The percentage of people living in poverty is a measure of the overall economic health of a region. It also indicates the level of need for social and government supports within the community.

In 2014-18, 8% of MetroWest residents were living in poverty, up from 7% in 2000. Of the three regional counties, Worcester had the highest rate, at 10%, followed by Middlesex at 8% and Norfolk at 6%. Waltham had the highest rate, at 11%, with nearly 6,100 residents below the poverty line. The City of Framingham was second highest, at 10%, nearly 6,700 residents.

The multi-year figures are from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. The bureau combined five years of responses to the survey to provide estimates for smaller geographic areas and increase the precision of its estimates. The survey provides data on characteristics of the population that used to be collected only during the decennial census. Poverty status is not reported for people in institutions, including college dormitories and military barracks, and people in living situations without conventional housing. Data for this indicator are expected to be released in the fourth quarter.