Poverty and Income in 2007: A Look at the New Census Data and What the Numbers Mean

On August 26, the U.S. Census Bureau released new data on poverty and family income. Poverty declined every year between 1993 and 2000, reaching its lowest level ever for black children, but then increased during the recession year of 2001 as well as in 2002, 2003, and 2004. The rate then declined slightly in both 2005 and 2006. Given the weak growth of the economy in 2007, analysts were watching to see whether poverty, especially child poverty, continued to decline in 2007.

On the day the Census poverty report was released, the Brookings Center on Children and Families held its sixth annual briefing to discuss the new figures and their implications for families and policy-makers. A panel of experts offered their reactions to the Census report and their perspectives on the significance of the new data.

After the program, participants took audience questions.

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