If you have a choice, code the data so that percentages are represented by decimals.
PovertyLev <- c(.52,46,32,12,76)
If you are stuck with
PovertyLev <- c("52%","46%","32%","12%","76%")
use
PovertyLev <- c("52%","46%","32%","12%","76%")
as.numeric(gsub("%","",PovertyLev))/100
#> [1] 0.52 0.46 0.32 0.12 0.76
Wait until preparing a presentation table to format as a percentage.
PovertyLev <- c("52%","46%","32%","12%","76%")
scales::label_percent()(as.numeric(gsub("%","",PovertyLev))/100)
#> [1] "52.0%" "46.0%" "32.0%" "12.0%" "76.0%"
For more questions, see the FAQ: How to do a minimal reproducible example reprex for beginners.