This is a good example of why I think any visualization of correlation should include the actual Pearson correlation value. I don't think the correlation here is a strong as the title makes it out to be (wouldn't be suprised if < 0.5), even setting aside concerns about whether it is spurious.

I agree with you, and noted this as important in my comment above. I'm just adding context for understanding why the SPM differs from the official measure of poverty.

Worth highlighting that because the SPM adjusts for geographical housing costs, high cost of living locations are naturally going to have much higher rates of poverty. Many people are being priced out of high cost of living areas (and is an important part of the picture), but also worth understanding that even people making well above the poverty line would be considered poor in this measure, even if they're not considered poor in the majority of the country.

>It’s clear there is a very strong correlation between the vote margin and population density.

What's the actual r coefficient for the first diagram? Could you share a csv or something? I wonder if "very strong correlation" might be overstating it, the inclusion of larger size data points in the scatter plot makes it seem to trend more up and right so it's a bit hard to tell visually.

No, YOUSE a histogram.

What's missing from your story is what your financial goals are. Ok, you have $13k in savings, but how many months does this cover you for? Beyond having an emergency fund, what are you looking to save for? What's the state of your retirement? Rather than just say "no you can't afford this", I'm trying to get you to think through your needs and wants so that you can answer your own question. I would bet money that once you start thinking about your needs and budget towards them, you should be able to see whether or not this rent fits into your picture.