Guess the Poorest Area in Your State

24/7 Wall St. Insights

24/7 Wall St. reviewed five-year median household income estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey to identify the poorest county or county equivalent in each state.
The poorest county on our list is Issaquena County in Mississippi where the median household income is just $17,900.
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The poorest county in America is Issaquena County in Mississippi where the median household income is just $17,900. This is lower than the state average of $52,985 and the national average of $75,000. Issaquena County is sparsely populated with a little over 1,000 residents. Due to its remote location, going to college here means leaving home. And when a college graduate gets their degree, there aren’t many jobs for them in their home town. Although the US economy is robust overall, there are plenty of counties in America where incomes and opportunities are limited.

Using five-year median household income estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey, 24/7 Wall St. identified the poorest county or county equivalent in each state. In every county, borough, parish, or independent city on this list, incomes are anywhere from 11% to 66% lower than they are across the state. Annual unemployment data is from the BLS, and all other supplemental data are five-year estimates from the 2022 ACS.

The average American household makes about $75,000 per year, yet many people living across America earn substantially less. Some locations have a higher percentage of residents living below the poverty line than the national average. These places often have limited employment opportunities. Overall, 83% of Americans see economic conditions as poor or only fair, according to a recent Gallup poll, with inflation being the primary concern. However, for many Americans, the reason for pessimism can get personal.

Why Are We Looking at America’s Poorest Counties?

Multicultural team of humanitarian aid workers at food drive, sorting through donated food to ensure efficient distribution to less fortunate. Handing out of free meals to people in poverty.

The poorest counties in the US tend to be in rural areas and not near major urban and economic centers. They usually are just outside easy commuting distance to the closest big center with its associated job opportunities. These areas usually also lack basic infrastructure, making it more difficult to be economically viable. It’s important to identify areas with a persistently high poverty rate. This helps with the allocation of grants, loans, and other program funds. For instance, the White House’s Build Back Better Act will alleviate poverty among American children and families.

Here is the poorest county in every state:

Alabama: Sumter

Livingston, AL - April 2021: Sumter County Courthouse in Livingston, Alabama.

Household income (median): $31,726 (Alabama: $59,609)
Poverty rate: 30.4% (Alabama: 15.7%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 3.5% (Alabama: 2.6%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 21.8% (Alabama: 27.2%)
Total population in county: 12,196
County seat: Livingston
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 67

Alaska: Kusilvak

Household income (median): $42,663 (Alaska: $86,370)
Poverty rate: 34.3% (Alaska: 10.5%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 12.9% (Alaska: 4.0%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 4.6% (Alaska: 30.7%)
Total population in county: 8,372
County seat: N/A
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 30

Arizona: Apache

Saguaros and Superstition Mountains, Lost Dutchman State Park, Apache Junction, Arizona, USA

Household income (median): $37,483 (Arizona: $72,581)
Poverty rate: 32.5% (Arizona: 13.1%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 7.7% (Arizona: 3.8%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.8% (Arizona: 31.8%)
Total population in county: 66,054
County seat: St. Johns
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 15

Arkansas: Lee

A kayaker is floating down the Buffalo River near Ponca, Arkansas.

Household income (median): $33,801 (Arkansas: $56,335)
Poverty rate: 27.6% (Arkansas: 16.2%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 4.6% (Arkansas: 3.3%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 7.7% (Arkansas: 24.7%)
Total population in county: 8,666
County seat: Marianna
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 75

California: Trinity

Bunny Flat Trailhead, Mount Shasta, Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Household income (median): $47,317 (California: $91,905)
Poverty rate: 22.0% (California: 12.1%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 4.6% (California: 4.2%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 19.2% (California: 35.9%)
Total population in county: 15,889
County seat: Weaverville
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 58

Colorado: Costilla

Household income (median): $34,578 (Colorado: $87,598)
Poverty rate: 22.5% (Colorado: 9.6%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 4.1% (Colorado: 3.0%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 23.7% (Colorado: 43.7%)
Total population in county: 3,534
County seat: San Luis
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 64

Connecticut: Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region

Household income (median): $80,330 (Connecticut: $90,213)
Poverty rate: 9.9% (Connecticut: 10.1%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: N/A (Connecticut: 4.2%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 33.8% (Connecticut: 41.4%)
Total population in county: 280,293
County seat: N/A
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 9

Delaware: Kent

Household income (median): $69,278 (Delaware: $79,325)
Poverty rate: 12.3% (Delaware: 11.1%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 5.2% (Delaware: 4.5%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 26.3% (Delaware: 34.5%)
Total population in county: 182,400
County seat: Dover
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 3

Florida: Glades

Beach at Canaveral National Seashore at Cape Canaveral, Florida

Household income (median): $37,221 (Florida: $67,917)
Poverty rate: 21.9% (Florida: 12.9%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 3.2% (Florida: 2.9%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.0% (Florida: 32.3%)
Total population in county: 12,179
County seat: Moore Haven
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 67

Georgia: Randolph

Household income (median): $24,638 (Georgia: $71,355)
Poverty rate: 28.1% (Georgia: 13.5%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 4.4% (Georgia: 3.0%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.4% (Georgia: 33.6%)
Total population in county: 6,365
County seat: Cuthbert
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 159

Hawaii: Hawaii

Beautiful Lanikai, Kailua Sunrise in Hawaii

Household income (median): $74,238 (Hawaii: $94,814)
Poverty rate: 14.1% (Hawaii: 9.6%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 3.6% (Hawaii: 3.5%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 30.7% (Hawaii: 34.7%)
Total population in county: 202,163
County seat: Hilo
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 5

Idaho: Butte

Household income (median): $37,358 (Idaho: $70,214)
Poverty rate: 22.1% (Idaho: 11.0%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 3.0% (Idaho: 2.7%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 16.2% (Idaho: 30.2%)
Total population in county: 2,605
County seat: Arco
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 44

Illinois: Alexander

Aurora, Illinois, United States of America - July 21st 2023: Aurora Illinois Waubonsie Lake Park Drone Photography

Household income (median): $40,365 (Illinois: $78,433)
Poverty rate: 21.4% (Illinois: 11.8%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 6.3% (Illinois: 4.6%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 10.3% (Illinois: 36.7%)
Total population in county: 5,261
County seat: Cairo
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 102

Indiana: Crawford

A beautiful sunset of a windmill and barn silhouetted against the evening sky in rural Indiana USA, North America

Household income (median): $46,706 (Indiana: $67,173)
Poverty rate: 21.9% (Indiana: 12.3%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 3.5% (Indiana: 3.0%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.2% (Indiana: 28.2%)
Total population in county: 10,511
County seat: English
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 92

Iowa: Appanoose

Household income (median): $50,684 (Iowa: $70,571)
Poverty rate: 17.3% (Iowa: 11.1%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 2.9% (Iowa: 2.7%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 18.8% (Iowa: 30.3%)
Total population in county: 12,279
County seat: Centerville
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 99

Kansas: Graham

Household income (median): $47,071 (Kansas: $69,747)
Poverty rate: 9.9% (Kansas: 11.6%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 2.4% (Kansas: 2.7%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 24.4% (Kansas: 34.7%)
Total population in county: 2,430
County seat: Hill City
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 105

Kentucky: Wolfe

Household income (median): $28,666 (Kentucky: $60,183)
Poverty rate: 36.8% (Kentucky: 16.1%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 5.6% (Kentucky: 3.9%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 7.0% (Kentucky: 26.5%)
Total population in county: 6,573
County seat: Campton
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 120

Louisiana: East Carroll

Household income (median): $30,856 (Louisiana: $57,852)
Poverty rate: 40.3% (Louisiana: 18.7%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 7.9% (Louisiana: 3.7%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 11.8% (Louisiana: 26.1%)
Total population in county: 7,371
Parish seat: Lake Providence
Parishes and parish equivalents used in the study: 64

Maine: Aroostook

Household income (median): $50,843 (Maine: $68,251)
Poverty rate: 14.9% (Maine: 10.9%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 4.1% (Maine: 3.0%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 21.4% (Maine: 34.1%)
Total population in county: 67,237
County seat: Houlton
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 16

Maryland: Somerset

Household income (median): $52,149 (Maryland: $98,461)
Poverty rate: 19.8% (Maryland: 9.3%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 4.8% (Maryland: 3.2%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 16.8% (Maryland: 42.2%)
Total population in county: 24,672
County seat: Princess Anne
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 24

Massachusetts: Hampden

Household income (median): $66,619 (Massachusetts: $96,505)
Poverty rate: 15.8% (Massachusetts: 9.9%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 4.9% (Massachusetts: 3.8%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 28.6% (Massachusetts: 45.9%)
Total population in county: 464,575
County seat: Springfield
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 14

Michigan: Lake

Household income (median): $45,946 (Michigan: $68,505)
Poverty rate: 20.3% (Michigan: 13.1%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 7.1% (Michigan: 4.2%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.2% (Michigan: 31.1%)
Total population in county: 12,285
County seat: Baldwin
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 83

Minnesota: Mahnomen

Household income (median): $52,739 (Minnesota: $84,313)
Poverty rate: 20.6% (Minnesota: 9.3%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 4.9% (Minnesota: 2.7%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.7% (Minnesota: 38.2%)
Total population in county: 5,389
County seat: Mahnomen
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 87

Mississippi: Issaquena

Household income (median): $17,900 (Mississippi: $52,985)
Poverty rate: 20.6% (Mississippi: 19.2%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 7.3% (Mississippi: 3.9%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 5.2% (Mississippi: 23.9%)
Total population in county: 1,206
County seat: Mayersville
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 82

Missouri: Hickory

The boat ramp at Cross Timbers Access (Mo Dept of Conservation) near Hermitage, Hickory County, MO, Missouri, USA, United States allows boats to be launched on the Pomme de Terre River.

Household income (median): $33,302 (Missouri: $65,920)
Poverty rate: 17.6% (Missouri: 12.8%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 2.7% (Missouri: 2.5%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 10.1% (Missouri: 31.2%)
Total population in county: 8,452
County seat: Hermitage
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 115

Montana: Glacier

Beautiful Landscape photography of Glacier National Park in Montana USA

Household income (median): $41,078 (Montana: $66,341)
Poverty rate: 29.4% (Montana: 12.4%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 5.0% (Montana: 2.6%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 20.5% (Montana: 34.0%)
Total population in county: 13,781
County seat: Cut Bank
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 56

Nebraska: Hooker

Household income (median): $43,333 (Nebraska: $71,722)
Poverty rate: 8.1% (Nebraska: 10.4%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 2.7% (Nebraska: 2.3%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 27.1% (Nebraska: 33.5%)
Total population in county: 659
County seat: Mullen
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 93

Nevada: Esmeralda

Household income (median): $40,694 (Nevada: $71,646)
Poverty rate: 16.1% (Nevada: 12.7%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 3.7% (Nevada: 5.4%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 24.3% (Nevada: 26.5%)
Total population in county: 980
County seat: Goldfield
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 17

New Hampshire: Coos

Household income (median): $55,247 (New Hampshire: $90,845)
Poverty rate: 11.6% (New Hampshire: 7.3%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 3.3% (New Hampshire: 2.5%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 20.4% (New Hampshire: 39.0%)
Total population in county: 31,430
County seat: Lancaster
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 10

New Jersey: Cumberland

Household income (median): $62,310 (New Jersey: $97,126)
Poverty rate: 15.5% (New Jersey: 9.7%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 5.1% (New Jersey: 3.7%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 17.3% (New Jersey: 42.3%)
Total population in county: 153,588
County seat: Bridgeton
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 21

New Mexico: De Baca

Church Rock in Gallup New Mexico - Shallow Depth of Field - Route 66

Household income (median): $34,702 (New Mexico: $58,722)
Poverty rate: 16.3% (New Mexico: 18.3%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 3.4% (New Mexico: 4.0%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 9.2% (New Mexico: 29.1%)
Total population in county: 1,695
County seat: Fort Sumner
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 33

New York: Bronx

Household income (median): $47,036 (New York: $81,386)
Poverty rate: 26.9% (New York: 13.6%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 7.8% (New York: 4.3%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 21.2% (New York: 38.8%)
Total population in county: 1,443,229
County seat: N/A
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 62

North Carolina: Washington

Household income (median): $38,927 (North Carolina: $66,186)
Poverty rate: 21.6% (North Carolina: 13.3%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 5.1% (North Carolina: 3.7%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 14.1% (North Carolina: 33.9%)
Total population in county: 11,051
County seat: Plymouth
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 100

North Dakota: Sioux

Sunrise over Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Household income (median): $41,201 (North Dakota: $73,959)
Poverty rate: 39.7% (North Dakota: 10.8%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 2.6% (North Dakota: 2.1%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 11.5% (North Dakota: 31.4%)
Total population in county: 3,896
County seat: Fort Yates
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 53

Ohio: Adams

Household income (median): $46,234 (Ohio: $66,990)
Poverty rate: 19.6% (Ohio: 13.3%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 5.4% (Ohio: 4.0%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 15.2% (Ohio: 30.4%)
Total population in county: 27,509
County seat: West Union
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 88

Oklahoma: Pushmataha

Household income (median): $42,274 (Oklahoma: $61,364)
Poverty rate: 21.7% (Oklahoma: 15.2%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 3.8% (Oklahoma: 3.0%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 14.0% (Oklahoma: 27.3%)
Total population in county: 10,845
County seat: Antlers
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 77

Oregon: Harney

Household income (median): $45,462 (Oregon: $76,632)
Poverty rate: 12.1% (Oregon: 11.9%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 4.9% (Oregon: 4.2%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 14.2% (Oregon: 35.5%)
Total population in county: 7,496
County seat: Burns
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 36

Pennsylvania: Cameron

Household income (median): $46,186 (Pennsylvania: $73,170)
Poverty rate: 15.0% (Pennsylvania: 11.8%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 5.7% (Pennsylvania: 4.4%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 10.9% (Pennsylvania: 33.8%)
Total population in county: 4,536
County seat: Emporium
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 67

Rhode Island: Providence

Household income (median): $72,579 (Rhode Island: $81,370)
Poverty rate: 13.6% (Rhode Island: 11.2%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 3.5% (Rhode Island: 3.2%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 31.2% (Rhode Island: 36.3%)
Total population in county: 657,984
County seat: Providence
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 5

South Carolina: Marlboro

Household income (median): $34,275 (South Carolina: $63,623)
Poverty rate: 27.8% (South Carolina: 14.4%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 6.5% (South Carolina: 3.2%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 8.3% (South Carolina: 30.6%)
Total population in county: 26,585
County seat: Bennettsville
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 46

South Dakota: Jackson

Household income (median): $26,078 (South Dakota: $69,457)
Poverty rate: 38.4% (South Dakota: 12.3%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 3.0% (South Dakota: 2.1%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 15.6% (South Dakota: 30.4%)
Total population in county: 2,838
County seat: Kadoka
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 66

Tennessee: Hancock

Household income (median): $31,809 (Tennessee: $64,035)
Poverty rate: 32.3% (Tennessee: 14.0%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 4.2% (Tennessee: 3.4%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 9.9% (Tennessee: 29.7%)
Total population in county: 6,726
County seat: Sneedville
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 95

Texas: Dimmit

Household income (median): $27,374 (Texas: $73,035)
Poverty rate: 43.6% (Texas: 13.9%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 3.8% (Texas: 3.9%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 14.6% (Texas: 32.3%)
Total population in county: 8,672
County seat: Carrizo Springs
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 253

Utah: Piute

Household income (median): $33,359 (Utah: $86,833)
Poverty rate: 20.9% (Utah: 8.5%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 4.1% (Utah: 2.3%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 19.6% (Utah: 36.1%)
Total population in county: 1,764
County seat: Junction
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 29

Vermont: Essex

Household income (median): $55,247 (Vermont: $74,014)
Poverty rate: 13.2% (Vermont: 10.4%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 4.0% (Vermont: 2.6%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 20.2% (Vermont: 41.7%)
Total population in county: 5,976
County seat: Guildhall
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 14

Virginia: Norton

Household income (median): $36,974 (Virginia: $87,249)
Poverty rate: 29.1% (Virginia: 10.0%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 3.8% (Virginia: 2.9%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 19.4% (Virginia: 41.0%)
Total population in county: 3,668
County seat: N/A
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 133

Washington: Whitman

Household income (median): $49,345 (Washington: $90,325)
Poverty rate: 23.9% (Washington: 9.9%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 4.7% (Washington: 4.2%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 50.9% (Washington: 38.0%)
Total population in county: 47,141
County seat: Colfax
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 39

West Virginia: McDowell

Household income (median): $28,235 (West Virginia: $55,217)
Poverty rate: 33.3% (West Virginia: 16.8%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 6.3% (West Virginia: 3.9%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 6.6% (West Virginia: 22.7%)
Total population in county: 18,911
County seat: Welch
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 55

Wisconsin: Langlade

Household income (median): $55,091 (Wisconsin: $72,458)
Poverty rate: 12.2% (Wisconsin: 10.7%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 3.6% (Wisconsin: 2.9%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 15.8% (Wisconsin: 32.0%)
Total population in county: 19,512
County seat: Antigo
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 72

Wyoming: Niobrara

Household income (median): $54,375 (Wyoming: $72,495)
Poverty rate: 18.3% (Wyoming: 10.7%)
Rate of Unemployment, 2022: 2.9% (Wyoming: 3.6%)
% Adults with bachelor’s degree or higher: 20.0% (Wyoming: 29.0%)
Total population in county: 2,460
County seat: Lusk
Counties and county equivalents used in the study: 23

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