The region of the United States that has the most poverty is the

• A. West
• B. Northeast
• C. South
• D. Midwest

Answer: (C)

Poverty in the United States varies by region due to differences in economic structure, wages, and demographics. The South has the highest poverty rate, meaning a larger share of its residents live below the official poverty line compared with the Northeast, Midwest, or West. This pattern stems from slower wage growth, a larger proportion of low-wage and service-sector jobs, and significant rural poverty, all of which contribute to higher poverty risk. Additionally, persistent economic disparities and differences in access to education, health care, and social services across parts of the South help keep poverty rates elevated. Because of its sizable population, the region also contains a large number of people living in poverty, even if other regions may have pockets of poverty as well.