Poverty numbers up in Maine

A new study from the University of Maine shows the percentage of people in poverty rising in that state as well. The increase mirrors the trend nationwide, and is similar to what was reported in Wisconsin this morning.

From this Associated Press story found at WMTW, we look further into Maine's numbers.

The Bangor Daily News reports that the 12.2 percent figure is about 1 percentage point lower than the national average and compares to Maine's 2000-01 poverty rate of 10.1 percent.

Researcher Ann Atcheson said traditionally, when a recession ends, poverty rates continue to rise.

Broken out by counties, Washington County was the highest with a poverty rate of 20.1 percent, while York County was lowest at 8.2 percent.

The poverty line in the report is defined as $20,650 for a family of four.