The Townsend Poverty Threshold

The Townsend Poverty Threshold is a way to measure whether families or individuals have enough income to meet their basic needs, like food, housing, and clothing. It considers the amount of money earned and compares it to the cost of essentials in a specific area. If someone's income is below this threshold, they are considered to be living in poverty, meaning they might struggle to afford basic necessities. It helps policymakers and researchers understand the extent of poverty and target support where it's needed most.