Q&A about Poverty and Wealth in America

How has the share of wealth change throughout time in America
"In 1865, at the time of the Emancipation Proclamation, African Americans owned 0.5% of the total worth of the United States…by 1990, a full 135 years after the abolition of slavery, Black Americans owned only a meager 1% of total wealth” (Conley, Being Black, Living Red). And now by 2001, African Americans own 3%.

How is age factored into the povety rate?

Age 18>: 18%
Ages 19-64: 10.9%
> Age 65: 9.7%
These percentages are how much of that age group lives in poverty. (e.g. 18% of people younger than 18 years old lives in poverty)

How is the national wealth measured in America?
According to Paul Cole, there is no exact way of measuring wealth because "wealth is in the eye of the collective beholders."

What is the currect % and number of people living in poverty?
As of 2005, the % of people living in poverty is 12.5%, making the # of people living in poverty 37 million.

How does the national poverty rate compare to the minor poverty rate?
The poverty rate for minors is 21.9%, as opposed to the previously stated, 12.5% in America.

Is the poverty rate increasing or decreasing? And by how much each year?
Compared to 1959, where the poverty rate was around 23%, the poverty rate now is significantly lower. However, since the year 2000, it has slightly increased by 1-2%.















Questions left to be answered, and yet to be found on the internet:

- If the national wealth was divided equally amongst everyone in America, would anyone be below the poverty line?
- Which race is in the greatest danger of entering poverty at a greater rate?