The percentage of people in poverty in various age groups is a measure of the overall economic health of these groups and may reflect disparities in access to economic opportunity. It also indicates the level of need for social and government supports.

In 2017-21, poverty rates in Norfolk County was highest among people aged 18 to 24 (31%). The 2,000 young people in poverty in Brookline contribute significantly to this, with a total of about 6,000 young people in poverty in the county. Poverty rates were lowest among Norfolk County residents ages 45-64 and under 5 (both at 5%).

Compared to Norfolk, both Essex County and the state had higher rates of poverty among youth 5 to 17 (both at 12%) and under age 5 (15% in Essex and 13% at the state level).

Sample sizes for most age groups in Brookline and comparison municipalities were too small to report reliably.

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.