Poverty |
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Report
Alternative Poverty Estimates in the United States: 2003 (P60-227) [PDF]
Figures (Graphs)
Poverty estimates based on alternative measures of income |
Poverty estimates based on National Academy of Sciences recommendations |
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Based on the same poverty thresholds (dollar amounts used to determine poverty status) as the official measure, but different definitions of income. |
Based on poverty thresholds and income definitions that both differ from the official poverty measure. |
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Thresholds vary by size of family and ages of family members. Originally computed using USDA food budget data and estimated portions of family income spent on food. Updated for inflation using the Consumer Price Index (official measure and some alternatives use the CPI-U, other alternatives use the CPI-U-RS, a revised price index). (More about CPI-U and CPI-U-RS) |
Thresholds are adjusted for family size and composition differently from the official measure--these thresholds are based on food, clothing, shelter, utilities, a small amount for miscellaneous expenses, and for some measures, average medical expenses paid out-of-pocket. |
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Income definitions vary: |
Income is based on: |
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