The latest Kentucky Kids Count survey shows Russell County has seen a decrease in child poverty over the last few years, but an increase in food insecurity and the cost of renting.
The percentage of children living in poverty in Russell County dropped a little over 5 percent from 2018 to 2023, according to the data. In 2018, the survey reported 30.5 percent of children in Russell County living in a home that fell below 100 percent of the federal poverty level. In 2023, that percentage dropped to 25.1 percent.
The number of children in low-income families, classified as being below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, decreased from 57 percent to 55 percent.
The number of children living in food insecure households saw an increase. In 2021, the survey reported 17.2 percent of children living in food insecure households. That percentage rose to 24.5 percent in 2023.
The report states 47 percent of children in Russell County live in a home with high rental cost burden. That means more than 30 percent of household costs go toward rent and utilities. That is up 7 percent from the previous reported time period of 2014-2018.
Stay tuned to WJRS News as we bring you more data from the Kentucky Kids Count Survey.
