Median household incomes in Norwalk grew rapidly over the past decade. Even so, many local families are still struggling to make ends meet.

Over 11,000 residents live just above the poverty line. This group is often called near-poor, similar to the group that some researchers label ALICE, for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These households typically earn incomes between about $35,000 and $70,000 a year for a family of four.

About 8,000 residents live in poverty. These households typically earn incomes less than about $35,000 a year for a family of four. Roughly 2,000 of the members of these families are children.

So, what does poverty look like in Norwalk?

[BULLET] The share of residents who are poor is smaller than that in peer cities, but it has risen slightly in recent years.

[BULLET] Among poor households, nearly all poor families spend more than 30% of their income on housing.

[BULLET] About 36% of poor adults are elderly or disabled and out of the workforce.