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What Do You Know About Poverty in NYC?

The Impact of Poverty on Health

Poverty is a significant determinant of health outcomes, influencing various aspects of physical, mental, and social well-being. Individuals living in poverty face numerous challenges that adversely affect their health, often leading to a cycle of poor health and persistent poverty.

One of the most direct impacts of poverty on health is the limited access to healthcare services. Low-income individuals often lack health insurance, making it difficult to afford necessary medical treatments, preventive care, and medications. This can lead to untreated illnesses and conditions that worsen over time, increasing the risk of severe health problems.

Nutrition and Diet

Economic constraints can severely limit access to nutritious food. People living in poverty may rely on cheaper, less nutritious options, leading to poor diet and associated health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Hospital

2X

Psychiatric hospitalization

The highest poverty neighborhoods have over twice as many psychiatric hospitalizations per capita as the lowest poverty neighborhoods in New York City. 

Health clock

2X

Work-limiting health conditions

Work-limiting health conditions are roughly twice as common among low-income New Yorkers and those in poverty versus higher-income New Yorkers. 

Mental Health

57.4%

Poor Mental Health

More than half (57.4%) of food-insufficient New Yorkers had poor mental health—nearly twice the rate of food-sufficient New Yorkers (29.2%). 

Why Our Work at Children’s Aid is Crucial

The statistics above illustrate the critical importance of the work we do at Children’s Aid. We believe all children have limitless potential. However, for those surrounded by poverty and instability, the barriers to success can seem insurmountably high.

Poverty is a social determinant of health that can affect mental health throughout a person's life. It can limit access to:

  • Nutrition
  • Shelter
  • Safe neighborhoods
  • Clean air and water
  • Utilities
  • Family and neighborhood resources

Additionally, poverty can lead to mental health issues through environmental stresses such as pollution, temperature extremes, and challenging sleep environments. 

Our Commitment to Breaking the Cycle

For 170 years, Children’s Aid has been dedicated to helping children and families thrive by providing comprehensive support. Our staff—comprising teachers, social workers, coaches, and healthcare providers—are committed to ensuring that children grow up healthy and strong. We are making a significant impact on the 50,000 children, youth, and families we serve. Read more about our work and see how we are making a difference in the lives of those affected by poverty.

How We Tackle Health Disparities

How we connect children and youth with the tools to learn, grow, and lead.
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Do you want to join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of 50,000 children, youth, and families in New York City? Here are ways you can support our mission:

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Did you take our quiz on poverty in NYC?

See below for the correct answers:

How does poverty affect a child’s development?

All of the above. Poverty can significantly impact a child's development, leading to speech, learning, and emotional issues. It also increases the risk of health problems, including heart disease, hypertension, stroke, obesity, and certain cancers. Children in poverty often face environmental risks such as pollution, food insecurity, housing instability, and crime, which can cause stress, behavioral problems, and substance abuse later in life.

New Yorkers facing poverty were how many times more likely to have serious psychological distress?

Among New Yorkers who experienced poverty or material hardship, 48% had high healthcare needs, 1.5 times more likely than those not facing economic disadvantage (31%). This increased need was primarily due to significantly higher rates of serious psychological distress (18% vs. 5%), in this case 3.6 times more likely than those not facing economic disadvantage.

Those facing economic disadvantage were how many times more likely to delay/forgo care due to cost?

Individuals experiencing economic disadvantage were 7.8 times more likely to delay or forgo medical care due to cost.

Black and Latino children in NYC make up what percentage of asthma hospitalization?

According to research released by Columbia University's School of Public Health, Black and Latino children made up 80% of asthma cases that require hospitalization.