One in Four New Yorkers Now Living in Poverty, Report Finds

New York, N.Y. — A new report from Robin Hood and Columbia University reveals that 25% of New Yorkers—approximately 2.02 million people, including 420,000 children—are now living in poverty, nearly double the national average of 13%. Rising costs for essentials like food, housing, and utilities have driven the poverty threshold for a renting family of four to $47,000 annually in 2023, up from $43,890 in 2022.

Inflation has outpaced economic growth, pushing an additional 100,000 residents into poverty despite declining unemployment. The report, based on 2023 data, highlights that Black, Latino, and Asian communities face higher poverty rates due to systemic barriers. Even those earning up to $94,000 struggle with “material hardships,” affecting 58% of New Yorkers within 200% of the poverty line.

Robin Hood CEO Richard Buery emphasized that the “supplemental poverty measure” used in the study—factoring in income and public benefits—offers a clearer picture of hardship than traditional metrics.

While pandemic-era aid briefly lowered poverty levels before 2022, its expiration has reversed those gains. “New Yorkers are fighting to survive in this beautiful city,” Buery said on “Mornings On 1,” noting that even middle-income families face challenges affording basics.

One in Four New Yorkers Now Living in Poverty, Report Finds (Feb 27, 2025)

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