The map above represents the lowest poverty rate in twenty years. During the Clinton Administration the U.S. poverty rate declined from 15.1% in 1993 to 11.3% in 2000, its lowest point since 1979. Under the Bush Administration the rate increased in both 2001 and 2002 to reach its current level of 12.1%. That is an increase of 3.5 million persons in two years. In the same time period the poverty rate in Pennsylvania increased from 8.7% to 9.5%.

Note: The poverty rate is generally lower than the raw percent calculation because it includes food stamps and other welfare assistance as income. For further information and explanation see the U.S. Census Bureau's Poverty Section.