Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Who Is Making Ends Meet In The Portland Region? A Profile Of Poverty And Self-Sufficiency Among Greater Portland Families, Jamin Kimmell, Sheila A. Martin

Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies Publications

The Portland metro region economy is near a complete recovery from the damage of the Great Recession that began seven years ago. Unemployment in April of 2015 was 5.2 percent, cut in half from the 2011 rate of 10.5 percent. The region ranked among the top 10 metro region areas in the nation for employment growth in 2014.

Unfortunately, the benefits of this economic resurgence are not experienced equally. Ideally, economic recovery should lead to jobs and wages that enable Portland metro region families to earn enough to provide for their basic needs. Low unemployment cannot offer high quality of …

Where The Ends Don't Meet In 2014: Measuring Poverty And Self-Sufficiency Among Oregon's Families, Elizabeth Morehead, Sheila A. Martin

Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies Publications

This report sheds light on the economic realities facing many of Oregon’s households and provides an initial picture of the extent of income inadequacy in Oregon. Although addressing this issue is challenging, it can be seen as encouraging that many householders with below-Standard incomes are already part of the workforce. It is possible that many householders have adequate levels of education and experience but face other barriers that keep their wages low or raise their expenses. Identifying and addressing such barriers is the next step in bringing household incomes and costs into balance.