Determinants of Poverty among Workers in Metro and Nonmetro Areas of the South

This analysis examines selected factors affecting work and poverty in metro and nonmetro areas of the South, including rates of labor force participation and the demographic, economic, industrial and occupational characteristics of the working poor. The results indicate that being a female head of household is the most important factor in distinguishing poor and nonpoor working persons. The odds of workers in female-headed families being poor was nearly six times higher than for workers in other family types. The number of earners in the family, race, and industry structure are also significant in accounting for the variation in poverty status among employed persons. The implications of these findings for ameliorating the plight of the working poor are explored.