|
A Profile of Older Americans: 2004
Poverty
About 3.6 million elderly persons (10.2%) were below the poverty level
in 2003. This poverty rate was not statistically different from the poverty
rate in 2002. The historic lowest level of 9.7% was reached in 1999.
Another 2.3 million or 6.7% of the elderly were classified as "near-poor" (income
between the poverty level and 125% of this level).
One of every twelve (8.8%) elderly Whites** was poor in 2003, compared
to 23.7% of elderly African-Americans,** 14.3% of Asians,** and 19.5%
of elderly Hispanics. Higher than average poverty rates for older persons
were found among those who lived in central cities (13.1%), outside metropolitan
areas (i.e. rural areas) (11.0%), and in the South (11.9%).
Older women had a higher poverty rate (12.5%) than older men (7.3%)
in 2003. Older persons living alone were much more likely to be poor
(18.6%) than were older persons living with families (5.8%). The highest
poverty rates (40.8%) were experienced by older Hispanic women who lived
alone.
Based on data from Current Population Survey, Annual Social and
Economic Supplement, "Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage
in the United States: 2003," P60‑226, issued August, 2004, by
the U.S. Bureau of the Census and related Census detailed tables on the
Census Bureau website
Back
to Previous | Main | Next
| Last Modified: 4/29/2010 3:49:48 PM |
|