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Family income rose and poverty fell in 2025 — but safety net cuts could erase gains

Sep 15, 2026 · Scott Horsley

Originally published by NPR News Read the original

Family income rose and poverty fell in 2025 — but safety net cuts could erase gains
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank provided boxes of groceries for a food giveaway in August. Food insecurity is expected to increase as government assistance programs are scaled back.
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank provided boxes of groceries for a food giveaway in August. Food insecurity is expected to increase as government assistance programs are scaled back.

An annual report from the Census Bureau shows the average family made more money in 2025 than the year before, while the official poverty rate declined. Health care coverage was little changed from 2024.

(Image credit: Patrick T. Fallon)

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