Poverty and Income in 2011: A Look at the New Census Data and What the Numbers Mean

The U.S. Census Bureau will release new data on poverty and family income for 2011 on September 12. 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 in 2007 and every year since. Given the continuing high rate of unemployment since the Great Recession, many analysts predict an increase in poverty and child poverty again in 2011.

On September 12, the day the Census poverty report is released, the Center on Children and Families at Brookings held its tenth annual briefing to discuss the new figures on poverty and income and their implications for families and policymakers. Two keynote speakers and a panel of experts offered their analysis on the Census report and perspectives on the significance of the new data.