- In 2009, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services set the poverty level at $10,830 for one person, $14,570 for a family of two, $18,310 for a family of three, and $22,050 for a family of four. According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, a family is defined as "low income" when it earns less than double these figures.
- Low-income families often bear the stereotype of being uneducated. However, the Urban Institute reports that three out of four heads of household in low-income families have at least a high school diploma.
- Most of America's low-income families are white American citizens. However, the Urban Institute has found that the percentage of immigrants and ethnic minorities in this category is out of proportion when compared with other income levels.
- According to an article published on the Urban Institute website, 16 percent of working adults in low-income families reports fair to poor health. Children of low-income families are also more likely to experience physical and mental health problems.
- According to the Urban Institute's "Facts and Figures" document, only 5 percent of low-income families in which an adult member works full-time receive welfare benefits. However, more than 50 percent of the same families receive government assistance for health insurance.
- In September 2006, the National Center for Children in Poverty published research by Ayana Douglas-Hall, Michelle Chau and Heather Koball showing that the parents of 49 percent of children living in low-income families were married.
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