New Census data shows a striking divide in poverty rates across congressional districts and who represents them.
Topping the list: New York’s 15th Congressional District, where 30.1% of residents are living in poverty. That’s nearly one in three people.
These figures aren’t just data points, they represent real people struggling to meet basic needs. And while poverty is often thought of as a rural or Southern issue, the data tells a broader story. Both New York’s 13th and 15th districts rank among the highest. So do urban districts in Houston, Detroit, and Los Angeles.
Political representation varies as well. Most of these high-poverty districts are represented by Democrats, but several are Republican-held, and one is currently vacant. Regardless of party, the needs in these communities are urgent and complex.
This isn’t about scoring political points. It’s about recognizing what’s working and what’s not and being willing to demand better outcomes. If we care about reducing poverty, we need accountability, not just programs.
Data like this can help us make smarter, more targeted decisions. And it should challenge us to stop accepting the status quo. You can find more data like this in our Congressional District Ranker.
