Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Topics
Data & Maps
Surveys & Programs
Resource Library
Setting and Updating Modern Poverty Thresholds
Setting and Updating Modern Poverty Thresholds
Abstract
This research compares median-based thresholds with ones based on the 33rd percentile using Consumer Expenditure Interview Survey (CE) data from 2004 quarter one through 2009 quarter one. Thresholds for reference families are produced using two different approaches: (1) calculating the thresholds based on the expenditure records of reference families composed of two adults with two children; and (2) calculating the thresholds using expenditures from all consumer units participating in the CE, but first converting their expenditures into adult equivalent value using the three-parameter equivalence scale before identifying the median and percentile values. Different updating mechanisms examined include: (1) an annual recalculation of the 33rd percentile of the reference family’s outlays on FCSU, and (2) changes in the reference family’s median spending or consumption based on needs. Thresholds, based on spending and consumption concepts to value needs for food, clothing, shelter, and utilities (FCSU), are produced.
Others in Series
Working Paper
2005-2009 American Community Survey County-to-County Migration Files
County to County and Count/Minor Civil Division(MCD) -to-County/MCD flow based on 2005 to 2009 data from American Community Survey (ACS).
Working Paper
College Completion by Cohort, Age and Gender, 1967 to 2015
In addition to data from the Current Population Survey, this paper uses data obtained from the public-use file of the National Longitudinal Mortality Study.
Working Paper
Lone Mothers' Educational Attainment, Labor Market Outcomes, & Poverty
This paper assesses the well-being of lone mothers. It compares educational attainment, labor force participation, and poverty status from 1967 to the present.
Related Information
WORKING PAPER
Supplemental Poverty Measure Working Papers
Page Last Revised - October 8, 2021
✕
Is this page helpful?
Yes
No
Yes
No✕
NO THANKS
255 characters maximum
255 characters maximum reached
255 characters maximum reached
✕
Thank you for your feedback.
Comments or suggestions?
Comments or suggestions?
