Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Latest Data: 2021
Release Timing: September
Frequency: Annual
Contact: Census Call Center, 1-800-923-8282

The data given here for Children in Poverty is for the total number of children aged 0-17 living at or under the federal poverty threshold in the states. The data given for the Children in Poverty Percentage was derived by dividing the total number of children aged 0-17 living in poverty by the total number of children aged 0-17 in the states. 

According to the census.gov glossary, "following the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB’s) Directive 14, the Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who is in poverty. If the total income for a family or unrelated individual falls below the relevant poverty threshold, then the family (and every individual in it) or unrelated individual is considered in poverty. in the states."

The federal poverty threshold for a family of four with two children in 2020 was $26,246, $25,926 in 2019, $25,465 in 2018, $24,858 in 2017, $24,339 in 2016, $24,036 in 2015, $24,008 in 2014, and $23,624 in 2013. See Poverty Thresholds by Size of Family and Number of Children.

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau: Table: S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS