What is the poverty line in the United States in 2025?

According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty line for a family of four in 2025 is annual income $32,150, while for an individual it is $15,650. It may not sound like much, but it is compared to the U.S. median household income of $75,580—almost 2.3 times the poverty line.

The most heart-wrenching is the distribution of living costs:

• Impoverished families spend 41.2% of their income on housing (ordinary families 33.8%)
• Low-income families spend 16.7% on food (average families 12.4%)
• Yet can only spend 4.6% on entertainment (ordinary households 5.3%)

Data Speaks:

• The poverty rate in the United States in 2023 is 11.1%, approximately 36.8 million people.
• Social security helps 27.6 million people escape poverty each year.
• The child poverty rate has risen to 13.7%.

There are also differences among states and regions, with higher poverty lines in Alaska and Hawaii. To put it simply, low-income groups in the United States aren’t unable to afford food, but have to stretch every penny to make ends meet.