OHIO, USA — Ohio’s poverty rate was 13.2% in 2023 and the state’s child poverty rate was 17.5%, according to the latest report from the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies .

While this is a slight dip from last year’s rate of 13.4% , this is higher than the national poverty rate of 12.5%. Ohio’s poverty rate in 2023 was the 15th highest in the country and has been consistently higher than the national average since 2007.

“I’m sure that part of the reason for us to continue to trail the country is because of the numerous service deserts, these are geographic areas where people do not have ready access to the necessities of life,” OACAA Executive Director Philip E. Cole said during a recent press conference.

This is the 32nd year the association, which represents 48 agencie

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