Los Angeles poverty rate greater than California, nation

New estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show that poverty is greater in Los Angeles County than in the state or country as a whole, with 18 percent of individuals falling below the poverty line. 

The new five-year estimates from the American Community Survey show a quarter of all children in Los Angeles County live in poverty. Of those residents who were born in another country, 20 percent live in poverty. 

"It’s not like this is new," said Christopher Thornberg with Beacon Economics.

"This is an ongoing situation. As to why, well it’s because of the fact that we are home to many low-skill immigrants, many who are undocumented, people who are, if you will, living on the economic margins of society."

The county's poverty rate is greater than the state, which is at 16 percent, and the nation, at 15 percent.

L.A. City Councilman Curren Price represents one of the poorest area of the city. He believes there are a variety of factors that contribute to the poverty rate in Los Angeles County.

"The housing stock is inadequate. The job creation, job development is not there. People are working for sub-minimum wages so the income disparity is something that’s also been identified as a real impediment for development in Los Angeles," Price said.