What this measures: The percentage of each state's population living below the federal poverty line, based on the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. The poverty threshold for a family of four in 2024 was approximately $31,200. Louisiana (18.7%), Mississippi (17.8%), and DC (17.3%) have the highest rates. The South dominates the top of the rankings — 8 of the 10 highest-poverty states are in the South. New Hampshire (7.2%), Utah (8.3%), and Vermont (9.0%) have the lowest rates. Poverty correlates strongly with single-parent households, low educational attainment, and welfare dependency.