The last 30 years reflects a consistent trend of higher than average poverty rate for the state. Most jobs were clerical or service-related, such as nursing aide, receptionist, or housekeeping. One out of every four Oklahoma children live in poverty. Impact on Oklahoma Poverty kills Oklahoma children.
Poor children are three times more likely to die during their childhood than non-poor children.
Children are limited by their family's low income status. Being poor means living on an income that renders a family unable to purchase enough food for an adequate diet. One out of every three adolescents who lives in poverty has no health insurance. Poverty hurts Oklahoma children. Poor children are more likely than non-poor children to eat an inadequate diet, to stay cold in the winter, and to receive little health care.