East Texans offer a number of reasons.

Tyler — Nearly one in six people were in poverty last year.

The census bureau reports that about 46 point 2 million people were in poverty in 20-10--the highest level since 19-83.

At the time the unemployment rate averaged about 9 point 6 percent.

East Texans offer their theories as to why the disparity, to our news partner: KTBB and host Garth Maier.