Poverty in contemporary Poland is still a very serious social problem. This article attempts to analyze the problem of poverty in Rzeszow. It shows correlation between poverty and social exclusion. Poverty in Rzeszow is most prevalent for households suffering from unemployment, disability, and with multiple children. Though risk of poverty is particularly high in Podkarpackie region, it is not widespread in Rzeszow. Strategies for the development directions of the European Union shows that the reduction of poverty is one of the main task for the future. Lack of employment is often seen as key factor in poverty. Poverty has various causes that is why diagnose is an essential step in the poverty reduction.