STATE RANKS AT BOTTOM IN MEDIAN INCOME - Poverty Rates, No Health Insurance Rates Increase

(08/27/2004)
The US Census Bureau is reporting that West Virginia is last place in a national ranking on median income.

Median income means that half the population is above the figure and half below. Per capita income is individual income.

Calhoun's median income for a household is $21,578, and the median income for a family is $26,701.

Calhoun's per capita income is below $12,000.

Calhoun ranks near the bottom of the state's 55 counties in both median and per capita income.

The latest census figures looked at median income averages over a three-year period.

West Virginia's median income rose to $31,210.

The Census Bureau reports that nearly 17% of West Virginia residents live in poverty, with about 20% of Calhoun residents in the poverty level.

West Virginia is among five other states and the District of Columbia that had poverty rates higher than the rest of the nation.

The Census Bureau's definition of poverty varies by the size of the household. For instance, the threshold for a family of four was $18,810 dollars, while for two people it was $12,015.

More West Virginians are now living without any kind health insurance, between 15-20%.

In some of West Virginia's rural counties up to 35% have no health coverage.

Sally Richardson with West Virginia University's Institute for Health Policy Research says about one in every five non-elderly residents is not covered.

Stats released this week show an increase in poverty in America in addition to an increase of people not covered by any kind of health insurance.