What Is the Poorest Town in the United States?
There is no single official poorest town in the United States, but several small communities consistently rank at the bottom by median household income and poverty rate. These towns are often rural, with limited industry, low wages, and high unemployment. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau is commonly used to identify them.
Common Characteristics of the Poorest Towns
Poor towns often share traits such as a small population, low educational attainment, and dependence on seasonal or declining industries. Many are located in the Mississippi Delta, Appalachia, or Native American reservations. High poverty rates and low median incomes reflect limited local job opportunities and lower cost-of-living constraints.
How Researchers Identify the Poorest Towns
Analysts use Census income data, poverty thresholds, and employment statistics to rank towns. They compare median household income, per capita income, and the share of residents below the federal poverty line. Because town boundaries vary, comparisons are usually limited to similarly sized places.
For the latest rankings, see the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey data at https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/data.html.
