Census Bureau Releases Alternative U.S. Poverty Estimate

October 20, 2009 -- The U.S. Census Bureau has released alternative estimates of poverty for the 2008 calendar year. The Bureau’s calculations are based on recommendations in the 1995 National Research Council report, “Measuring Poverty: A New Approach.” Using the report’s revised definitions, the Census Bureau calculated a higher rate of poverty (15.8 percent) than the Bureau’s official annual estimate (13.2 percent).

• 1995 Report
• U.S. Census Bureau Alternative Estimates