The Economic Value of Water and Ecosystem Preservation

thresholds vary according the size of the family and ages of members (US
Census Bureau, 2007e). For example, in a family of four members (parents and
two children), the threshold in 2006 was $20,444. If the total family income in
2006 was smaller than $20,444, this family and all its members were considered
“in poverty”. In 2001, 21 percent of people of all ages were living in poverty in
Aransas County. The situation is tending to improve. In 2004, 19 of all people
were still living under such conditions, which translates to a decrease from 4,645
to 4,536 (Figure 5-2).
Figure 5-2. Percentage of people of all ages living in poverty, 1997-2004
24%
22%
20%
18%
16%
14%
12%
10%
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Source: (US Census Bureau, 2007e)
Aransas Calhoun Refugio
Real per capita personal income in Aransas is relatively low compared to
Texas and the nation (Figure 5-3) 5 . However, it did increase from $23,978
($24,660) in 2001 to $26,603 ($27,504) in 2005, an increase of 11 percent. In
2005, it was ranked 81 st within the 254 counties in Texas. The real average wage
per job increased significantly from $20,812 ($21,104) in 2001 to $23,967
($24,779) in 2005. However, average real wage rates are still relatively lower
than Calhoun and Refugio and to the rest of the State (Figure 5-4).
5 Real per capita income is inflation adjusted per capita income, with 1998 as the base year. The
value in parentheses represents nominal per capita income.
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