Poorer than we thought

A new Census Bureau method of calculating income puts the state in seventh place for the percentage in need

By Mary Vorsino

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Nov 15, 2012

~~<p>A new federal calculation that takes into account Hawaii's high cost of living significantly boosts the state's poverty rate — from the 18th lowest in the nation to the seventh highest.</p>
<p>About 17 percent of Hawaii residents live in poverty, according to the new U.S. Census Bureau estimate, which is based on 2009-2011 averages.</p>
~~

A new federal calculation that takes into account Hawaii's high cost of living significantly boosts the state's poverty rate — from the 18th lowest in the nation to the seventh highest.

About 17 percent of Hawaii residents live in poverty, according to the new U.S. Census Bureau estimate, which is based on 2009-2011 averages. Login for more...