November 18, 2009

ATLANTA (AP) -- New U.S. Census data shows childhood poverty expanding in Georgia.

Data released Wednesday shows up to 67 percent of children under age 18 in seven Georgia counties were living in poverty in 2008. That's up from just two counties in 2007 and three in 2006.

The data showed the highest rates in Miller, Clay, Stewart, Sumter, Crisp and Turner counties in southwest Georgia, and Burke County, near the South Carolina line.

The data was part of the bureau's small area income and poverty estimates.

It also showed that between 18.2 and 20.7 percent of children under 18 lived in poverty statewide in 2008, roughly the same as in 2007.

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