The Measurement of Poverty
Evaluating Current and Proposed Methods
The Census Bureau’s official poverty report for 2009, which was released on September 16, provides an annual snapshot of our economic well-being. The Census’ figures show that poverty rose sharply, from 13.2 percent in 2008 to 14.3 percent in 2009.
Although this is the largest year-to-year increase since 1980, given that unemployment rates rose more in 2009 than in any other year in the past half-century, the rise is smaller than the current economic conditions might predict.
See our recent paper on the historical relationship between unemployment rates and poverty
This web site is designed to provide information on poverty measurement in the U.S. The information presented here is drawn from joint research by Bruce D. Meyer of the Harris School and James X. Sullivan of the University of Notre Dame, as well as other poverty research. We would be happy to hear your feedback.
More pages:
