The 2008 Report on Illinois Poverty showcases how Illinois families are struggling to achieve or maintain economic stability. The report points to negative economic shifts, including stagnating wages and rising costs, which have taken their toll on people across Illinois, hitting persons in poverty the hardest. Statewide, poverty increased in 74 of Illinois’ 102 counties. Nearly 250,000 additional Illinois residents have succumbed to poverty since 1999, a 19% increase.

This report is available to download here. Heartland Alliance is a United Way agency partner.