Washington, DC — The latest 2025 data on poverty levels across the nation’s capital paints a vivid picture of economic inequality, with some neighborhoods showing extreme levels of poverty while others remain among the most affluent in the city.
The poverty threshold depends on household size and number of children. For example, in 2025, a family of four might be considered in poverty if their annual income is below approximately $31,200 (this is just an estimate; actual thresholds vary slightly).
If 20% of people in a ZIP code live below that threshold, the poverty level for that ZIP code is 20%.
It’s used to assess economic hardship in a population and is often used by governments and organizations to target social services, aid, and policy interventions.
Example ; If ZIP code 20019 has a poverty level of 26.6%, that means about one in every four people living there earn less than the federal poverty threshold and may struggle to afford basic necessities.
Two ZIP codes stand out with a startling 100% poverty level: 20057 and 20064, which correspond to areas that include Georgetown University and Catholic University, respectively. These high numbers are likely influenced by large student populations, who typically report low or no personal income while enrolled in school.
Beyond these unique cases, several other ZIP codes show elevated poverty rates. 20052—home to parts of George Washington University—reports a 70.6% poverty level. Moving away from student-heavy zones, 20020, 20019, and 20032 show concerning poverty rates at 28.9%, 26.6%, and 24.9% respectively. These areas, located in Southeast DC, have long been known for economic challenges and limited access to resources and services.
Meanwhile, neighborhoods west of Rock Creek Park continue to reflect significantly lower poverty rates. For instance, 20015 (Friendship Heights) reports just 3.1%, the lowest in the city. 20004 and 20036, central business district areas with luxury housing, also show poverty levels under 6%.
