Final answer:
African Americans have the highest percentage of individuals living in poverty among racial groups in the United States, but most people living below the poverty line are white due to the larger white population. This illustrates the multifaceted nature of poverty in the U.S.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering which racial groups have the highest rate of poverty in the United States, it is important to distinguish between the percentage of a group living in poverty and the total number of individuals in poverty. African Americans have a higher percentage of individuals living in poverty compared to other racial groups. However, in terms of absolute numbers, most people living below the poverty line are white. This is due to the demographic makeup of the United States, where whites constitute a larger portion of the population.
As statistical data indicate, while African American and Hispanic communities have higher percentages of poverty, poverty remains a serious problem across all races, affecting large numbers of individuals who are white as well. This dynamic underscores the complexity of poverty in the United States, where both absolute numbers and percentages play a significant role in understanding the broader socioeconomic landscape.