Regionally

• The poverty rate in the Midwest is 10.7 percent, up from 10.3 percent in 2003. 
• 10.3 percent of Missouri residents live in poverty, up from 9.8 percent in 2002.
• 12.7 percent of Illinois residents live in poverty, up from 11.5 percent in 2002.

Nationwide

• The ratio of poor people has risen three years in a row -- 12.5 percent in 2003, up from 12.1 percent in 2002, and 11.7 percent in 2001.
• 35.9 million people are living in poverty, an increase of 1.7 million from 32.9 million in 2001.
• 12.9 million children live in poverty.
• 3.6 million elderly live in poverty.
• 13.3 million people live in poverty in suburban areas.

Source: The U.S. Census Bureau's 2002 Report on Poverty, released August 2004