Out of 291 million people, fully 12.7% (or 37 million) live below the poverty line.\n\nThis is 9.7% lower than in 1959, the first year such a measurement was available.\n\nThe poverty thresholds (income) used vary based on the size of the family unit. For instance, a family of 4 had a poverty line of $19,307 in 2004, while a family of 8 was $32,641.
what percentage of the usa's population live below poverty line?