Local Poverty Rates Higher Than National Averages
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Local Poverty Rates Higher Than National Averages
Baylor University experts said Tuesday that poverty rates for Waco and McLennan County are higher than the national rates released by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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(August 27, 2008)—Sociologists and demographic specialists at Baylor University’s Center for Community Research and Development said Waco and McLennan County poverty rates are higher than national rates released Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Census Bureau figures set the poverty rate for families at 9.5 percent in 2007 and for individuals at 13 percent.

But the Baylor experts said in 2007, the poverty rate for families was 21.9 percent in Waco and 13.7 percent in McLennan County and the individual poverty rate was 27.6 percent in Waco and 19.2 percent in McLennan County.

The local numbers have changed little since 1990, the researchers said.

“The local statistics are definitely a source of contemporary concern,” said Dr. Robyn Driskell, research director of the CCRD and a Baylor sociologist who specializes in demography.

“But, the greater concern is persistent poverty. At CCRD, we have compiled historical data, and the area just doesn’t show progress over time.”

http://www.kwtx.com/news/misc/27496469.html

Latest Comments

Posted by: SKJ Location: Waco on Aug 27, 2008 at 06:15 PM

If Mayor Dupuy and the governing bodies of Waco and McLennan County are so worried about the poverty rate in Waco, why don't they take a look at the payscale of the city and county employees? They make less than most other cities in Central Texas. Baylor police and Woodway public safety officers make more money than a city officer with alot fewer citizens to protect. 90% of the city/county police officers work two sometimes three side jobs just to keep their families afloat. Numerous employees cannot even afford medical insurance for their families because of the high cost they are charged by the city/county. It's easy to say bring in businesses, but why don't the powers that be save a little of the money they use in trying to lure businesses here, to raise the payscale of its current employees and make Waco a safer community.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:39 AM

its too easy to get on dope and steal things than it is to get a job. Alot of people watch too much tv and wan to live like a rock star with no incomejust the drugs
Posted by: empty pockets Location: centex on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:11 AM

I think the answer to Waco's high crime is right here in this article. Almost 20 years and the local politics can't make any changes to the quality of life here. Just shows who they are working for !!!
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