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Who is poor? Basic Characteristics of the Poor

Overview

Who is Poor? Basic Characteristics of Those in Poverty

FAQ Download Ethnic Concordance May Not Promote Patient-centered Care

How do race and Hispanic origin relate to poverty?
Official data for specific groups

In 2015, the poverty rates among racial and ethnic groups in the United States ranged from 10 percent to 26 percent. 

FAQ Children & Intergenerational Transmission of Poverty Assimilation and Emerging Health Disparities Among New Generations of U.S. Children

How is poverty status related to age?
Official data for age groups

In 2014, the nation’s official poverty rate was 15%.  The poverty rates by age groups ranged from 10% to 21%.

FAQ Download The Impacts of Gender and Income on Career and Technical Education Download brief on immigrant mothers and community organizations

How does gender relate to poverty status?
Official data breakdown

In 2014, the overall poverty rate in the United States was 15%.  Poverty rates by gender ranged from 13% to 16%.

FAQ Immigration & Poverty Download brief on immigrant mothers and community organizations

How does nativity relate to poverty status?
Official data on foreign- and native-born

In 2014, the nation’s official poverty rate was 15%.  Poverty rates by nativity ranged from 14% to 19%.

FAQ

How is poverty status related to disability?
Official data breakdown

In 2014, the overall poverty rate was 15%.  Poverty rates by disability status* in the United States ranged from 12% to 29%.

FAQ

How does level of education relate to poverty?
Official data breakdown

The Census Bureau reports poverty rates by educational attainment for people aged 25 and older.  In 2014, the overall poverty rate for people aged 25 and older was 12%. 

FAQ Download brief on immigrant mothers and community organizations

How does family structure relate to poverty?
Official data breakdown

 

In 2014, the overall poverty rate was 15%.  Approximately 12% of all families in the United States were in poverty.  Poverty rates by type of family ranged from 6% to 31%.