How would you measure the poverty level in the U.S.?

Question

other than measuring income of a household of four and earning less than $18k. a year.

Answer 1

+ I would think that a good way to measure it would be counting how many people die of starvation and exposure to the elements.

Answer 2

I wouldn't.

Any so-called "poverty line" is arbitrary. Poverty is a relative concept. Poverty in the US is riches in India.

What you can measure, if you want to, is inequality. How much of total personal income do the bottom 10% of people have? How does that compare with other countries such as France, Sri Lanka, or Japan?

Answer 3

i BELIEVE THE U.S MEASURES THE POVERTY LEVEL BY ADDING UP WHAT IT TAKES TO LIVE ON, SUBSTINANCE (FOOD, WATER, CLOTHES ETC) ALSO $$$ AND MULTIPLIES IT BY 3.