Children raised in impoverished environments are at higher risk for a wide variety of health and social problems, including poor performance in school. The challenges they face in childhood can diminish their chances for successful adult lives.

In 2013-17, 20% of children in the region were living in poverty, comparable to the state rate of 21% and equal to the national rate. The regional rate increased from 14% in 2000 and 19% in 2008-12. Child poverty increased more in our region than in the state (up 1 point since 2000) and nation (up 3 points). Child poverty was concentrated in the City of Rochester, where the rate was 52% in 2013-17, a 5-point increase from 2008-12 and a 14-point increase from 2000. Children living in poverty in Rochester accounted for 71% of Monroe County's poor children in 2013-17, down from 78% in 2000; this indicates that there has been a considerable growth of children in poverty in suburban Monroe County.

Among the region's counties, child poverty was highest in Orleans at 25% in 2013-17, up from 16% in 2000. Most other local counties had child poverty levels close to the state level in 2013-17, though a few were below that level: Ontario (13%) and Seneca (14%). Child poverty rates increased from 2000 through 2013-17 in every county except Seneca and Yates, with the largest increase of 11 points in Genesee.

The multi-year figures are from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. The bureau combined five years of responses to the survey to provide estimates for smaller geographic areas and increase the precision of its estimates. The survey provides data on characteristics of the population that used to be collected only during the decennial census. Poverty status is not reported for people in institutions, including college dormitories and military barracks, and people in living situations without conventional housing. Data for this indicator are expected to be released in the fourth quarter.