A new report by the NSW Council of Social Services has found alarming levels of poverty in Port Macquarie and the Mid-North Coast more broadly.
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The report which maps economic disadvantage in NSW looks at poverty rates, or the experience of significant economic disadvantage, for different population groups within NSW.
On nearly all characteristics, those living outside Sydney are faring worse and are more likely to be living in poverty than their metropolitan counterparts.
The report found 16.9 per cent of people are living in poverty in Port Macquarie.
Overall in NSW the poverty rate was found to be 13.3%, with regional areas (those outside of Sydney) being 14.6%
The poverty line is defined as earning 50 per cent less than the median household income.
Anglicare North Coast chief executive officer Estelle Graham said she wasn't surprised by the report.
"The entire Mid-North Coast has been disadvantaged for many years and the situation is not improving," she said.
Ms Graham said unemployment, underemployment and insecure work remains a problem.
"Recent Anglicare research found that across NSW there were, on average, more than five people applying for each entry level position," she said.
"There are clearly not enough jobs for people with few or no qualifications and experience.
"Job creation and training programs that provide genuine jobs that teach people the skills needed, are crucial in tackling the poverty issue."
Ms Graham also said the government needed to increase welfare measures for the unemployed too.
"We know that many people in the region are living on Newstart and other government benefits that are too low to enable them to meet their basic living expenses, trapping them in poverty," she said.
"We believe the government should immediately increase Newstart and Youth Allowance."
Ms Graham said it appears that poverty particularly for children, single parents and older single people is increasing in the region.
" There is a high demand for Anglicare services, such as Emergency Relief, that provide assistance to those struggling to buy food and pay their utility bills," she said.
