It’s a measurement based on the statistical low income cutoff (the “poverty line”). In child poverty research, a child is considered to live in poverty if they

It’s a measurement based on the statistical low income cutoff (the “poverty line”). In child poverty research, a child is considered to live in poverty if they live in a family whose income falls below the low income cutoff. Using that measure, in the United States 1/6 children live in poverty. Half of those live in statistically defined ‘extreme poverty’. That 1/6 has some interesting geographical and race based components that worth a read. There is a metric shit tonne of research on this and if you’re interested in a reading list, my email is in my profile! :)