### Question
How does the law define high poverty area?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 254b*, **high poverty area** is defined as:

> a catchment area which is established in a manner that is consistent with the factors in subsection (k)(3)(J), and the poverty rate of which is greater than the national average poverty rate as determined by the Bureau of the Census

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 254b*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 6A-PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE > SUBCHAPTER II-GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES > Part D-Primary Health Care > subpart i-health centers**

