Poverty in Michigan

Michigan Community Action’s Vision

Economic opportunity and stability for all.

The Challenge

More than 60 percent of Americans will experience poverty at some point in their lives.  Community Action is there when people need help.

Roughly 16 percent of Michigan residents – including one in four (23%) of its children and 17 percent of its senior citizens – live in poverty. MCA advocates for policies, programs and the resources that help people get out of poverty and become economically self-sufficient.

Poverty weakens families and increases health risks, driving up social and medical costs for everyone.  Poverty traps individuals in their current circumstances and decreases upward mobility, undermining the American Dream and devastating communities.  The effects of poverty are particularly damaging for children.  Children who live in families below the poverty line are at greater risk of lower educational attainment, reliance on public benefits and incarceration – all of which limits the growth and prosperity of Michigan.

Join us in advocating for policies, programs and resources to fight poverty in Michigan.

Learn More

ALICE in Michigan:  A Financial Hardship Study 2021

Michigan-Specific Poverty Statistics

Kids Count in Michigan - Data Book 2021

Michigan Poverty & Well-being Map - University of Michigan 

2018 Report on Financial Security