs they work will usually offer bad hours for low wages.
With no chance to save up assets, the poor in these areas are also much more vulnerable to falling into poverty if anything at all goes wrong.
Some of the things that can push a low-wage working family into poverty are health crises, divorce with children involved, taking care of elderly parents, and an automobile accident.
All of this aside, it is important to keep in mind that the reasons for poverty are as unique as the individuals who live through it. Though finding trends in a specific area is important, no generalization can account for everyone.
What is Being Done about Poverty in Rhode Island
One great advocacy organization working to lower the amount of poverty in Rhode Island is the Poverty Institute at Rhode Island College, School of Social Work.
The Poverty Institute works toward expansions and improvements in anti-poverty and income support programs like cash assistance, health care, child care, food stamps and affordable housing.
In addition to this, the Poverty Institute also regularly tracks bills that will have an impact on working class people or the programs that aid them, and informs the community of any incoming or pending changes in policy.
Other people who greatly help reduce the amount of poverty in Rhode Island are people who give to national charities and outreach organizations.
Organizations such as the Red Cross, United Way, Poverty USA, Habitat for Humanity, and Second Harvest do a lot to keep poverty rates low. This is especially true in urban areas, such as the cities of Rhode Island.
Last but certainly not least, are national legislators who worked to raise the minimum wage. A higher minimum wage will make it easier for individuals and families to sustain themselves in major cities without federal assistance.
References:
United States Census Bureau
The Poverty Institute at Rhode Island College
