[Vision2020] Where Poverty Lives

[Donovan Arnold]

Thanks for the graph, Ron. My understanding is that 1/2 of all jobs pay less than $26,000 a year. A family of two workers makes about $50,000 or less. The average household income is only higher because a small percentage of the population makes most of the money skewing the average. We have to keep in mind two things though, it takes less cash to live in most of these states. However, cash is also much harder to come by in these places. 
 
I noticed that small towns mark up prices 5%-15% more than larger towns, especially gas and food. Small towns also have less selection, less usable second hand items, don't have good reliable public transportation, and less government programs to assist people. Wages are low because volume for a business is also low. Rent is usually a bit lower, and less money is spent on gas and entertainment. 
 
Personally, I think it is easier to live in a big city than a small town. However, wages are usually comparable to the cost of living overall, but can very widely with each profession. 
 
Donovan Arnold

From: Ron Force <rforce2003 at yahoo.com>
To: Moscow Vision2020 <vision2020 at moscow.com> 
Sent: Monday, April 30, 2012 10:58 PM
Subject: [Vision2020] Where Poverty Lives


From Derek Thompson at The Atlantic, part of a longer article.
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/04/the-10-states-and-10-jobs-with-the-most-low-wage-workers/256553/



Here's a look at the 10 states with the highest share of workers making less than $23,000. I've also included, in the RED bars, the share of workers in each state making between $23,000 and $46,000. The upshot is that, in these ten states, between 70% and 80% of workers are earning less than $46,000.


Ron Force
Moscow Idaho USA
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