What We're Showing
This graphic shows the share of each state living in extreme poverty in 2024, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Extreme poverty is defined as those earning less than $8,160 in annual income, or half of the poverty line.
Key Takeaways
- Millions of Americans are extremely impoverished, with Washington D.C. seeing 10.3% of its population earning $8,160 or less in 2024, the highest rate in the country.
- Louisiana (9%), Mississippi (8.5%), and New Mexico (8.2%) fall next in line, compounded by low wages and comparatively limited economic opportunity compared to other states.