MassBudget: New Data on Income, Poverty, Health Coverage in MA

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Income, Poverty, and Health Coverage in Massachusetts According to information released today by the U.S. Census Bureau, the median income in Massachusetts fell 1.7 percent between 2010 and 2011--part of a trend of falling median income across the nation. In spite of the decline, Massachusetts remains among the states with the highest median income: $63,000 as compared to $51,000 nationwide. Along with this income data, the Census also included updated details on poverty, child poverty, and health coverage in Massachusetts. Although the poverty rate in Massachusetts was unchanged between 2010 and 2011, it is still higher than it was before the Great Recession began. Across the Commonwealth, one out of every seven children lives in poverty. Nationwide, that number is one in five. Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in health insurance coverage, and between 2010 and 2011 the rate of 18-24 year olds lacking health insurance declined significantly, from 8.7 percent to 7.5 percent. To provide fuller analysis, MassBudget is releasing separate factsheets for each of these measures: poverty, child poverty, income, and health coverage. Read our FACTSHEETS The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

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