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Data Visualization
SNAP Household Characteristics Dashboard

This dashboard describes the economic and demographic characteristics of households participating in SNAP by state and over time, as well as SNAP participation rates by state and by household characteristic.

06/13/2025
Basic page Report Series - Characteristics of SNAP Households

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition assistance to eligible, low-income individuals and households. SNAP is the largest domestic nutrition assistance program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service.

05/02/2025
Basic page Report Series - Estimates of National SNAP Participation Rates (Trends in SNAP Participation Rates)

We publish national SNAP participation rates, which are estimated percentages of people who are eligible for SNAP who participate in the program. On this page, you can access published reports that go back to 1994. Each report includes national participation and benefit receipt rates for all individuals, households, and certain subgroups. Most reports compare rates across fiscal years to demonstrate recent trends in SNAP participation.

04/21/2025
Basic page Report Series - Estimates of State SNAP Participation Rates (Reaching Those in Need)

We publish SNAP participation rates for each state, which are estimated percentages of all people who are eligible for SNAP who participate in the program. For most years, we also estimate participation rates for “working poor” people, who are eligible people that live in households with income from a job. On this page, you can access published reports that go back to 1994. Each link includes a research brief, and a technical report detailing the methodology used. 

04/18/2025
Resource | Research and Data | Participation Characteristics Characteristics of SNAP Households: FY 2018

This report, the latest in an annual series dating back to 1976, provides information about the demographic and economic circumstances of SNAP households. Using a sample of SNAP Quality Control data that is representative at both the state and national level, this report summarizes the characteristics of households and individuals who participated in SNAP in fiscal year 2018.

08/31/2020
Resource | Research and Data | Participation Characteristics Characteristics of SNAP Households: FY 2009

This report describes the characteristics of SNAP households and participants nationwide in fiscal year 2010 (October 2009 through September 2010). It also presents an overview of SNAP eligibility requirements and benefit levels in fiscal year 2010. 

10/18/2010
Resource | Research and Data | Participation Characteristics Characteristics of Food Stamp Households: FY 2003

On average, about 21.3 million people living in 9.2 million households received food stamps in the United States each month in FY 2003. Food stamp households are a diverse group. Because food stamps are available to most low-income households with few resources, regardless of age, disability status, or family structure, recipients represent a broad cross-section of the nation's poor. This report provides information about the demographic and economic circumstances of food stamp households. 

11/01/2004
Resource | Research and Data | Participation Characteristics Characteristics of Food Stamp Households: FY 1997

This report provides information about the demographic and economic circumstances of food stamp households. 

02/01/1999
Page updated: September 16, 2025