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Guide to Federal Government Information and Data
Defining Poverty
Major sources of poverty data are available from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and from the U.S. Census Bureau. However, the DHHS and Census measurements and definitions are not identical. Make sure your terms and sources are clearly defined.
From DHHS:
DHHS Poverty Guidelines (with links to other useful data)
History of Poverty Measurement at DHHS
DHHS FAQ page on Poverty Guidelines
DHHS 2023 Poverty Guidelines
From the U.S. Census:
How the Census Bureau Measures Poverty
Poverty Data
Poverty Thresholds since 1959
Comparing American Community Survey (ACS) Data
Census Data Gem: How to Access Poverty Data Table and Reports (7 minutes)
Sources of U.S. Poverty Data
- data.census.gov (Explore Census Data) This link opens in a new windowOfficial source for U.S. Census and survey data
- Persistent Poverty in Counties and Census TractsCensus Bureau report examines county and subcounty geographies (specifically, census tracts), identifying additional populations that may benefit from targeted intervention. It explores census tracts over the same 30-year period (1989 to 2015-2019) as counties allowing for a more direct comparison.
- Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE)Easy Access to Child Poverty Rates in Every U.S. School District. From U.S. Census Bureau
- Statistical Insight (ProQuest) This link opens in a new windowStatistical information by U.S. Federal and State agencies, international intergovernmental organizations, professional, trade and independent research organizations, commercial publishers and universities. Abstracts/indexing from 1973 with significant full-text online 1995 to present. Additional older content is available on microfiche using ASI, SRI or IIS number in the record.
- Statistical Abstract of the United States This link opens in a new windowAn authoritative and comprehensive summary of U.S. social, political and economic data from Federal and State agencies as well as private organizations. All tables are available for download in PDF and Excel formats. Check original sources of data to explore more detailed information. Excellent introductory essay at beginning of each topic section. Updated annually.
Earlier editions (1970-current) accessible using drop down menu. Archived government editions (1878-2012) available free at U.S. Census Bureau and Cybercemetery sites. Tip Sheet.
- Poverty SolutionsUniversity of Michigan nonpartisan public policy research center dedicated to promoting the economic security, health, and well-being of America’s low-income families and children.
- Historical Statistics of the U.S. (Cambridge) This link opens in a new window26 tables under Work and Welfare > Economic Inequality and Poverty.
- Income and Poverty in the United States: 2019This report presents data on income, earnings, income inequality, and poverty in the United States based on information collected in the 2020 and earlier Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplements (CPS ASEC) conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Government Reports on Poverty
- GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY: Information on Spending and Types of Assistance Provided by the United States and Other DonorsGAO report on efforts to achieve global food security and improved nutrition around the world.
Interactive graphic provides a nation-by-nation breakdown of how the assistance was distributed 2014-2018. - Profile of the Working PoorBureau of Labor Statistics Annual Report. Annual report on persons who, during the year, spent 27 weeks or more in the labor force (working or looking for work), but whose incomes still fell below the official poverty level
- U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO): PovertyReports created by an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress.
- Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports via ProQuest CongressionalCRS, a division of the Library of Congress, produces analytical, non-partisan reports on topics of interest to members of Congress. Comprehensive collection 1916-current
- Poverty Rates for Selected Detailed Race and Hispanic Groups by State and Place: 2007–2011American Community Survey Briefs. Feb. 2013
- The Growth and Spread of Concentrated Poverty, 2000 to 2008-2012Brookings Institution Research Brief - July 31, 2014
- Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) ProgramSingle-year estimates of income and poverty for all U.S. states and counties as well as estimates of school-age children in poverty for all 13,000+ school districts.
- Small Area Health Insurance Estimates: 2019Summary of 2019 release of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Small Area Health Insurance Estimates (SAHIE) program. SAHIE is the only source of data for single-year estimates of health insurance coverage status for all counties in the United States. The report describes demographic and economic differences in health insurance status across states and counties, as well as trends in health insurance coverage.