US poverty higher than expected: Report

Senior citizens in the US

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/158881.html


Statistics reveal that the number of poor people in America, particularly senior citizens, is millions higher than it was previously thought to be.

Recently released preliminary census figures indicate that one in every six Americans, mostly a senior citizen, is living in poverty.

The Census Bureau's new report shows that 47.8 million people in America are struggling with poverty, in comparison with the previous 2010 rate of 43.6 million, most of them 65 years of age and older.

Accordingly, over 16 percent of the 48 million people living below the poverty line are 65 years or older.

Poverty rates in the United States seem to be increasing among whites and Latinos aged 18 to 65.

An analysis done by the US Census Bureau reveals that medical expenses play a key role in the high percentage of those living in poverty.

These statistics point out that if the state had insured more citizens, poverty rates would have dropped to a 12 percent rather than the current 16 percent.

Figures released by the Bureau also show that poverty is on the rise in rural areas across the country.

Based on the figures, over 15 percent of rural Americans are living in poverty. The rate is higher than it is in urban and ex-urban counties.