US Poverty Line ~ $17,000

• Poverty in the United States refers to the condition of people whose annual family income is less than a “poverty line” set by the U.S. government.
• The poverty line is set at approximately three times the annual cost of a nutritionally adequate diet.
• It varies by family size and is updated yearly to reflect changes in the consumer price index.
• Currently roughly thirteen percent of the US population fall below the federal poverty threshold.
• The official poverty rate in the U.S. has increased for four consecutive years, from a 26-year low of 11.3% in 2000 to 12.7% in 2004.
• 37.0 million People were below the official poverty thresholds in 2004. This is 5.4 million more than in 2000.
• Relative poverty: Defined as having significantly less access to income and wealth than other members of society.
  • In 1999, the income of a family at the poverty line was $17,020. This was 28.49% of the median income in the U.S.
  • In 1959 a family at the poverty line had an income that was 42.64% of the median income.

The current poverty rate:

Persons in Family Unit	48 Contiguous States and D.C.	Alaska	Hawaii
1	$9,800	$12,250	$11,270
2	$13,200	$16,500	$15,180
3	$16,600	$20,750	$19,090
4	$20,000	$25,000	$23,000
5	$23,400	$29,250	$26,910
For each additional person, add	$3,400	$4,250	$3,910