Poverty Rates In Many Chicago Neighborhoods Near 60 Percent
By John Dodge
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Significant proportions of Chicago, especially on the South and West sides, are living in poverty, according to U.S. Census data.
The New York Times collected that information and mapped poverty levels for major U.S. cities.
In Chicago, most of the South and West sides have 40 to 60 percent of residents living below the poverty level.
While the Census doesn't follow traditional Chicago neighborhood boundaries, areas of Englewood, Park Manor and Woodlawn have poverty rates above 60 percent.
Areas with the lowest poverty rates, ranging from 3 to 4 percent, include portions of Lake View and Lincoln Park.
Outside of Chicago's borders, areas of East Chicago and Gary, Indiana also have poverty rates above 60 percent.
The U.S. defines a family of four is living in poverty if it earns $23,283 or less.
For an individual to be considered in poverty, they must earn 11,945 or less.
A person working 40 hours a week, for all 52 weeks of the year at minimum wage in Illinois would make $17,160.
