United States Poverty Rate
Poverty headcount ratio at $2.15/day SI.POV.DDAY
United States's poverty rate was 1.32% in 2025, ranked 30th globally. This represents a 10.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1963–2025.
Overview
United States's poverty rate stood at 1.32% in 2025, a rise of +0.12pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.32% by 2025. United States ranked 30th globally.
The United States has demonstrated a significant decline in poverty rates over the past six decades, with the latest available data from the World Bank indicating a rate of 1.32% in 2025. At its peak in 1964, the poverty rate stood at 1.50%, a value that it maintained the following year. Conversely, the country experienced a notable trough in 2021 with a rate of 0.50%, indicating a drastic reduction in poverty levels during this period. Compared to its peers, the US ranks 30th globally in terms of poverty rate, with Sweden holding the top spot at 1.36%. This downward trend in poverty rates is a testament to the country's economic growth and social welfare policies. However, the trajectory may be altered by potential shifts in government policies, economic downturns, or changes in global economic conditions. If the current trend continues, further declines in poverty rates are expected, potentially solidifying the US position as a leader in poverty reduction.
Data & projection
| Year | Poverty Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 1.43% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.32% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.32% | +0.12pp | #30 |
| 2023 | 1.20% | +0.00pp | #31 |
| 2022 | 1.20% | +0.70pp | #35 |
| 2021 | 0.50% | +0.00pp | #33 |
| 2020 | 0.50% | −0.50pp | #34 |
| 2019 | 1.00% | +0.00pp | #43 |
| 2018 | 1.00% | −0.20pp | #49 |
| 2017 | 1.20% | +0.00pp | #45 |
| 2016 | 1.20% | +0.00pp | #39 |
| 2015 | 1.20% | +0.00pp | #44 |
| 2014 | 1.20% | +0.20pp | #42 |
| 2013 | 1.00% | +0.00pp | #36 |
| 2012 | 1.00% | +0.00pp | #36 |
| 2011 | 1.00% | −0.20pp | #41 |
| 2010 | 1.20% | +0.20pp | #42 |
Analysis
United States's poverty rate was 1.32% in 2025, a rise of +0.12pp from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 1.32% by 2025.
The provided news headlines discuss global development approaches, international political endorsements, voter issues in India, geopolitical threats concerning Iran, and historical education. None of these developments offer direct or indirect information relevant to analyzing the United States's Poverty Rate, currently at 1.32%. Therefore, these headlines do not provide a basis for assessing impacts on US poverty.
Frequently Asked Questions
United States's poverty rate was 1.32% in 2025. Ranked 30th globally. This represents a 10.0% increase from the previous year.
United States's poverty rate peaked at 1.50% in 1963.
The lowest poverty rate in United States was 0.50% in 1977.
United States ranks 30th globally in poverty rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SI.POV.DDAY. Data sourced from World Bank.
United States's poverty rate is projected to reach 1.32% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The poverty rate of United States in 2025 was 1.32%. This ranks 30th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-states_poverty-rate,
title = {United States Poverty Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-states/poverty-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}