US poverty rate hits 15.1 percent, highest since 1993

WASHINGTON—The US poverty rate rose in 2010 to 15.1 percent, the highest rate since 1993, the Census Bureau reported Tuesday.

The report showed a sharp increase in poverty from 14.3 percent in 2009, and a fourth consecutive rise in the number of people below the poverty threshold, to 46.2 million.

The US definition of poverty is an annual income of $22,314 for a family of four, and $11,139 for a single person.

The survey showed struggles for the rest of Americans, with median household income falling 2.3 percent to $49,445.