The Working Poor

Column Published in syndication October 02, 2024

In 2022, 37.9 million people (11.5% the US population), lived below the official poverty level according to the US Census Bureau. For context, in 2022, the weighted average poverty threshold for a family of four was $29,950. For an individual, it was income below $14,880. These values are updated annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index, but do not vary geographically. The Census measure does not include the value of noncash benefits (such as food stamps, Medicare, Medicaid, public housing, and employer-provided benefits). On the other hand, it is extremely limited in what it considers due historical factors in how it was created (a fascinating story for later), and more accurate and comprehensive indicators reveal that the numbers in poverty are systematically higher. The overall economic and social consequences of poverty are staggering (another topic for the future).

• Tags:
• job market,
• poverty,
• working poor