City Attributes Decline in Poverty Rate to Development While Other AZ Areas Struggle

Poverty rates in Maricopa are declining even as they rise in other areas of metro Phoenix, such as Mesa, Goodyear, and Surprise. The latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau reveal a significant shift in Maricopa’s economic landscape.

The 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates indicate a 1% decrease in poverty in Maricopa, falling from 9.5% to 8.5%. This rate is notably lower than the state average of 12.4%.

Breaking the numbers down by demographics, the survey highlights that 9% of those living in poverty are children, while 14% are seniors aged 65 and older.

The U.S. Census Bureau determines poverty status by comparing annual income against set poverty thresholds, which vary by family size and the age of the householder. If a family’s pretax income falls below this threshold, they are classified as impoverished.

These poverty thresholds are annually updated to reflect changes in the cost of living, utilizing the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers. While they fluctuate annually, they remain consistent across geographical locations.

Unlike traditional surveys, the American Community Survey operates continuously, collecting data throughout the year. However, reported income reflects figures from the previous 12 months, necessitating a specific poverty threshold which adjusts for inflation over that time period.

While Maricopa’s poverty rate decreased, cities such as Mesa, Goodyear, Flagstaff, Surprise, and Yuma experienced increases, with Mesa increasing by 1.6% to 11.1% and Yuma rising by 6.5% to 16.3%.

Maricopa’s Chief Economic Development Officer, Christian Price, is optimistic about this trend. “It’s always a good thing when more people have opportunities to work and sustain themselves,” he stated.

Price attributes the drop in poverty to various factors, particularly economic development. He noted, “You’re seeing more and more economic development here in the city, whether it’s retail, commercial, and what we hope to soon be industrial.”

He emphasized that increased job opportunities resulting from this development are pivotal for the local economy. “We know that retail follows rooftops,” Price explained, highlighting the connection between population growth and economic vitality.

Looking forward, Price expressed a desire to eliminate poverty in Maricopa entirely. “I’d love to see everybody have an opportunity to be successful and have their needs provided for,” he concluded.