What is the most commonly accepted definition of poverty in America?

In America, poverty is most commonly defined by the federal poverty line, which is a specific income level set by the government. This line varies based on the size of a household and is updated each year to account for inflation. When a family’s income falls below this line, they are considered to be living in poverty, which means they may struggle to afford basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare. For example, if a family of four has an annual income below about $27,750, they would be classified as living in poverty. Understanding this definition helps us see the challenges many people face and the importance of support programs to assist them.