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Looking at SNAP Benefits by Location and Demographic

Presented by:

Jason Li-Zhao & Ash Herb

USP 436

Professor Yiping Fang

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RESEARCH QUESTION:

At the census tract level, how are the shares of certain demographic groups associated with the percentage of households reliant on SNAP?

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SUB QUESTION 1:

Which areas in East Multnomah County have the highest percentage of individuals on SNAP benefits?

SUB QUESTION 2:

Which demographics in East Multnomah County are most reliant on SNAP benefits?

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WHY THIS AREA

OF STUDY:

We chose to focus on East Portland and parts of Troutdale and Gresham. These areas have higher levels of households who rely on SNAP benefits, allowing us to uncover those most vulnerable to food insecurity.

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VARIABLES:

Poverty Level
Unemployment Rate
Limited English Proficiency
Other Family
With Disability
Black or African American

STUDY INFORMATION:

All census data collected from 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates
Census Tracts were collected from 2023 Census Tract Shapefiles
5-class Intervals were calculated using Natural Breaks

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Below Poverty

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Limited

English

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Black & African American

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Other Family

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Disabilities

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Unemployment

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SUB QUESTION 1:

SUB QUESTION 2:

Which areas in East Multnomah County have the highest percentage of individuals on SNAP benefits?

RESEARCH QUESTION:

Which demographics in East Multnomah County are most reliant on SNAP benefits?

At the census tract level, how are the shares of certain demographic groups associated with the percentage of households reliant on SNAP?

East of 82nd Ave
Neighborhoods: Centennial, Hazelwood, Gresham

High shares of vulnerable demographic groups have:

Strong correlation with households on SNAP
Positive association with households on SNAP

The demographics most reliant on SNAP benefits are:

Households with total income at or below the poverty line
Reported Low English Proficiency

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Expand community outreach to neighborhoods and demographics most vulnerable to food insecurity
Partnering with community-based organizations to ensure specific demographic groups can access programs, vouchers, and other assistance
Create additional programs that would lessen the burden on certain demographics such as those experiencing poverty and those with limited English proficiency
Make sure populations in this area have options for affordable rent and groceries
Support programs such as Trimet’s income-based reduced fares

RECOMMENDATIONS

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SOURCES:

U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. (n.d.). Food Stamps/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S2201. Retrieved November 22, 2025, from data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2023.S2201?g=050XX00US41051$1400000.

U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). Employment Status. American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S2301. Retrieved November 22, 2025, from data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2022.S2301?q=S2301&g=050XX00US41051$1400000.

U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. (n.d.). Selected Characteristics of the Total and Native Populations in the United States. American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S0601. Retrieved November 22, 2025, from data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2023.S0601?g=050XX00US41051$1400000.

U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. “2023 TIGER/Line Shapefiles: Census Tracts.” Retrieved November 22, 2025, from census.gov/cgi-bin/geo/shapefiles/index.php?year=2023&layergroup=Census+Tracts