As a domain expert in socio-economic studies, I often delve into the intricacies of income distribution and the various metrics used to define and categorize economic status. One such metric is the concept of "low income," which is a term that carries significant implications for policy-making, social services, and individual well-being. The definition of low income can be multifaceted, taking into account various factors such as geographical location, family size, and the cost of living.

Step 1: English Definition

The term "low income" is generally used to describe a financial status where an individual or family has a limited amount of income. This status is often relative and is defined in comparison to the median income within a specific region or country. However, a more precise and operational definition is based on the Low Income Cut-offs (LICOs), which are established using data from surveys such as the Survey of Household Spending.

The LICOs serve as a statistical measure that delineates income levels below which families are likely to face affordability challenges for basic necessities. Specifically, the threshold is defined as the income level below which a family is likely to spend 20 percentage points more of its income on essential items such as food, shelter, and clothing than the average family. This definition is based on the premise that basic needs consume a larger proportion of a low-income family's budget compared to those with higher incomes.

It's important to note that the concept of low income is not static; it varies by location due to differences in the cost of living. For instance, what constitutes a low income in a rural area may be substantially different from what is considered low income in an urban center. Additionally, the definition takes into account the size and composition of the family, with larger families typically requiring more resources to meet the same basic needs.

Governments and organizations use these definitions to identify those who may be eligible for social assistance, tax relief, or other forms of support. The identification of low-income individuals and families is critical for the equitable distribution of resources and the implementation of policies aimed at reducing poverty and improving the quality of life for all citizens.

Step 2: Divider

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Low-income is considered 200 percent of the federal poverty level, and poor is defined as 100 percent of the poverty level. For 2013, a family of four making less than $23,624 is considered at the federal poverty level, and $47,248 is considered low income.Apr 6, 2015read more >>