The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Arizona examines the relationship between income, the recession, and costs to determine the ability for families across Arizona to meet basic needs. It goes beyond federal poverty guidelines to show us an accurate picture of what Arizona families need to survive without assistance – and it reveals that financial hardship in Arizona is more widespread and severe than the federal government’s official poverty rate statistics would suggest.

Check out the interactive Self-Sufficiency Table where you can search by county and family size to see a breakdown of costs, including housing and child care, as well as wages required to make ends meet without public assistance.