Fact Check: over 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, with little or no savings and under constant threat of financial collapse. Nearly 37 million Americans lived below the official poverty line in 2023.

Fact-Check: "Over 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, with little or no savings and under constant threat of financial collapse. Nearly 37 million Americans lived below the official poverty line in 2023."

What We Know

The claim states that over 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck and that nearly 37 million Americans lived below the official poverty line in 2023.

1. Living Paycheck to Paycheck: According to a report by the Senate, over 60% of Americans were reported to be living paycheck to paycheck. However, other sources indicate varying statistics, with MarketWatch reporting that 57% of Americans were living paycheck to paycheck in 2025, and the People's Policy Project suggesting that between 52% to 64% of consumers experienced this financial situation during their surveys.

2. Poverty Statistics: The U.S. Census Bureau reported that in 2023, the official poverty rate was 11.1%, with approximately 36.8 million people living below the poverty line, which aligns closely with the claim of "nearly 37 million" (Census Bureau). This figure is consistent with other sources, such as Wikipedia and Debt.org, which also cite around 37 million individuals in poverty.

Analysis

The claim that over 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck is partially substantiated. The Senate report provides a figure that supports the claim, but it is important to note that other sources report lower percentages, indicating a range of 52% to 64%. This discrepancy suggests that while a significant portion of Americans do live paycheck to paycheck, the exact percentage may vary depending on the source and methodology used.

Regarding the poverty statistics, the claim accurately reflects the data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau, which indicates that approximately 36.8 million Americans were living below the official poverty line in 2023. This figure is corroborated by multiple reliable sources, reinforcing its credibility.

In evaluating the reliability of the sources:

• The U.S. Census Bureau is a highly credible and authoritative source for demographic and economic data.
• Reports from MarketWatch and People's Policy Project provide useful insights but may vary based on their methodologies and sample sizes.
• The Senate report is also a credible source, but it is essential to consider that it may present data with a specific agenda or perspective.

Conclusion

The claim is Partially True. While it accurately reflects the poverty statistics reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, the assertion that over 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck is supported by some sources but contradicted by others that report lower percentages. This inconsistency suggests that while a significant number of Americans face financial instability, the exact figure may be less than the claim indicates.

Sources

1. National Poverty in America Awareness Month: January 2025
2. 3.7.2025-Life-Expectancy-Working-Class-Report_final.pdf
3. A profile of the working poor, 2022
4. Poverty in the United States
5. U.S. Poverty Statistics and Facts (Updated for 2025)
6. 57% of Americans Live Paycheck to Paycheck in 2025
7. Why 62% of Americans Live Paycheck to Paycheck in 2025
8. How Many People Live Paycheck to Paycheck?