Poverty and Income in 2010: A Look at the New Census Data and What the Numbers Mean

The U.S. Census Bureau released new data on poverty and family income for 2010 on September 13. Poverty declined every year between 1993 and 2000, reaching its lowest level ever for black children and children in female-headed families, but increased from 2001 to 2004. The rate then declined slightly in both 2005 and 2006, but increased again in 2007, 2008, and 2009. Given the continuing high rate of unemployment since the Great Recession, many analysts predicted an increase in poverty and child poverty again in 2010.

On September 13, the day the Census poverty report was released, the Center on Children and Families at Brookings held its ninth annual briefing to discuss the new figures and their implications for families and policymakers. A panel of experts offered their analysis on the Census report and perspectives on the significance of the new data.