One of the functions of the Governor's Office of Human Resources is that of gathering, analyzing, and distributing information on the extent, distribution and characteristics of the poverty population in Mississippi and the social, economic and demographic conditions which affect the poor. This lengthy document disburses that kind of information as it sets forth a great deal of material on the statistical descriptors of the state, its economy, population, parameters of cultural and social change and prospects which some of the changes may present for the future. Data on epidomology, familial composition, labor force characteristics, population processes and many other features of the state and her people are also included. The book is divided into three major sections: Part A presents resource material for program planning with chapters on conceptualization and measurement of poverty, county demographic data, and a Community Action Agency user guide and index. Part B centers on a demographic and economic profile of the state. Part C provides a demographic portrait of the Mississippi poor with chapters on the distribution and characteristics of the poor and agricultural and rural poverty. Appendices deal with poverty as it relates to inflation and present auxilliary statistical data. A specific objective of this document was to provide Community Action Agencies with readily available data required for their annual funding package. (DS)