Socioeconomic status can be determined by a family's income level, education level, and occupational status. In spite of the differences in definition between poverty and socioeconomic status, researchers agree that there is a clear and established relationship between poverty, socioeconomic status, and health outcomes—including increased risk for disease and premature death.

Many factors can contribute to inequitable access to resources and opportunities, which may result in poverty. Marital status, education, social class, social status, income level, and geographic location (e.g., urban vs. rural) can influence a household's risk of living in poverty. Racial and ethnic minorities are more likely than non-minority groups to experience poverty at some point in their lives. In addition, children from families that receive welfare assistance are 3 times more likely to use welfare benefits when they become adults than children from families who do not receive welfare. Studies also report that migrant status is a risk factor for poverty.

Residents of impoverished neighborhoods or communities are at increased risk for mental illness, chronic disease, higher mortality, and lower life expectancy. Some population groups living in poverty may have more adverse health outcomes than others. For example, the risk for chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity is higher among those with the lowest income and education levels. In addition, older adults who are poor experience higher rates of disability and mortality. Finally, people with disabilities are more vulnerable to the effects of poverty than other groups.

The average family income in Arkansas is $53,000 per year.  This amount is lower than the average family income in the U.S., which is $68,000.  Family income takes into account every person in the family who works, so it may include more than one worker. Arkansas’s poverty rate is high.  At 19 percent, it is the fourth highest in the U.S.  This means there are 542,000 people in Arkansas who are living in poverty.  The counties in southeast Arkansas have the highest poverty rates.  The counties with the lowest poverty rates are in central and northwest Arkansas.

Median household income is the income at which half the households earn more and half the households earn less. Median household income is a well-recognized indicator of income and poverty.

Profile Measure Data Source: United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey

The unemployed population experiences worse health and higher mortality rates than the employed population. Unemployment has been shown to lead to an increase in unhealthy behaviors related to alcohol and tobacco consumption, diet, exercise, and other health-related behaviors, which in turn can lead to increased risk for disease or mortality, especially suicide. Because employer-sponsored health insurance is the most common source of health insurance coverage, unemployment can also limit access to health care.

Profile Measure Data Source: University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, 2017 County Health Rankings

Poverty can result in an increased risk of mortality, prevalence of medical conditions and disease incidence, depression, intimate partner violence, and poor health behaviors. A 1990 study found that if poverty were considered a cause of death in the U.S., it would rank among the top 10 causes. While negative health effects resulting from poverty are present at all ages, children in poverty experience greater morbidity and mortality than adults due to increased risk of accidental injury and lack of health care access.

Profile Measure Data Source: United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey