The latest numbers come as more working-age adults picked up low-wage jobs in the slowly improving economy but still struggled to pay living expenses.

The Census Bureau reports the number of Americans in poverty stood at 15 percent in 2012.

The gap in employment rates between America's highest- and lowest-income families has stretched to its widest levels since officials began tracking the data a decade ago.

Four out of five U.S. adults struggle with joblessness, near-poverty or reliance on welfare for at least parts of their lives, a sign of deteriorating economic security and an elusive American dream.

A record number of U.S. counties more than 1 in 3 are now dying off, hit by an aging population and weakened local economies that are spurring young adults to seek jobs and build families elsewhere.

The ranks of America's poor edged up last year to a high of 49.7 million, based on a new census measure that takes into account medical costs and work-related expenses.

Younger Americans in their late 30s are now the group most likely to doubt they will be financially secure after retirement; no longer are baby boomers the most unsure.

The post office will hit a new low in cash next month but can avert immediate bankruptcy due to a series of retirement incentives, which saved $2 billion last year.