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 2015 Poverty Guidelines
From the U.S. Census:
How the Census Bureau Measures Poverty
Poverty Data
Poverty Thresholds since 1959
How the Census Measures Poverty
Comparing American Community Survey (ACS) Data
Sources of U.S. Poverty Data
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Statistical InsightAccess to statistical information produced by U.S. federal and state agencies, major international intergovernmental organizations, professional and trade organizations,
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Statistical Abstract of the United StatesSummarizes U.S. social, political and economic data in convenient tables from a wide variety of Federal and State agencies as well as private organizations.
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Historical Statistics of the U.S.26 tables under Work and Welfare > Economic Inequality and Poverty.
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Poverty SolutionsPublic policy center dedicated to promoting the economic security, health, and well-being of America’s low-income families and children.
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Income and Poverty in the United States: 2016This report presents data on income, earnings, income inequality, and poverty in the United States based on information collected in the 2017 and earlier Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplements (CPS ASEC) conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Government Reports on Poverty
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U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO): PovertyReports created by an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress.
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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. 1916-current
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Poverty Rates for Selected Detailed Race and Hispanic Groups by State and Place: 2007–2011American Community Survey Briefs. Feb. 2013
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The Growth and Spread of Concentrated Poverty, 2000 to 2008-2012Brookings Institution Research Brief - July 31, 2014