WASHINGTON • The financial health of U.S. adults is wide-ranging, with those possessing higher levels of education and larger savings enjoying greater security and freedom, according to the first-ever government survey of financial well-being, released on Tuesday.

With the U.S. poverty rate near pre-recession levels and median income at a historic high, the improving economy is helping many Americans make ends meet.

Nonetheless, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, charged with guarding individuals’ finances, found more than 40 percent of U.S. adults struggle to pay bills. It also found 34 percent have experienced material hardships in the last year such as running out of food or not having enough money for medical treatment.

“A large percentage of people are financially fragile,” the report said. “Overall, we find that the financial well-being of U.S. adults varies widely.”

The agency surveyed a representative sample of people on how well they can fully meet their financial obligations, secure their financial futures and make choices that allow them to enjoy their lives.