Illinois Counties Placed on Poverty Warning and Watch Lists

The last time Illinois experienced its current poverty rate was more than 50 years ago, and particular counties in the state are being hit the hardest by tough economic times, among other contributing factors.

Nearly 2 million Illinoisans in 2013 were living below the national poverty level, which is defined as an annual income of roughly $24,000 or less. Since 2010, the percent of the state’s residents living below the poverty threshold has mushroomed.

Here are the latest statistics on Illinois’ poverty problem, including the four counties that are on the Social Impact Research Center’s “Warning List.” In addition, 42 of the state’s 102 counties have been placed on SIRC’s “Watch List.” You can see them all here.

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