What does this measure?
Annual income to individuals from government assistance programs (welfare, Medicaid, unemployment, and food stamps), expressed on a per-capita basis.
Why is this important?
This measure represents the income to individuals dependent upon government support for their basic needs.
How are Cayuga and Seneca counties performing?
In 2011, public assistance per capita was $2,300 in Cayuga and Seneca counties, below the state figure (excluding NYC) of $2,400 but above the national figure of nearly $1,900. Across all counties and at the state level, public assistance income increased from 2000 to 2004 was flat or decreased slightly through 2008. It then increased sharply in 2009 before decreasing or remaining flat in 2011. Public assistance income was up 77% in Cayuga and 51% in Seneca from 2000, similar to state (59%) and national (65%) trends.
Notes about the data
Comparable national data were not available. Data do not reflect the number of people eligible for assistance, only those who receive it. CGR calculated rates using Census population estimates. Data are presented in constant 2011 dollars.