Civic Report
No. 35 March 2003

Figure 1
Changes in the Poverty Rates of Female-Headed and Married-Couple Families with Children under 18: 1959–2001 ("official" poverty definition)

Note: Prior to 1973, married-couple families include families with male householder, no wife present, because the poverty status of this small group was not separately tabulated.
Source: Poverty in the United States (historical tables), March CPS, U.S. Bureau of the Census.

Figure 2
Changes in the Poverty Rate of Single Mother Families Under Five Alternative Definitions of Income

Note: Calculated from March Current Population Survey microdata files, 1989–2001. Non-cash benefits and taxes (including EITC) are based on Census estimates. Single mothers are restricted to those ages 18-44 with own children under 18 years of age.

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