The Census Bureau today released new national estimates for income, poverty and health insurance coverage. In 2010, median household income declined, the poverty rate increased and the percentage of people without health insurance coverage was not statistically different from the previous year.
The official poverty rate rose almost a full percent to 15.1 percent, from 14.3 percent in 2009. It was the third consecutive annual increase in the poverty rate. The number of people living in poverty also increased in 2010, from 43.6 million in 2009 to 46.2 million in 2010. This was the fourth consecutive annual increase and the largest annual increase in the 52 years for which poverty estimates have been published by the Census Bureau.
To review the Census Bureau’s complete report, click here.