Significantly more Black and Brown families also continue to suffer from poverty compared to their White peers, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Media Contact:
John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, CDF Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The nation’s leaders must dedicate more money toward social supports and government programs that support children and young people, as new U.S. Census Bureau data released Tuesday shows child poverty continued to increase in America in 2023.
The U.S. Census Bureau revealed the supplemental poverty measure in America increased by 1.3 percent to 13.7 percent in 2023, meaning one out of every seven children are impoverished in the country. Unfortunately, children had the highest poverty rate of any demographic as well.
“Poverty is a policy choice and there is a lack of will in our country to lift people out of poverty and make sure they have the best resources and opportunities to thrive,” Children’s Defense Fund President and Chief Executive Officer Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson told WVON 1690AM, in Chicago. “The most significant indicator to know if you’re poor in America is if you’re under the age of 5. Children are the poorest demographic in all of America society and that is because they do not vote, they do not have a voice, and they do not have lobbyists.”
The U.S. Census Bureau releases two poverty measures every year.
The supplemental poverty measure, which is widely considered to be the more comprehensive measurement tool, includes consideration of income, payroll taxes, tax credits, SNAP benefits, and housing subsidies. It also deducts the necessary expenses families must pay including child support paid, childcare, and medical expenses. It found 9,962,000 million children in America were impoverished in 2023.
The official poverty rate, which showed a slight decline in child poverty, defines poverty by comparing pretax money income to a poverty threshold adjusted by family size, number of children, and age of householder.
Children’s Defense Fund Public Policy Director Lauren Reliford, MSW reiterated the need for more social support and policies that place the well-being of America’s children and young people first in mind.
“If our leaders make social investments, they can actually reduce childhood poverty in America,” Reliford said. “As the temporary expanded 2021 child tax credit showed, and the subsequent doubling of poverty that followed the year after its expiration, these supports make a world to difference for young families and unleashing the joy for all young people and children in their households.”
The data also showed young people who live in Black and Brown families in America are faring worse than their counterparts in other households. Close to 21 percent of Hispanic families and more than 18 percent of Black families are in poverty. Meanwhile, non-Hispanic White families saw a reduction in poverty as only 8.8 percent of such households are impoverished.
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About Children’s Defense Fund
Founded in 1973, Children’s Defense Fund envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. The only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, CDF advances the well-being of America’s most diverse generation, the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25. CDF’s grassroots movements in marginalized communities build power for child-centered public policy, informed by racial equity and the lived experience of children and youth. Its renowned CDF Freedom Schools® program is conducted in nearly 100 cities across 30 states and territories. Learn more at www.childrensdefense.org.