The U.S Census Bureau yesterday released 2016 estimates of population, poverty, income, and other demographic indicators from its American Community Survey and Current Population Survey. Nationwide, the official poverty rate dropped from 13.5% to 12.7%, with 2.5 million fewer Americans living below the federal poverty level than in 2015. Median household income increased nationwide, although there was no significant increase in the Midwestern states.
Early analysis of Johnson County data indicates that unlike the nationwide trend, more people were identified as living poverty in 2016 than in 2015, with approximately 32,440 Johnson County residents living in households with income below the federal poverty level. The rate of children living in poverty decreased, while poverty in young adults and seniors increased. Overall, 5.6% of Johnson County residents live in poverty, compared to 5.3% in 2015.