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49% of Americans Struggle Below Economic Security Threshold

3/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Urban Institute finds that about 49% of Americans do not earn the $145,000 needed for economic security, and the threshold remains steady into 2026.
Single-parent households and renters are disproportionately affected, with about 90% of single-parent households and 80% of renters below the threshold.
Even six-figure earners struggle to cover basic expenses, suggesting the official poverty line for a family of four may be higher than $33,000.

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Story summary

The Urban Institute finds that about 49% of Americans do not earn the $145,000 needed for economic security, and the threshold remains steady into 2026.
Single-parent households and renters are disproportionately affected, with about 90% of single-parent households and 80% of renters below the threshold.
Even six-figure earners struggle to cover basic expenses, suggesting the official poverty line for a family of four may be higher than $33,000.