This report presents the findings from the 2024 Poverty in Tucson Field Workshop, highlighting significant economic vulnerabilities faced by residents in the Southern Arizona region. The Poverty in Tucson Field Workshop (Workshop) is a collaborative research project involving the School of Sociology at the University of Arizona and several community partners from across Southern Arizona. Together, we strive to better understand the systemic causes and consequences of intergenerational poverty in Southern Arizona.
In Fall 2024, we interviewed 342 residents currently residing in the City of Tucson and identified as living in a targeted neighborhood or currently on the waiting list for subsidized housing. Our sample of these potentially low-income households reveals several key trends and challenges associated with the cost of living, employment levels, and related social issues that are of interest to our community partners.
The data reveals that the median monthly household income of respondents is only 31% of the median income in Pima County, a stark indicator of financial hardship. As a result, many households are forced to prioritize rent payments over other essential needs such as food, transportation, medical expenses, and childcare. Even those who report having "just enough" to meet their basic needs experience high levels of stress, a lack of financial security, and widespread food insecurity.
This report underscores the pressing challenges faced by low-income households in Tucson and outlines several potential interviews to help mitigate these issues. Key recommendations include expanding rental assistance programs specific to Southern Arizona, including the public’s awareness of social service programs such as food assistance, tax preparation, and health programs, and promoting incentives for energy efficiency improvements to help households cope with the costs of cooling in the hotter months.