In a population survey released on Sept. 9, the Census Bureau revealed that America’s median household income rose by more than $1,000 from 2023 to 2024—from $82,690 to $83,730.
While the nation’s official poverty level dropped 0.4 percent to 10.6 percent in 2024, there were still 35.9 million people living in poverty.
Another poverty estimate, the supplemental poverty measure (SPM), last year was measured at 12.9 percent. The Bureau determines the official poverty rate based on pre-tax income, which is exclusive of tax credits. The SPM represents post-tax income and includes other benefits.
The Bureau uses various indicators to determine the poverty threshold based on the number of people comprising one household and the household income….