Complete Indicator Profile of Utah Population Characteristics: Poverty, Children Age 17 and Under
Definition
Percentage of children (age 17 and under) living in households whose income is at or below the poverty level.Numerator
Number of children (age 17 and under) living in households whose income is below 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL). The FPL depends on a family's income and the number of persons in the family, and is established annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Denominator
Total number of children (age 17 and under).Why Is This Important?
Poverty in the early years of a child's life, more than at any other time, has especially harmful effects on continuing healthy development and well-being, including developmental delays and infant mortality. Well-being in later childhood, such as teen pregnancy, substance abuse, and educational attainment, are also influenced by early childhood poverty.(1)Other Objectives
Utah's 42 Community Health IndicatorsHow Are We Doing?
In 2010, the most recent year for which we have data at the state level, an estimated 15.7% of Utah children aged 17 or under (approximately 135,400 Utah children) were living in poverty as defined as less than 100 percent of the poverty level. From 2008 to 2010, there was a 50% increase in the percentage of Utah children aged birth-17 living in poverty, from 10.5% to 15.7%.Children born into poverty are less likely to have regular health care, proper nutrition, and opportunities for mental stimulation and enrichment.
How Do We Compare With U.S.?
Utah has a lower proportion of children in poverty than the U.S. as a whole.What Is Being Done?
While the Utah Department of Health has no program designed to reduce the number of children in poverty, there are programs such as Medicaid and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) that pay for health care for eligible children.Available Services
For information on the Medicaid program:In the Salt Lake City area, call 538-6155.
In Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada, call toll-free 1-800-662-9651.
From other states, call 1-801-538-6155.
Medicaid Customer Service staff are available to take inquiries.
For information on CHIP and the PCN:
Call the Health Resource Line: 1-888-222-2542
CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program (for children 0-18)
Or visit the CHIP website at http://www.health.state.ut.us/chip
PCN: Utah Primary Care Network (for low-income adults)
Utah Children is a private, not-for-profit organization that advocates for children. Information about their activities may be found on their website - http://www.utahchildren.org
More Information
(1) October, 2002 "Room to Grow" website: http://www.roomtogrow.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46&Itemid=65Related Indicators
Relevant Population Characteristics
Being a younger or single parent increases the risk of living in poverty.Related Relevant Population Characteristics Indicator Profiles:
- Utah Population Characteristics: Education Level in the Population
- Utah Population Characteristics: Household Income
- Utah Population Characteristics: Household Structure
- Utah Population Characteristics: Poverty, All Persons
Health Care System Factors
Families in poverty are less likely to have private health insurance coverage. Many children living at or near the poverty level are eligible for public health insurance programs, such as Medicaid and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program).Related Health Care System Factors Indicator Profiles:
- Cost as a Barrier to Health Care
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Medicaid and CHIP Penetration
- Personal Doctor or Health Care Provider
Risk Factors
One of the best ways for adults to avoid poverty is to get a good education. Adolescents who give birth are more likely to live in poverty since they are more likely to limit their education.The association between poverty and health status is probably bi-directional. That is, persons with chronic mental or physical illness are less able to achieve their educational goals and get good jobs. At the same time, persons who have lower incomes are less able to afford health care and may have less healthy lifestyles. For instance, persons with lower education and income levels are more likely to smoke cigarettes and less likely to get regular exercise.
Related Risk Factors Indicator Profiles:
- Adolescent Births
- Utah Population Characteristics: Education Level in the Population
- Fair/Poor Health
- Health Status: Mental Health Past 30 Days
- Health Status: Physical Health Past 30 Days
- Activity Limitation
- Births from Unintended Pregnancies
Health Status Outcomes
Low socio-economic status is a risk factor for many diseases and health problems for persons of all ages. Children in poverty are at higher risk for health problems such as asthma and dental disease.Children in poverty are also at increased risk of hunger and poor performance in school. An important goal of services to children in poverty is to break the "cycle of poverty" in which children in poverty are raised in conditions that promote poverty in adulthood.
Related Health Status Outcomes Indicator Profiles:
- Blood Lead in Children
- Dental Caries Experience: Children Age 6-9
- Dental Sealants: Children Age 6-9
- Routine Dental Health Care Visits
- Dental Disease: Untreated Decay in Children Age 6-9
Graphical Data Views
Percentage of Children in Poverty by Year, Utah and U.S., 1995-2010
| Geog: Utah vs. U.S. | Year | Percentage of Children | Lower Limit | Upper Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | 1995 | 10.5% | 9.4% | 11.6% |
| Utah | 1996 | 11.3% | 9.3% | 13.3% |
| Utah | 1997 | 12.5% | 10.4% | 14.5% |
| Utah | 1998 | 14.0% | 9.9% | 18.1% |
| Utah | 1999 | 7.1% | 4.2% | 10.0% |
| Utah | 2000 | 11.6% | 8.0% | 15.2% |
| Utah | 2001 | 12.5% | 9.7% | 15.3% |
| Utah | 2002 | 12.5% | 9.9% | 15.1% |
| Utah | 2003 | 12.4% | 10.8% | 14.0% |
| Utah | 2004 | 13.2% | 11.4% | 15.0% |
| Utah | 2005 | 11.8% | 10.1% | 13.5% |
| Utah | 2006 | 12.6% | 10.9% | 14.3% |
| Utah | 2007 | 12.6% | 10.9% | 14.3% |
| Utah | 2008 | 10.5% | 9.7% | 11.3% |
| Utah | 2009 | 12.2% | 11.2% | 13.2% |
| Utah | 2010 | 15.7% | 14.7% | 16.7% |
| U.S. | 1995 | 20.8% | 20.1% | 21.5% |
| U.S. | 1996 | 20.5% | 19.8% | 21.1% |
| U.S. | 1997 | 19.9% | 19.2% | 20.6% |
| U.S. | 1998 | 18.9% | 18.2% | 19.6% |
| U.S. | 1999 | 16.9% | 16.2% | 17.6% |
| U.S. | 2000 | 16.1% | 15.5% | 16.7% |
| U.S. | 2001 | 16.3% | 15.8% | 16.8% |
| U.S. | 2002 | 16.7% | 16.2% | 17.2% |
| U.S. | 2003 | 17.6% | 17.3% | 17.9% |
| U.S. | 2004 | 17.8% | 17.5% | 18.1% |
| U.S. | 2005 | 17.6% | 17.3% | 17.9% |
| U.S. | 2006 | 17.4% | 17.1% | 17.7% |
| U.S. | 2007 | 18.0% | 17.7% | 18.3% |
| U.S. | 2008 | 18.2% | 18.0% | 18.4% |
| U.S. | 2009 | 20.0% | 19.8% | 20.2% |
| U.S. | 2010 | 21.6% | 21.4% | 21.8% |
Record Count: 32
Data Notes
Data from the 2010 American Community Survey (ACS). The ACS is conducted by mail to persons with mailing addresses, with telephone and in-person follow-up, like the decennial census. In 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau poverty threshold was $22,050 for a family of four. From the ACS: Data are based on a sample and are subject to sampling variability. The degree of uncertainty for an estimate arising from sampling variability is represented through the use of a margin of error. The value shown here is the 90 percent margin of error. The margin of error can be interpreted roughly as providing 90 percent probability that the interval defined by the estimate minus the margin of error and the estimate plus the margin of error (the lower and upper confidence bounds) contains the true value.Data Sources
American Community Survey.Percentage of Children in Poverty by County, Utah, 2009
| County | Percentage of Children | Lower Limit | Upper Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaver | 14.8% | 11.3% | 18.3% |
| Box Elder | 12.3% | 9.7% | 14.9% |
| Cache | 14.2% | 11.6% | 16.8% |
| Carbon | 19.1% | 14.8% | 23.4% |
| Daggett | 5.8% | 4.2% | 7.4% |
| Davis | 8.4% | 6.7% | 10.2% |
| Duchesne | 13.0% | 9.8% | 16.2% |
| Emery | 14.8% | 11.2% | 18.4% |
| Garfield | 18.5% | 14.0% | 23.0% |
| Grand | 25.2% | 19.1% | 31.2% |
| Iron | 20.7% | 16.3% | 25.1% |
| Juab | 15.9% | 12.0% | 19.8% |
| Kane | 18.3% | 13.9% | 22.7% |
| Millard | 19.8% | 15.2% | 24.4% |
| Morgan | 5.9% | 4.4% | 7.4% |
| Piute | 31.8% | 23.9% | 39.4% |
| Rich | 14.2% | 10.7% | 17.7% |
| Salt Lake | 13.1% | 11.5% | 14.7% |
| San Juan | 32.5% | 25.6% | 39.3% |
| Sanpete | 18.3% | 13.8% | 22.8% |
| Sevier | 16.9% | 12.6% | 21.1% |
| Summit | 9.5% | 7.2% | 11.8% |
| Tooele | 9.6% | 7.2% | 12.0% |
| Uintah | 12.1% | 9.3% | 15.0% |
| Utah | 11.0% | 9.2% | 12.9% |
| Wasatch | 11.5% | 8.9% | 14.1% |
| Washington | 19.0% | 15.3% | 22.6% |
| Wayne | 24.3% | 18.3% | 30.3% |
| Weber | 15.8% | 13.2% | 18.4% |
| State | 12.9% | 12.2% | 13.7% |
| U.S. | 20.0% | 19.8% | 20.2% |
Record Count: 31
Data Notes
The poverty level for a family of four in 2009 was $22,050. The U.S. Poverty Guidelines are published in January of each year, and may be found online at http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/09poverty.shtml.Data Sources
U.S. Census Bureau Small Area Income & Poverty Estimates, Model-based Estimates for States, Counties, & School Districts.Child Poverty by Local Health District, Utah, 2009
| Local Health District | Percentage of Children | Lower Limit | Upper Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear River | 13.6% | 10.7% | 16.5% |
| Central | 21.2% | 16.0% | 25.5% |
| Davis County | 8.4% | 6.7% | 10.2% |
| Salt Lake Valley | 13.1% | 11.5% | 14.7% |
| Southeastern | 30.5% | 23.6% | 37.4% |
| Southwest | 18.3% | 14.2% | 22.3% |
| Summit | 9.5% | 7.2% | 11.8% |
| Tooele | 9.6% | 7.2% | 12.0% |
| TriCounty | 10.3% | 7.8% | 12.9% |
| Utah County | 11.0% | 9.2% | 12.9% |
| Wasatch | 11.5% | 8.9% | 14.1% |
| Weber-Morgan | 10.9% | 8.8% | 12.9% |
| State | 12.9% | 12.2% | 13.7% |
| U.S. | 20.0% | 19.8% | 20.2% |
Record Count: 14
Data Notes
The poverty level for a family of four in 2009 was $22,050. The U.S. Poverty Guidelines are published in January of each year, and may be found online at http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/09poverty.shtml.Data Sources
U.S. Census Bureau Small Area Income & Poverty Estimates, Model-based Estimates for States, Counties, & School Districts.Percentage of Children in Poverty by Race and Age Group, Utah, 2007-2009
| RaceEth: Am. Indian, Asian, Black, Pacific Is, White | Age Group | Percentage of Children | Lower Limit | Upper Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Indian | Under 5 years | 37.3% | 25.3% | 49.2% |
| American Indian | 5 years | 39.9% | 18.1% | 61.6% |
| American Indian | 6 to 11 years | 33.2% | 26.1% | 40.3% |
| American Indian | 12 to 17 years | 34.6% | 25.6% | 43.5% |
| Asian | Under 5 years | 11.9% | 6.2% | 17.5% |
| Asian | 5 years | 2.7% | -1.6% | 7.1% |
| Asian | 6 to 11 years | 6.8% | 3.0% | 10.6% |
| Asian | 12 to 17 years | 18.2% | 9.9% | 26.4% |
| Black | Under 5 years | 24.9% | 11.7% | 38.2% |
| Black | 5 years | 18.9% | 5.2% | 32.6% |
| Black | 6 to 11 years | 21.6% | 8.6% | 34.6% |
| Black | 12 to 17 years | 20.1% | 9.5% | 30.7% |
| Pacific Islander | Under 5 years | 22.0% | 8.4% | 35.7% |
| Pacific Islander | 5 years | 24.2% | 5.3% | 43.1% |
| Pacific Islander | 6 to 11 years | 13.8% | 6.6% | 20.9% |
| Pacific Islander | 12 to 17 years | 20.9% | 11.9% | 29.8% |
| White | Under 5 years | 10.9% | 10.1% | 11.7% |
| White | 5 years | 11.0% | 9.7% | 12.3% |
| White | 6 to 11 years | 10.6% | 9.7% | 11.5% |
| White | 12 to 17 years | 9.0% | 8.2% | 9.7% |
Record Count: 20
Data Notes
Persons in race categories are only those who selected a single race. The U.S. Census Bureau poverty threshold averaged across 2007-2009 is $20,650 for a family of four. Data from the 2007-2009 American Community Survey (ACS). These 3-year estimates are based on data collected from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009. Data are based on a sample and are subject to sampling variability. The degree of uncertainty for an estimate arising from sampling variability is represented through the use of a margin of error. The value shown here is the 90 percent margin of error. The margin of error can be interpreted roughly as providing 90 percent probability that the interval defined by the estimate minus the margin of error and the estimate plus the margin of error (the lower and upper confidence bounds) contains the true value.Data Sources
American Community Survey. U.S. Bureau of the Census.Percentage of Children in Poverty by Hispanic Ethnicity and Age Group, Utah, 2007-2009
| RaceEth: Hisp, non-Hisp | Age Group | Percentage of Children | Lower Limit | Upper Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hispanic | Under 5 years | 22.6% | 19.7% | 25.6% |
| Hispanic | 5 years | 25.1% | 20.5% | 29.8% |
| Hispanic | 6 to 11 years | 23.4% | 20.8% | 26.0% |
| Hispanic | 12 to 17 years | 22.1% | 19.2% | 25.1% |
| Non-Hispanic | Under 5 years | 9.1% | 8.3% | 9.8% |
| Non-Hispanic | 5 years | 8.4% | 7.1% | 9.7% |
| Non-Hispanic | 6 to 11 years | 8.6% | 7.8% | 9.5% |
| Non-Hispanic | 12 to 17 years | 7.1% | 6.5% | 7.8% |
Record Count: 8
Data Notes
Hispanic persons may be of any race. The U.S. Census Bureau poverty threshold averaged across 2007-2009 is $20,650 for a family of four. Data from the 2007-2009 American Community Survey (ACS). These 3-year estimates are based on data collected from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009. Data are based on a sample and are subject to sampling variability. The degree of uncertainty for an estimate arising from sampling variability is represented through the use of a margin of error. The value shown here is the 90 percent margin of error. The margin of error can be interpreted roughly as providing 90 percent probability that the interval defined by the estimate minus the margin of error and the estimate plus the margin of error (the lower and upper confidence bounds) contains the true value.Data Sources
American Community Survey. U.S. Bureau of the Census.Percentage of Children in Poverty by Utah Small Area, 2000
| Utah Small Areas | Percentage of Persons |
|---|---|
| Brigham City | 3.0% |
| Other Box Elder Co. | 3.2% |
| Logan | 3.3% |
| Other Cache/Rich Co. | 3.2% |
| Ben Lomond | 3.7% |
| Morgan/East Weber Co. | 1.6% |
| Downtown Ogden | 8.1% |
| South Ogden | 3.2% |
| Roy/Hooper | 2.2% |
| Riverdale | 3.4% |
| Clearfield/Hill AFB | 3.8% |
| Layton | 2.7% |
| Syracuse/Kaysville | 1.7% |
| Farmington/Centerville | 1.0% |
| Woods Cross/North SL | 1.7% |
| Bountiful | 1.5% |
| Rose Park | 7.5% |
| Avenues | 3.3% |
| Foothill/U of U | 2.1% |
| Magna | 3.3% |
| Glendale | 8.6% |
| West Valley West | 3.0% |
| West Valley East | 4.9% |
| Downtown Salt Lake | 2.4% |
| South Salt Lake | 6.2% |
| Millcreek | 2.4% |
| Holladay | 1.5% |
| Cottonwood | 1.5% |
| Kearns | 3.0% |
| Taylorsville | 2.1% |
| Murray | 3.5% |
| Midvale | 4.6% |
| West Jordan No. | 2.6% |
| W. Jordan, Copperton | 2.3% |
| South Jordan | 1.0% |
| Sandy Center | 1.4% |
| Sandy, Northeast | 1.0% |
| Sandy, Southeast | 1.5% |
| Riverton/Draper | 1.1% |
| Tooele Co. | 3.1% |
| Lehi/Cedar Valley | 2.7% |
| American Fork/Alpine | 1.9% |
| Pleasant Grove/Lindon | 3.0% |
| North Orem | 4.0% |
| West Orem | 3.6% |
| East Orem | 1.3% |
| Provo/BYU | 2.9% |
| Provo South | 4.1% |
| Springville/Spanish Fork | 2.8% |
| Utah Co. South | 3.2% |
| Summit Co. | 1.8% |
| Wasatch Co. | 2.0% |
| TriCounty LHD | 6.3% |
| Juab/Millard/Sanpete Co. | 5.2% |
| Sevier/Piute/Wayne Co. | 5.3% |
| Carbon/Emery Co. | 4.7% |
| Grand/San Juan Co. | 10.5% |
| St. George | 4.3% |
| Other Washington Co. | 5.2% |
| Cedar City | 6.3% |
| Other Southwest | 4.1% |
Record Count: 61
Data Notes
2000 decennial census data refer to the previous calendar year (1999). In 1999, the U.S. Census Bureau poverty threshold was $16,700 for a family of four. A description of the Utah Small Areas may be found on IBIS at the following URL: http://ibis.health.utah.gov/query/Help.html.Data Sources
U.S. Bureau of the Census.
Page Content Updated On 10/06/2011,
Published on 03/07/2012
