A Profile of the Working Poor

Abstract

This study uses Current Population Survey data to compile a profile of the working poor in America. Analysis shows that 6.4 million persons in 3.4 million poor families were either employed or were seeking a job during at least half of 1987. Poor workers tend to have low levels of education and are paid very low wages. Workers most likely to be poor are those who have children and are the only earners in their families. Thus among workers women who are heads of household are in the greatest danger of living in poverty.