We are often asked where the poverty lies in Santa Barbara. Many visit our beautiful town nestled between the Pacific ocean and mountains and can't fathom that poverty exists here. Unfortunately the pockets of poverty are often well-hidden in Santa Barbara, and the increase in poverty is on the rise and can be felt personally by 17.7% of the population.
According to Slate Magazine's recent piece How Hard is Poverty Hitting Your County, poverty in Santa Barbara County has increased 5.5% from 2007 to 2010. This is the 4th largest increase in poverty in the state of California.
Poverty is defined as having an income less than $22,113 for a family of four. 15.1 percent of Americans live below that line, and 17.7% of Santa Barbara County live below the poverty line.
What are your thoughts? Were you surprised to learn that the poverty rate has increased 5.5% in Santa Barbara County?
