The Poverty Rate Has Grown in Queens

Post-recession poverty rates are growing in Queens, especially among the immigrant community, reports the New York Daily News. According to the News, “The poverty rate in Queens jumped to 22 percent in 2012, up from 16 percent in 2008 — bringing the number of people living under the city poverty line to around 500,000.” Immigrant communities in Flushing, Corona and Jackson Heights have been particularly hit hard by rising rents and a tight job market.

City data shows that 7 percent of Asian immigrants — half of the population lives in Queens — fell into poverty since 2008. An advocate for Asian immigrants in Flushing tells the News that a greater number of young people living in Flushing now seek public benefits. And Councilman Daniel Dromm says this of the immigrant population in Jackson Heights: “I’ve seen some of the changes with my own eyes. We get a huge number of constituents coming in who can’t meet rent, are going to be evicted, or are in illegally converted houses as the only way they can put a roof over their head.”

Post-Recession Poverty in Queens Increases More Than any Other Borough, New Data Shows [NY Daily News]

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