2011 Report on Child Poverty and Family Income

In 2009, 21% of all American children ages 0–17 (15.5 million) lived in poverty (family income of less than $21,756).

The report "America's Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being: 2011" has current data about "Child Poverty and Family Income", some of which are shown below.


In 2009, the poverty threshold for a two-parent, two-child family was $21,756.  The income classes are derived from the ratio of the family's income to the family's poverty threshold.

A child living in extreme poverty is defined as a child living in a family with income less than 50% of the poverty threshold.  In other words, family income of less than $10,878 (50% of $21,756).

Below poverty, but above extreme poverty, is defined as 50–99% of the poverty threshold. (Family income of $10,878 to $21,756)

Low income is defined as 100–199% of the poverty threshold. (Family income of $21,756 to $43,511)

Medium income is defined as 200–399% of the poverty threshold. (Family income of $43,512 to $87,023)

High income is defined as being at or above 400% of the poverty threshold. (Family income of $87,024 or more)

In 2009, 31% of children lived in families with medium income; 22% of children lived in families with low income and 28% of children lived in families with high income.


The poverty rate for related children living in female-householder families (no spouse present) was 44% in 2009, an increase from the low of 39% in 2001. The poverty rate for related children in married couple families increased from 8% to 11% over this time period.

Talk to your pregnant daughter about these statistics.  Where does your family fall on the income scale?  If your daughter plans on being a single mother, how much money will she be able to earn?  Where will she fall on the income scale then?  Would an adoption plan be of benefit to her child and to herself, so that the child is raised in a higher-income family and so that she can finish school and get a better-paying job?

You may find it helpful to read the chapters “Should she make an adoption plan?” in our book “How To Survive Your Teen’s Pregnancy“.

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