NEW YORK, NY August 29, 2006 —The poverty rate in the city is flat this year - that's according to the latest census numbers. It's the first time in four years the rate has not increased.

The federal income threshhold for living in poverty is just over $15,500 for a family of three. According to the census bureau about twenty percent of New Yorkers are living below this poverty line.

While the poverty rate did not rise this year, the Bronx is still considered one of the five poorest counties in the nation. About twenty-nine percent of Bronx residents are considered poor by the federal government and rate of poverty among Bronx children is even higher at forty percent.

In contrast, two of the wealthiest counties in the nation can be found in New Jersey. The median family incomes in Somerset and Morris counties is about $90,000 a year.