The Annie E. Casey Foundation
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Pennsylvania

Statistics on children, youth and families in Pennsylvania from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children

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Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children

Change Indicator

Economically Disadvantaged - Percent of students in Pennsylvania

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Why This Indicator Matters

Public assistance is essential in promoting the stability, health, and well-being of low-income families.[1] Programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), housing assistance, and Medicaid provide critical financial support, helping families meet basic needs such as food, housing, and healthcare. Research consistently shows that children in households receiving public assistance have better health outcomes, improved educational opportunities, and are less likely to experience homelessness.[2] Additionally, these programs can act as a buffer against stress caused by poverty, which is linked to disparities in developmental outcomes, academic achievement, and occupational attainment. Supporting households with public assistance not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term stability and opportunities for children to thrive.[3]

[1] Finkelstein, D. M., Harding, J. F., Paulsell, D., English, B., Hijjawi, G. R., & Ng’andu, J. (2022). Economic Well-Being And Health: The Role Of Income Support Programs In Promoting Health And Advancing Health Equity. Health Affairs, 41(12), 1700-1706. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2022.00846

[2] Sherman, A. & Mitchell, T. (2017). Economic Security Programs Help Low-Income Children Succeed Over Long Term, Many Studies Find. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. https://www.cbpp.org/research/poverty-and-inequality/economic-security-programs-help-low-income-children-succeed-over#:~:text=Economic%20security%20programs%20can%20blunt,t%20yet%20implemented%20the%20program

[3] Harms, M. B., & Garrett-Ruffin, S. D. (2023). Disrupting Links Between Poverty, Chronic Stress, and Educational Inequality. npj Science of Learning, 8(1), 50. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-023-00199-2

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Definition and Source

PROVIDER

Definition

Of students who were enrolled and attending as of October 1 of the school year, the number of students identified as economically disadvantaged divided by total district enrollment. It is at the discretion of the district to determine if a student is economically disadvantaged.

Data Source

Pennsylvania Department of Education, Future Ready PA Index, District Fast Facts

Notes

Poverty data sources that may be used include the following: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families cases, census poor, Medicaid, children living in institutions that are neglected or delinquent, those supported in foster homes or free/reduced price lunch eligibility.

ND = No Data Available.

Last Updated

June 2025