U.S. Poverty Rate Steady at 10.6% in 2024, Census Reports

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that the poverty rate in the United States remained largely unchanged in 2024, with the supplemental poverty measure steady at 12.9%, reflecting ongoing economic challenges despite government assistance programs. The official poverty rate saw a slight decrease to 10.6%, representing approximately 35.9 million Americans living in poverty. Real median household income held steady at $83,730, showing little improvement in earnings for most Americans. Health insurance coverage remained relatively high, with 92% of the population insured for some or all of the year, while 8% were uninsured at some point. Income disparities persist, including a declining female-to-male earnings ratio and uneven median income changes across racial groups. Overall, these data indicate a period of economic stability but continued financial hardship for many Americans.