New numbers show that Idaho’s poverty rate has dropped to the 6th-lowest in the U.S.
Idaho moved up two spots from last year, according to the data released by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Using the Bureau’s Supplemental Poverty Measure, which it began using in 2011 and takes into account “many of the government programs designed to assist low-income families and individuals that are not included in the official poverty measure,” Idaho’s poverty rate is 9.7 percent, far below the national average of 14.1 percent, and the Gem State tied with Nebraska for the number six spot.
Idaho tied for 8th for having the largest percentage decrease at 2 percent in its SPM rate.
Using the old Official Poverty Rate, which doesn’t take into account government programs for low-income people, Idaho’s 11.7 percent rate is still below the 12.9 percent national average. (U.S. Census Bureau)
