INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana's poverty rate hit 16.3 percent in 2010, the highest in at least 30 years, according to census data released Tuesday.

The Indiana poverty figures are above the national average of 15.1 percent, and they are above the 13.9 percent average among Midwestern states.

The picture is far from rosy anywhere in the country, with the national poverty mark hitting its highest level since 1993.

The data depicts a worse picture for Indiana children, with a poverty rate in that demographic of 26.3 percent, well above the 22 percent average nationally.

"They are the working poor that are trying to make ends meet, that have to pay their bills, their utilities, their rent, and food, unfortunately food, often comes in last," said Cindy Hubert, president of Gleaners Food Bank.

Indiana nearly doubled its poverty rate in 10 years. In 2000, census data indicated a poverty rate of 8.5 percent in Indiana, with a low point of 6.7 percent achieved in 1999.

The number of Hoosiers living in poverty was 1,035,000 in 2010, according to census data.

The federal government defines the poverty line as income of $22,314 a year for a family of four and $11,139 for an individual.

The Office of Management and Budget updates the poverty line each year to account for inflation.

More Information: Poverty Data