WASHINGTON - The latest U.S. Census Bureau data reveals persistent income inequality and racial earnings disparities in Washington state, despite some overall improvements in poverty rates, according to a report by the Economic Opportunity Institute (EOI).

Between 2023 and 2024, Washington saw a slight decrease in the overall poverty rate, dropping from 10.3% to 9.9%. However, this positive trend did not extend to all communities. Indigenous and Hispanic households experienced increased poverty rates, highlighting ongoing disparities.

The Census data sets a poverty threshold for a family of three at an annual income below $26,650 in 2025. This figure starkly contrasts with the average cost of rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Seattle, which is about $35,500 per year. Additionally, th

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