Deep Poverty

The U.S. Census Bureau defines deep poverty as living in a household with income that falls below 50% of the federal poverty line. The United Nations describes it as “a condition characterized by severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education, and information. It depends not only on income but also on access to services.” Deep poverty is also known as extreme poverty, abject poverty, absolute poverty, or destitution.