Poverty is still a serious problem in many counties of the state.
Many jobs are found in textiles, paper mills, poultry plants, and national distribution centers. Within this mostly rural environment, the Diocese of Savannah is challenged to serve 74,800 Catholics scattered over 37,038 square miles. Driving distances between the farthest points of the diocese is about 6 hours. This sparse numbering combined with distance makes travel a major hurdle in Church gatherings. At present, there are 53 parishes with a total of 26 missions and mission stations.