interesting site listing low income ( not poverty) levels in the US

[binny]

http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevels.html


This must really vary in each area, I know that in some places Ive lived the "poverty level" would be not so bad.

Anyway, just thought Id share.

 

[Kay7979]

Interesting, but in a way it doesn't make much sense. The website says:

"The term "low-income individual" means an individual whose family's taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150% of the poverty level amount."

If the poverty rate is 28,000+/- for a family of 4, and 150% of that is $42,000, then $42,000 is considered low income. I have heard varying figures, but I think the national average of family income is supposed to be in the mid 40s (I have heard mid 60s elsewhere). If it's mid 40s, then "most" people in the US are considered low-income individuals????

 

[onecoolmama]

You couldnt do anything with 28-29k and a family of four. At least not where I live.

 

[jrydberg]

That table lists "low income" levels, not poverty levels. So the $28,275 would be the low income level, with the corresponding poverty level being $18,850. Does that make sense?

 

[BedKnobbery2]

Actually, Kay, the site said that the stats they were using were the "low income" levels....so that $28,000 would be 150% of the poverty level of income which would be approximately $18,666. I thought the levels for poverty were a little high, too, until I read that.

Amazing that my parents managed to raise a family of 4, and send two kids to college, on an income of $14,000 (granted, that was 1987). God bless my Ma and her budget-minded ways!

 

[Kay7979]

Ah, that makes more sense. Thanks. I guess I read through it too fast. At this point in my life mid 40s would feel like poverty level but I am sure plenty of people get by fine on that

 

[binny]

Originally posted by jrydberg
That table lists "low income" levels, not poverty levels. So the $28,275 would be the low income level, with the corresponding poverty level being $18,850. Does that make sense?

ahhh you are right, Im sorry. I misunderstood.

Ill change the title.
thanks