Savanna Bishop
2/13/20
Illinois Race and Ethnicity effects on Families
Illinois families saw their median income decrease since the 2007-2011 report. Overall families
saw a $600 cut. This cut affected those living in poverty the most. In 2016 the Illinois poverty rate was at
18% overall, which includes 10% white families, 10% Asian/Pacific Islander families, 24% Latin families,
and a resounding 38% of black families. Access to different kinds of resources can determine the
amount of income a family is able to achieve.
Education is an important resource, especially for families in poverty. Many of these
families can’t afford to hire a tutor when their child struggles in school. And most children living in
poverty rely on the schools for warm meals. Unfortunately in areas where the poverty rate is high the
schools suffer. Only 14% of poor children are meeting standards in math and only 20% are meeting
