The number of Americans living in poverty has grown significantly in recent years, swelling to 37 million people in 2005 – nearly one out of every eight people in the United States. Poverty’s rise to 12.7% of the total population represented an additional 7 million people falling into poverty since 2000.

When Americans are asked how many people live in poverty in the U.S., what is the average number reflected in their responses?

Most Americans believe that between 1 and 5 million people live in poverty in the United States when the actual number is nearly 37 million.

Is it true that most of America’s poor families live in the inner city?

No, the percentage of America’s poor who live in the central cities is 40%. The percentage of America’s poor who live in suburbs is almost as high (36%).

What percentage of America’s poor are working and yet cannot earn enough to secure the basic necessities of life?

Nearly 40% of America’s poor over the age of 16 worked either part-time or full-time, yet could not earn enough to secure even the basic necessities of life.

Three out of four children in poverty lived with a family member who worked at least part time. And one out of every three children in poverty lived with someone who worked full-time, year round.

If a single parent of two works full time in a minimum wage job for a year, where would her income be in relation to the poverty level?

A single parent of two young children working full-time in a minimum wage job for a year would make $10,712 before taxes – more than $4,300 below the poverty line.

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