Poverty in the States

Official and supplemental poverty rates in the states.

The United States Census Bureau gathers data and produces poverty rates. There are two rates, as the bureau explains: ⁽¹⁾Shrider, Emily A. “Poverty in the United States: 2023.” Census.Gov, 3 Sept. 2024, www.census.gov/library/publications/2024/demo/p60-283.html

This report provides estimates of two measures of poverty: the official poverty measure and the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM). The official poverty measure, produced since the 1960s, defines poverty by comparing pretax money income to a national poverty threshold adjusted by family composition. The SPM, first released in 2011 and produced in collaboration with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), extends the official poverty measure by accounting for several government programs that are designed to assist low-income families but are not included in official poverty measure calculations. The SPM also accounts for geographic variation in housing expenses when calculating poverty thresholds and includes federal and state taxes, work expenses, and medical expenses. (emphasis added)

Following are charts of these two measures and the difference, using the average of 2021 through 2023. Click charts for larger versions.

Official Poverty Measure

Supplemental Poverty Measure

Difference, Official Poverty Measure minus Supplemental Poverty Measure