By: Leslie Black-Plumeau

September 14, 2010

At the request of the Vermont Child Poverty Council, students and faculty of Dartmouth's Policy Research Shop prepared a report titled "Poverty in Vermont: Reduction and Profiles," which describes the population of Vermonters in poverty and identifies areas for further research and action.

The report concludes:

  1. Vermont children in deep poverty share many characteristics with children in other states, but differ in several ways: Vermonters in poverty are much more likely to be white, are more likely to live in rural areas, and are more likely to have parents with a high school diploma or some college.
  2. It's difficult to count and determine the characteristics of many individuals in deep poverty who lack connection to government benefits or support systems.
  3. The most effective measures to reduce deep poverty might involve programs designed to alleviate transportation costs associated with living in rural areas. These programs will likely increase productivity and lead to less poverty and increased self-sufficiency.