The number of low-income workers who live in poor neighborhoods is on the rise because of the weak economy, new figures show.

According to a report by the Brookings Institution, the number of low earners went up in 34 of 58 metro areas, with a particular emphasis in the Northeast and Midwest.

The report examines the relationship between poor areas and the growing number of low-income workers who were eligible for earned income tax credits between 1999 and 2005.

Alan Berube, co-author of the report, said the people living in these communities are "already at the margins".

He added: "When things are booming, they get swept up in the growth and when there's a downturn, they are the first to get affected."

It is widely accepted that the rising price of gasoline, food and commodities is at the root of America's inflation problems.

Americans struggling with rising prices or debt may need to consider a debt management plan in the imminent future.

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