2020 Official Poverty Income Guidelines

Poverty is measured in the United States by comparing a person’s or family’s income to a set poverty threshold or minimum amount of income needed to cover basic needs.

The Census Bureau determines poverty status by using an official poverty measure that compares pre-tax cash income against a threshold that is set at three times the cost of a minimum food diet in 1963 and adjusted for family size.

Single Person

$12,760

per year

2 Person Family

$17,240

per year

Family of 3

$21,720

per year

Family of 4

$26,200

per year

Family of 5

$30,680

per year