We applied a mixed-methods approach to participatory wealth ranking (PWR) to identify the number of poor households in eight villages of rural South Africa and describe how poor they are. We generated a household wealth index on the basis of the ranking process and statements made on standard of living. Descriptions from PWR identified households as "very poor," "poor, but a bit better off," or "doing OK." Of 9 671 households, 3 113 (32.2%) could be considered "very poor" or "poor." The paper presents a novel approach to wealth ranking that generates a rich appraisal of poverty. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.