The recession officially ended more than two years ago. But the percentage of people living in poverty — with household incomes below $22,350 for a family of four — has continued to rise. Data released September 22, 2011 by the U.S. Census Bureau show that 20 states saw a 20 percent or higher increase in the poverty rate from 2007 to 2010. At the same time, median incomes have continued on a downward path.