Income and Poverty Data

Poverty data can be confusing to data users because estimates come from different sources, and there are TWO DIFFERENT POVERTY MEASURES used by federal agencies. These are the Poverty Thresholds and Poverty Guidelines. The Census Bureau poverty information page linked below explains the most common sources that people cite. These are the Decennial Census, Current Population Surveys (CPS), Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, and Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP).

If unfamiliar with using poverty data, we recommend reading the Census Bureau Poverty information and the Health and Human Services Guidelines linked below.  The HHS website offers a concise description of how poverty data is used by government agencies.

1. Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines
2. Census Bureau's Poverty Information Web Site

Income and poverty data from the 2000 Census are available for different geographies on pages 9-12 of the 58 page profiles and on page three of the 4-page profiles of Kentucky, Counties, Cities and Census Designated Places, and Area Development Districts

• 2005 Poverty Rates for Kentucky and Counties (source is the SAIPE)
• 2000 Poverty Rates for Kentucky and Counties (from 2000 Census)
• Kentucky Income and Poverty Characteristics, 2000 Census
• Kentucky Income and Poverty Characteristics, 1990 Census

Other Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Data:

• Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (State, County and School District Estimates)
• Census Bureau Poverty Data
• Census Bureau Income Data
• Census Bureau Health Insurance Data
• Other Poverty Estimates on KSDC Website
• Female-Headed Households with Related Children in Poverty, Kentucky and Counties, 1980-2000
• Poverty Rates for Persons, Related Children, and Seniors, 1989 and 1999
• Low Income Uninsured Children by States