In 1990, 48.1 percent of all Black families with a single mother in the United States lived below the poverty level. In 2023, that figure had decreased to 25.9 percent. This is significantly higher than white households with a single mother. Poverty is the state of one who lacks a certain amount of material possessions or money. Absolute poverty or destitution is inability to afford basic human needs, which commonly includes clean and fresh water, nutrition, health care, education, clothing and shelter.
Poverty rate of Black families with a single mother in the United States 1990 to 2023
Characteristic
Poverty rate
2023
25.9%
2022
24.5%
2021
29.3%
2020
28.2%
2019
27.3%
2018
29.4%
2017
30.8%
2016
31.6%
2015
33.9%
2014
37.2%
2013
36.7%
2012
37.8%
2011
39%
2010
38.7%
2009
36.7%
2008
37.2%
2007
37.3%
2006
36.6%
2005
36.1%
2004
37.6%
2003
36.9%
2002
35.8%
2001
35.2%
2000
34.3%
1999
39.2%
1998
40.8%
1997
39.8%
1996
43.7%
1995
45.1%
1994
46.2%
1993
49.9%
1992
50.2%
1991
51.2%
1990
48.1%
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Black only - with and without children under 18 years. Female householder, no husband present.
The Census Bureau defines a family as follows: "A family is a group of two people or more (one of whom is the householder) related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together; all such people (including related subfamily members) are considered as members of one family."
Further information regarding the poverty threshold can be accessed here.
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US Census Bureau. (September 16, 2024). Poverty rate of Black families with a single mother in the United States 1990 to 2023 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 21, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/205114/percentage-of-poor-black-families-with-a-female-householder-in-the-us/
US Census Bureau. "Poverty rate of Black families with a single mother in the United States 1990 to 2023." Chart. September 16, 2024. Statista. Accessed December 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/205114/percentage-of-poor-black-families-with-a-female-householder-in-the-us/
US Census Bureau. (2024). Poverty rate of Black families with a single mother in the United States 1990 to 2023. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/205114/percentage-of-poor-black-families-with-a-female-householder-in-the-us/
US Census Bureau. "Poverty Rate of Black Families with a Single Mother in The United States 1990 to 2023." Statista, Statista Inc., 16 Sep 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/205114/percentage-of-poor-black-families-with-a-female-householder-in-the-us/
US Census Bureau, Poverty rate of Black families with a single mother in the United States 1990 to 2023 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/205114/percentage-of-poor-black-families-with-a-female-householder-in-the-us/ (last visited December 21, 2024)
Poverty rate of Black families with a single mother in the United States 1990 to 2023 [Graph], US Census Bureau, September 16, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/205114/percentage-of-poor-black-families-with-a-female-householder-in-the-us/
