Census: More kids living in poverty in D.C. area

Associated Press//November 30, 2011//

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WASHINGTON — New U.S. Census figures show the number of school-age children living in poverty jumped significantly in Washington and in Montgomery County during the recession.

In the District of Columbia, the rate increased from 25.4 percent in 2007 to 30.5 percent in 2010. The Washington Examiner reports that the district is one of 73 jurisdictions nationwide to surpass the 30-percent poverty mark for children ages 5 to 17.

In Montgomery County, the poverty rate increased from 5.4 percent in 2007 to 9 percent in 2010. That’s an increase of more than 6,500 children.

Economist Anirban Basu of the Sage Policy Group says the district was hit hard because of the downturn in retail, construction and real estate. He says Montgomery’s figures reflect its booming immigrant population.

Tags: washington, Anirban Basu, Montgomery County, District of Columbia, poverty, census, economist

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