The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Pennsylvania

Census data tells us that 13% of Pennsylvania households live in poverty. In reality, even more households don't have the income they need to reach self-sufficiency. One in four Pennsylvania households - over 846,000 - lack enough income to cover just the necessities.

Since 1997, PathWays PA has worked with Dr. Diana Pearce and the University of Washington to calculate The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Pennsylvania. Over the last 23 years, The Self-Sufficiency Standard of Pennsylvania has documented the continuing increase in the real cost of living, illuminating the economic crunch experienced by so many families today. Since 2010, PathWays PA and the University of Washington have also issued three versions of the Overlooked and Undercounted report, which looks at the number of households living above and below self-sufficiency.

You can now use the interactive materials below to find out what it takes to be self-sufficient in your county.

The Overlooked and Undercounted report was made possible by the generous support of New Century Trust and the Women and Girls Foundation. PathWays PA, a member of CLIP, made this information available on our website as part of their contribution to CLIP.

Click here to read the 2020 Overlooked and Undercounted Brief.
To learn more about Overlooked and Undercounted Pennsylvania residents, click here.
To learn more about which households are below the Standard statewide, explore other interactive tables.