20 Poorest Counties in America
- Issaquena County
- Jackson County
- McDowell County
- Holmes County
- Presidio County
- Brooks County
- East Carroll Parish
- Sumter County
- Lake County
- Owsley County
- Lee County
- Starr County
- Wheeler County
- Clay County
- Wilcox County
- Breathitt County
- Crowley County
- Telfair County
- Buffalo County
- Martin County
Issaquena County, Mississippi
The poorest county in the US is Issaquena County, Mississippi, which has a median household income of just $17,900. With such low earnings, the county's population of 1,338 faces significant economic challenges. Factors such as limited employment opportunities, educational disparities, and a lack of economic diversity contribute to the financial struggles experienced by its residents.
Jackson County, South Dakota
Situated in the Midwest, Jackson County, South Dakota, is characterized by a median household income of $26,078 and a population of 2,878. The county struggles with economic challenges stemming from its rural nature, including limited access to job opportunities, healthcare, and educational resources. These factors contribute to the overall financial strain experienced by the residents of Jackson County.
McDowell County, West Virginia
Another one of the poorest counties in America is McDowell County. Nestled within the Appalachian region, McDowell County in West Virginia grapples with economic challenges, characterized by a median household income of $28,235 and a population of 18,363. Additionally, the residents of McDowell County face alarming rates of drug abuse and poverty, contributing to a life expectancy well below the national average.
Holmes County, Mississippi
Another Mississippi county, Holmes County, comes at number four on our list of the poorest counties in America. With a median household income of $28,818 and a population of 16,496, the county faces economic hurdles such as limited access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Presidio County, Texas
Nestled along the Mexican border, Presidio County in Texas confronts economic hurdles, which are evident in its median household income of $29,012 and a population of 6,140. The county encounters challenges stemming from its secluded geography, scarce employment prospects, and inadequate infrastructure. Furthermore, with a poverty rate of 39.9% and an unemployment rate of 14.8%, the community grapples with significant economic disparities, accentuating the need for targeted interventions and sustainable development initiatives to uplift its residents.
Brooks County, Texas
Situated in the Lone Star State, Brooks County grapples with economic difficulties reflected in its median household income of $30,566 and a population of 6,994. The county faces challenges related to agriculture-dependent industries, limited educational opportunities, and the need for sustainable economic diversification to uplift its residents.
East Carroll Parish, Louisiana
Situated in the southern state of Louisiana, East Carroll Parish struggles with economic challenges, characterized by a median household income of $30,856 and a population of 7,220. The county faces additional hardships as it is estimated that 44 percent of its residents live in poverty.
Sumter County, Alabama
Nestled in the heart of the Deep South, Sumter County, Alabama, struggles with economic challenges, as evidenced by its low median household income of only $31,726. This county is situated in the so-called Black Belt region of central Alabama, which has experienced substantial economic depression in recent years. The overarching economic struggles faced by Sumter County are emblematic of the broader difficulties encountered by communities in this region.
Lake County, Tennessee
In the Volunteer State, Lake County, Tennessee, grapples with economic difficulties, as reflected in its median household income of $32,064 and a population of 7,128. The county faces challenges related to agriculture-dependent industries, limited access to quality healthcare, and the need for strategic investments to stimulate economic growth.
Owsley County, Kentucky
Occupying the 10th position on the list is Owsley County, Kentucky, boasting a median household income of $32,844 and a population of 3,953. This county struggles with economic challenges attributed to the diminishing influence of coal-related industries and notable educational disparities. Adding to the complexity of its struggles, between 1980 and 2014, Owsley County experienced a staggering 45.6 percent increase in the rate of cancer-related deaths.
Lee County, Arkansas
Situated in the Delta region, Lee County, Arkansas, grapples with economic challenges reflected in its median household income of $33,801 and a population of 8,619. The county faces difficulties related to agricultural dependency, limited educational opportunities, and the need for sustainable economic development to uplift its residents.
Starr County, Texas
Situated along the southern border of Texas, Starr County struggles with economic challenges, boasting a median household income of $35,979 and a population of 66,049. The county faces significant hurdles, including limited access to quality healthcare, a high unemployment rate, and a pressing need for diversified economic development to enhance the overall well-being of its residents.
In addition, Starr County is recognized for its prominence in the production of oilseeds and dry beans, solidifying its status as one of the highest-producing counties in the state.
Wheeler County, Georgia
Another one of the poorest counties in the US is Wheeler County, which is home to a population of 7,471. Situated at the core of the Peach State, Wheeler County in Georgia grapples with economic challenges, which are evident in its median household income of $36,354. Notably, Wheeler County is home to the Wheeler Correctional Facility, a substantial prison with a capacity of 2,874 prisoners, comprising approximately 40 percent of the county's total population.
Clay County, Kentucky
Nestled within the Appalachian region, Clay County, Kentucky, faces economic challenges, with a median household income of $37,888 and a population of 20,206. Additionally, the median income for a family stands at a meager $18,925, reflecting the pervasive economic hardships experienced by the community.
Furthermore, a significant 35.1% poverty rate underscores the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to address and alleviate the economic difficulties faced by Clay County's residents.
Wilcox County, Alabama
Number 15 on the list is Wilcox County, Alabama, which is facing economic challenges reflected in its median household income of $38,208 and a population of 10,446. The county contends with issues related to job opportunities, educational disparities, and the need for sustainable community development to uplift its residents.
Breathitt County, Kentucky
Situated in the heart of the Appalachian region, Breathitt County, Kentucky, confronts economic challenges marked by a median household income of $38,209 and a population of 13,553.
The county grapples with issues stemming from the diminishing coal-related industries, coupled with restricted access to quality healthcare and educational disparities, all of which significantly contribute to the financial hardships faced by its residents.
Notably, as of 2014, the county held the unfortunate distinction of having the highest morbidity rate in the state of Kentucky.
Crowley County, Colorado
Nestled in Colorado's Centennial State, Crowley County contends with economic hurdles, which are evident in its median household income of $40,685. Furthermore, the per capita income for Crowley County stands at $12,836.
Disturbingly, approximately 15.20% of families and 18.50% of the population find themselves below the poverty line, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions to uplift those facing financial hardship in the county.
Telfair County, Georgia
In the heart of the Peach State, Telfair County contends with economic hardships reflected in its median household income of $41,801 and a population of 12,414. The county faces challenges related to job opportunities, educational disparities, and the need for strategic investments to stimulate economic growth and community development.
Buffalo County, South Dakota
Situated in the Midwest, Buffalo County, South Dakota, confronts economic challenges marked by a median household income of $42,917 and a modest population of 1,923. According to the 2013 Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates from the US Census Bureau, approximately 41% of county residents grapple with poverty, making it the fifth-poorest county in South Dakota.
Martin County, Kentucky
Rounding out the list is Martin County, Kentucky, with a median household income of $45,265 and a population of 11,140. The county faces economic challenges stemming from the decline of coal-related industries, limited access to quality healthcare, and educational disparities that contribute to the financial struggles experienced by its residents.