Explore the Data

Poverty by Education

Poverty rates are consistently higher among those with less educational attainment

In 2023, Lincoln residents with less than a high school diploma had higher poverty rates than those who achieved greater levels of educational attainment.

• Of those who did not complete high school, 25% were in poverty.
• Among those with a high school degree or equivalent, 14% were in poverty.
• Those with some college or an associate’s degree had a poverty rate of 9%.
• Of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, 5% were in poverty.

The poverty rate for those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was most impacted by COVID-19. The poverty rate for this group increased by 74% from the 3% poverty rate in 2019 to the 5% poverty rate in 2023.

Those with less than a high school diploma and high school graduates experienced similar impacts on poverty rates. The poverty rate for those with less than a high school diploma increased by 37% from 19% in 2019 to 25% in 2023. The poverty rate for high school graduates increased 32% from 11% in 2019 to 14% in 2023.

The poverty rate for those with some college education or an associate’s degree remained fairly level.

Notes

U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 1-year estimates, Table S1701.

Chart based on population 25 years and older.