Poverty Rate

The number of Arizonans living in poverty is indisputably rising. However, the reported poverty rate varies by source. This section presents data from two U.S. Census Bureau sources, the Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement (CPS ASEC) and the Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates. The CPS ASEC is based on a relatively small national sample of 100,000 households, therefore its state level data is considered less accurate than the Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates. However, CPS ASEC offers the most current data available and provides a good indication of the direction of change, if not the exact degree of change. Additionally, CPS ASEC data has received significant attention in the national media and is commonly cited in civic dialogue. For these reasons, both poverty rates are presented here. Please refer to the original sources for detailed notes on methodology and statistical validity prior to use.