Food Deserts in District of Columbia
10.3% of District of Columbia households were food insecure on average over 2022-2024 — below the national average of 13.7%. Even in states with lower overall rates, pockets of concentrated food insecurity persist.
District of Columbia at a glance
Sources →Food insecurity rate (3-yr avg)
10.3%
USDA ERS, 2022-2024
Very low food security
4.9%
USDA ERS, 2022-2024
SNAP receipt rate
14.3%
Census ACS, 2020-2024
Poverty rate
15.4%
Census ACS, 2020-2024
Median household income
$109,870
Census ACS, 2020-2024
Households without a vehicle
36.0%
Census ACS, 2020-2024
Understanding District of Columbia's food security landscape
District of Columbia's food insecurity rate of 10.3% is below the national average of 13.7 percent. Lower overall rates do not eliminate concentrated hardship: rural counties, Native American communities, and urban neighborhoods in most states contain pockets of food insecurity well above the state average.
A median household income of $109,870 provides some indication of the economic cushion available to most households, though income alone does not determine food access. State-level averages can mask significant county-to-county variation. Use the county breakdown below to identify areas of concentrated need.
Transportation access gap
36.0% of District of Columbia households have no vehicle. For these families, the USDA's 1-mile urban or 10-mile rural threshold for LILA classification translates into a practical barrier to fresh food, regardless of what grocery stores exist nearby.
Food assistance resources
PantryPath lists food pantries, food banks, and community resources across District of Columbia. No login required. Updated regularly with hours and contact information.
Find pantries in District of Columbia →Data notes
- Food insecurity rates are 3-year rolling averages (2022-2024) from USDA ERS ERR-358.
- SNAP and poverty data from Census ACS 5-year estimates (2020-2024).
- Health indicators are age-adjusted prevalence from CDC PLACES 2025 release.
- State rates are population-weighted averages of county estimates.
County map
1 counties
Poverty, SNAP receipt, median income, and health-outcome rates for every county in District of Columbia. Click a metric above the map to switch. Hover any county for details.
Loading county map…
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) for poverty, median household income, and SNAP receipt; CDC PLACES 2025 release (2023 BRFSS) for obesity, diabetes, and mental distress.
Need food assistance in District of Columbia?
PantryPath lists local food pantries, food banks, and community resources across District of Columbia. Free, no login required. Updated regularly.
Find pantries in District of Columbia →