America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers

How Do Policies and Expenses Affect Supplemental Poverty Rates?

Earlier this year, the U.S. Census Bureau released data which showed that the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) increased half a percentage point to 12.9% from 2022 to 2023. But how did anti-poverty programs and necessary expenses affect that rate?

A data tool released today shows the extent of the impact of government policy and necessary expenses on SPM poverty in 2023.

The SPM is different from the official poverty rate because it incorporates cash and noncash government assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program and accounts for taxes, medical, and other necessary expenses.

Continue reading to learn more about:

• Visualizing the impact of programs and expenses on SPM
• The changing poverty elements from 2021 to 2023
• Wider definitions of poverty

Data Viz

Explore the impact of different programs or expenses on the Supplementary Poverty Measure during each year.

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The SPM, which accounts for noncash government assistance, increased to 12.9% in 2023, higher than pre-pandemic levels.

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• Education, Health, Population, Income and Poverty

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