Statistical and descriptive data are used to analyze the location, incidence, characteristics and general dimensions of poverty in Mississippi. The following areas are examined: Mississippi's population structure, the development of public concern with anti-poverty measures and the State's economic structure in terms of its income sources and its labor force. The paper identifies major characteristics and problems of the poor which are apparent from the study of the census data and other available materials. These include family composition, family size, nutrition, health, income, and education. Extensive statistical detail is found in the two appendices. (Author/AM)