Houston Leads US Cities with 21.2% Poverty Rate

Houston has the highest poverty rate among the ten most populous U.S. cities, with about 21.2% of residents living at or below the poverty line, surpassing Philadelphia and New York City. The city also leads in child poverty, with nearly one-third of children living in poverty. Experts attribute Houston's high poverty rate to factors such as rapid city growth polarizing the job market into low-wage service roles and productivity sectors, as well as concerns about job opportunities linked to economic policies under President Donald Trump. Similarly, Memphis faces a significant child poverty crisis, with a rate of 27.8% in the metro area, which experts link to increased crime and social trauma. Community leaders in Memphis emphasize the need for more high-paying jobs and programs to support children as a way to reduce poverty and its associated problems. Both cities highlight the urgent need for economic and social interventions to address persistent poverty and its impacts on children and families.