We created the historical SPM data set to build on the SPM’s unique value in capturing a more comprehensive and nuanced picture of poverty and the role of government programs in reducing poverty. The Census Bureau only provides SPM data back to 2010, but we extended the measure to 1967—the year the official poverty measure began. Our historical SPM research has since helped reveal how public programs have reduced poverty over time. We’re grateful for this new partnership with IPUMS which will open our data to a vast new group of researchers, analysts, and policy practitioners.
Learn more about the project in the IPUMS blog