Poverty Rates

Another myth about the Reagan years is that millions were thrown into poverty. However, the facts as shown below tell a different story. As with so many economic indicators, they get worse during the Carter years, then do an about face as Reagan's economic programs get under way. By 1989 the poverty rate was 1.2% lower than it was in 1981 and 2.4% below the peak rate of 15.2%. Another supply side success story.

---

---