Statistics on Poverty in the U.S.

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A more descriptive post on poverty in the U.S. is here.

Content:

1. Evolution of poverty in the U.S.
2. Child poverty in the U.S.

1. Evolution of poverty in the U.S.

(source, adjusted for inflation)

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2. Child poverty in the U.S.

(source)

Compare this to other developed countries:

(source)

(source)

Nationwide, 18% of children live in families that are officially considered poor (13 million children, an increase by more than 11 percent between 2000 and 2005).

Across the states, child poverty rates range from 7% in New Hampshire to 27% in Mississippi. Poverty is especially prevalent among black, Latino, and American Indian children.

“Being poor” meaning having an income below the federal poverty level, which is about $20,000 a year for a family of four.

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