Explore the Data

Poverty and Race – Percent

People of color experience higher rates of poverty in Lincoln

Lincoln’s overall poverty rate is about the same as a decade ago; the poverty rate was 14.6% in 2012 and 14.0% in 2022. Poverty rates vary by race and ethnicity. The highest rates of poverty in Lincoln in 2022 were experienced by Black or African American residents and by Latino/a or Hispanic residents.

• The rate of poverty among Black or African American residents has fluctuated in the past decade and is now about the same as it was in 2012 (23.8% in 2012, 21.4% in 2022).
• The rate of poverty among Latino/a or Hispanic residents has decreased from 33.4% in 2012 to 20.6% in 2022.
• Rates of poverty for White residents have been steady over the past decade and were 13.3% in 2022.
• Until 2021, White residents have had the lowest poverty of all races/ethnicities; in 2021 and 2022, Asian residents had the lowest rate of poverty.
• Starting in 2021, Asian residents have had the lowest rate of poverty, at 11.0% in 2022.
• The rate of poverty among those identifying as Two or More Races has decreased from near 40% in 2012 to 16%, near the overall rate for the city.

Notes

U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 1-year estimates, Table S1701.

Chart includes race/ethnic groups that make up 0.5% or more of Lincoln’s population. Estimates unavailable in 2019 for Black/African American and in 2020 for all groups.

The federal poverty level is determined annually based on size of the family, the number of children, and a measure of income needed to purchase food and other essential goods and services. In 2021, for example, the poverty threshold was $27,575 for a family of four that included two related children less than 19 years of age. The 2021 poverty threshold for one person under age 65 was $14,097, or about $38.62 a day.