Top 10 States with the Most Poverty

Photo by Ron Cogswell

Photo by Ron Cogswell

South Carolina

Approximately 1 out of 5 South Carolinians live below the poverty threshold and survive off food and utility assistance programs. A lower median income of $43,107 greatly contributes to the number of people affected by poverty in the Palmetto state.

With layoffs caused by the mass closings of textile plants which employed individuals with less than a college education there are too few jobs available making for an increase in unemployment. A high school graduation rate of 47% doesn’t bode well in making the situation better anytime soon. Whether there are new jobs created or not, the average income in the state will still leave many people living in poverty.

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