As a domain expert in social economics, I can provide an informed perspective on the topic of poverty in the United States. It's important to note that poverty rates can fluctuate based on various factors, including economic conditions, policy changes, and the specific measures used to define and calculate poverty. The figures mentioned in the prompt are from 2011, and thus, may not reflect the most current data. However, they do serve as a starting point for understanding the complexities involved in measuring poverty.
Poverty is typically defined as the condition of lacking the financial means to afford the basic necessities of life. In the United States, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) sets the federal poverty level (FPL), which is used to determine financial eligibility for certain federal programs. The FPL is updated periodically to account for changes in the cost of living.
The U.S. Census Bureau releases annual reports that include the official poverty rate. As of my last update in April 2023, the most recent data available would be from 2022. According to historical trends, the poverty rate in the U.S. has varied. For instance, in the 1960s, the rate was around 19%, and it has since fluctuated, reaching a low of around 11.3% in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic itself led to an increase in poverty rates, as economic disruptions disproportionately affected lower-income households.
The figure of 16% from 2011, as mentioned, likely refers to a broader measure of poverty that includes those living near the poverty line, often defined as within 200% of the FPL. This broader measure captures a larger segment of the population that, while not officially impoverished, still struggles to meet basic needs due to low income.
It's also crucial to consider the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM), which was introduced by the Census Bureau to provide a more comprehensive picture of poverty. The SPM takes into account government benefits like food assistance and housing subsidies, as well as necessary expenses such as taxes and medical out-of-pocket costs, which the FPL does not fully consider.
When interpreting poverty statistics, it's important to recognize the limitations of these measures. For example, the FPL may not accurately reflect the actual costs of living in different regions of the country, particularly in areas with high housing costs. Additionally, the official poverty measure does not account for non-cash benefits or tax credits that can significantly impact a family's financial situation.
In conclusion, while the specific percentage of Americans living in poverty can vary from year to year, it is a complex issue influenced by numerous economic and social factors. Understanding the nuances of different poverty measures and their implications is key to grasping the true extent of poverty in the United States.

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According to this new measure, 16% of Americans lived in poverty in 2011, compared with the official figure of 15.2%. The new measure also estimated that nearly half of all Americans lived in poverty that year, defined as living within 200% of the federal poverty line.read more >>