Financially Fragile
Texas counties along the Mexican border are among the poorest in the United States with child poverty exceeding 50% in some areas.
This four-page Kids Count snapshot spotlights what life is like for children on the Texas border. Readers will review the longstanding challenges facing Texas border residents and learn about new opportunities and key indicators for child well-being in these communities.
Texas counties along the Mexican border are among the poorest in the United States with child poverty exceeding 50% in some areas.
Economic and environmental distress takes a toll on border residents who report experiencing higher rates of infectious diseases and chronic health conditions.
Unemployment rates in Texas border counties run significantly higher—9.1%—than the national average of 5.6%.
Though homeownership rates in Texas border counties are higher than the national average, the value of these homes is two-thirds lower than the national average. The concern? Lower home values = fewer opportunities for families to build financial equity.
The time is ripe to implement public policies aimed at boosting the physical, social, emotional and educational development of Texas border residents. Taking the right steps today can lead to a better-prepared, more competitive workforce and an enhanced quality of life for tomorrow’s Texans.
