Debated and often misunderstood, poverty is a tough topic to talk about. Sometimes, we don’t even realize just how many Americans are experiencing poverty. Did you know that:

 

1. One in nine full-time U.S. workers are in poverty. That’s 11% of the workforce.

A job doesn’t guarantee a stable, affordable life in the U.S.

 

 

 

 

2. The number of college graduates living in poverty went up by 363,000 between 2016 and 2017

Just like a job, a degree doesn’t always guarantee high salaries and affordable rents.

 

 

 

3. Over 7 million seniors had incomes below the poverty line in 2017

It can be difficult to find new employment after the age of 65.

 

 

 

 

4. One out of every eight women in the U.S. – more than 16 million women – live in poverty.

The gender pay gap didn’t budge last year either.

 

 

 

 

5. 15 million children live in families below the poverty line (21% of all U.S. children).

Children born into poverty often struggle with school performance.

 

 

 

6. More than a quarter of Native Americans and Alaska natives live in poverty.

Poverty is caused by food insecurity and health-related issues.

 

 

 

 

Learn More

Visit the Census Bureau and Talkpoverty.org for more facts and statistics about your area and the nation.