Characteristics of Poverty in Nonmetro Counties

America's nonmetro counties with the highest poverty rates—compared with nonmetro counties with the lowest poverty rates—exhibit major differences and unexpected similarities. For example, In counties with high poverty rates, families headed by women are almost three times as likely to be living at or below the poverty level as they are in counties with low poverty rates. On the other hand, property Is a source of personal income at similar rates in both groups of counties. This report identifies the unique characteristics of nonmetro counties with large proportions of persons living in poverty. Knowing these characteristics can help public officials develop successful antipoverty programs.