Nearly 10 Percent of Alexandrians Live Below Poverty Line

For decades, Virginia's poverty rate has consistently been lower than that of the entire nation, but pockets of unexpected poverty can be found in many areas that seem economically prosperous.

The number of those living below the poverty line in Alexandria has experienced a dramatic increase since 2004 and the numbers are troubling. According to the U.S. Census Bureau. as of 2009, nearly 10% of residents with an income were classified as living below the poverty line. Also living below the poverty line:

• 42% of girls aged 16 to 17 and boys aged 12 to 14

• More than half of the single-parent homes headed by females

• 36% of married-couple families

Sadly, analysts predict numbers such as these will rise as we continue to recover from the recession.

What can we do to help those living in poverty? Fortunately, Alexandria has several nonprofit organizations working to provide assistance to those with less every day. For more information on how you can help, please visit the Action Center to find organizations and actions you can take today.

For more information on how poverty is defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, visit their website.

Tracy Viselli contributed to the post.