Explore data on income, education, and housing in the five largest US cities to learn more about the Upward Mobility Data Dashboard and other tools for understanding and addressing mobility and equity challenges.

Even as one of the richest countries in the world, the United States still has more than 10 percent of its population living in poverty, a failure which sociologist Matthew Desmond explains is by design.

Poverty in the United States has persisted since the country’s founding, creating disadvantages that continue to influence and shape communities’ economic well-being.

Where someone grows up and their race or ethnicity affect their economic opportunities and outcomes over the rest of their lives. This makes it more difficult for children in families with low incomes to achieve economic stability in adulthood.