Poorest State in America is Mississippi, Also Fattest; Maryland Richest

Mississippi has gained the new title as the poorest and fattest state in the United States.

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau from last year was analyzed by 24/7 Wall Street  who found the median home income was only $36,919, making it the poorest state. The richest state turned out to be Maryland which has nearly a double median home income at $70,004.

The analyzed data found that median income fell in 18 states and was stagnate in 31 other states between 2010 and 2011. The only state that saw a median home increase was Vermont.

Poverty rates remain high with the poorest states having greater than 20 percent living below the poverty line. Mississippi came in at a 22.6 percent for their poverty rate.

24/7 Wall Street reported last year that Mississippi was also the poorest state in 2010. The poverty rate for 2010 reached 21 percent in the state, which then had a median income of $36,850.

The report noted overall:

"Mississippi is among the states with the worst education systems, highest obesity levels, highest unemployment, and lowest rates of health insurance coverage. The state is an economic black hole, and it shows in the way people suffer there. And, as is true with black holes, it is nearly impossible for the residents of Mississippi to escape their difficult financial situations. There is a dearth of federal programs that target specific states and cities based on local economic need."

In a report from earlier this year released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), found that Mississippi was also the fattest state in America, Yahoo News reported. Analysts say these two rankings are likely linked as lower income households have fewer choices for healthier foods leading to cheaper options with high sodium and calorie counts.