The nonpartisan Urban Institute publishes studies, reports, and books on timely topics worthy of public consideration. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders.

The text below is an excerpt of the complete document. Read the full report in PDF format.

Abstract

In 2004, 36.6 million people—or 12.6 percent of the U.S. population—were poor. The “poverty gap”—the amount of additional income required to remove all Americans from poverty—was $105.6 billion. Poverty rates were highest for African Americans, Hispanics, women, and persons under 25. Without government benefits, 61 million people would be poor. Social Security and other social insurance programs remove 21 million people from poverty. Means tested programs remove 3 million people from poverty. If food and housing assistance were counted as income for poverty purposes, an additional 7.6 million people would be counted as not poor.

Poverty Facts

How Many People Are Poor?

• 36.6 million people—or 12.6 percent of the U.S. population—had family incomes below the federal poverty threshold in 2004.

How Much Money Do Families Need To Rise Out Of Poverty?

• $105.6 billion would be required to move all family incomes up to the poverty threshold.

Who Is Most Likely To Be Poor?

• Poverty rates are highest for African Americans, Hispanics, women, and persons under age 25.

How Do Government Programs Affect Poverty?

• Without government benefits, 61 million people would be poor.
• Social insurance, including Social Security and other programs available to persons regardless of income remove 21 million people from poverty.
• Means tested programs, including SSI, TANF, and other cash assistance programs remove an additional 3 million people from poverty.
• If food and housing assistance were counted as income for poverty purposes, an additional 7.6 million people would be counted as not poor.

(End of excerpt. The entire report is available in PDF format.)

The nonpartisan Urban Institute publishes studies, reports, and books on timely topics worthy of public consideration. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders.

Usage, posting and reprint of materials on the UI web site:

Most publications may be downloaded free of charge from the web site in PDF format. This information may be used and copies made for research, academic, policy or other non-commercial purposes. Proper attribution is required.

Copyright of the written materials contained within the Urban Institute website is owned or controlled by the Urban Institute. Posting UI research papers on other websites is permitted subject to prior approval from the Urban Institute—contact paffairs@urban.org.

If you are unable to access or print the PDF document please contact us or call the Publications Office at (202) 261-5687.