The Neighborhood Where the Most People Use Food Stamps in Every State
In June, California announced it would be sending $1,050 checks to approximately 23 million residents to combat the devastating effects inflation has had on state residents. Even if other U.S. states were to follow suit and issue their own so-called inflation relief checks, the checks likely would not be enough on their own for needy families. One long-standing program that millions of Americans rely on is the government’s food assistance benefits, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
As of 2020, roughly 13.8 million U.S. households received SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps. To determine the ZIP codes with the highest SNAP recipiency rate in every state, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed five-year estimates of the share of households that received SNAP benefits in the 12 months prior to the survey from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 American Community Survey.
As of 2020, 11.4% of U.S. households received SNAP benefits. In every state there is at least one ZIP code where a higher share of households received nutrition assistance. Among the ZIP codes in each state with the highest SNAP recipiency rate, that figure ranges from 20.4% to 71.5%.
While factors such as assets and household composition impact whether a household qualifies for the benefit, SNAP recipiency is primarily determined by income. Roughly half of the ZIP codes with the highest SNAP recipiency rate in each state also have poverty rates that rank among the three highest in their respective states. ZIP 06702, in downtown Waterbury, Connecticut, has a SNAP recipiency rate of 71.5% and a poverty rate of 63.5%, the highest and sixth highest shares, respectively, in the country. These are the states where the most children live in Poverty.
Because income is the primary determinant for SNAP recipiency, unemployment is strongly linked to how many people receive benefits, as those workers who are out of a job are likely to have little to no income. All but two of the ZIP codes with the highest SNAP recipiency rates in each state have a five-year unemployment rate higher than the national five-year unemployment rate of 5.3%. ZIP 25034 in central West Virginia has a five-year unemployment rate of 36.0%, the second highest unemployment rate in the country. These are the states with the worst spikes in unemployment since the pandemic began.
Click here to see the zip code with the highest SNAP recipiency rate in every state.
Click here to read our detailed methodology.
Sponsored: Tips for Investing
A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.
Source: Read Full Article
