Each year the federal poverty line changes, though it badly underestimates what it takes to get by without financial support. Current levels highlight the deficiency in this measure. For example, a family of three, the most common family size in our country today, is identified as being in poverty only if their total annual income is less than $26,650. Does that sound like a sufficient number to cover all expenses for one year?

What is the true poverty line?

The Shared Humanity Project has developed income thresholds that consider local costs of living and more accurately reflect current consumption patterns.

Our National Poverty Plan Standards (NPPS) are based on 50% of local median income, adjusted for household size.

Explore the data.

Hover over a state in the map below to discover how many people in that state fall below the NPPS.

Click on the state to access a downloadable file that contains county-specific thresholds that answer the question:  How much does it take to get by in your neighborhood?

Visit The National Plan to End Poverty for more information about our income thresholds, an interactive database with a wealth of demographic and economic information, and a comprehensive guide to actions you can take to enhance the economic stability of your community.