The latest U.S. Census Bureau data released on Tuesday shows that the official U.S. poverty rate fell to 10.2% in 2025, a decline of 0.5 percentage point from 10.6% in 2024.
At the same time, median household income increased 2.6% to $87,460, reaching a record high. However, the broader Supplemental Poverty Measure stood at 13.1%, highlighting the continuing financial pressures faced by many American households.
The figures suggest a modest improvement in poverty levels, but they also underline the gap between headline economic gains and the everyday cost of living. Housing, healthcare, food and other essential expenses continue to put pressure on lower-income families.
Economists and policy experts are expected to closely examine the new numbers for what they reveal about inequality, government assistance and the affordability crisis in the United States.
Key Numbers
Official poverty rate: 10.2%
Previous year: 10.6%
Supplemental Poverty Measure: 13.1%
Median household income: $87,460
Income growth: 2.6%
The latest data presents a mixed picture: poverty has edged lower and household income has risen, but financial insecurity remains a major challenge for millions of Americans.
