When looking at the poorest counties in each state, the economic disparities become clear.
These areas often face high poverty, limited healthcare, and few job opportunities. Residents frequently struggle to make ends meet, lacking the resources and support systems available in more affluent regions.
Let’s take a look at the poorest counties in the United States and examine the struggles of the people who live there.
Wilcox County, Alabama
Wilcox County is one of the poorest counties in America, known for its high poverty rate and struggling economy. With over 30% of its residents living below the poverty line, the county’s primary industry, agriculture, offers limited opportunities for economic advancement.
Aleutians East Borough, Alaska
Aleutians East Borough is located along the Alaskan peninsula and the Aleutian Islands, facing economic hardships largely due to its remoteness. The mainstay of the local economy, fishing, is susceptible to fluctuations, impacting residents’ incomes, made worse by the high cost of living.
Apache County, Arizona
Apache County’s economy is heavily reliant on government services and tourism related to its large Native American population and heritage. However, the county has a poverty rate exceeding 36%, with many residents lacking basic necessities.
Phillips County, Arkansas
Phillips County, located in the Mississippi Delta, was once one of the largest cotton producers in the country. Now, it struggles with high unemployment and poverty rates. Over 30% of its population lives below the poverty line. The decline of the agricultural sector has had a devastating impact.
Del Norte County, California
Located in the far Northwest corner of California and home to a section of the Redwood National Forest, Del Norte County has one of the highest poverty rates in the state. Over 22% of its residents living below the poverty line. The local economy relies on tourism and fishing, which are not always stable industries.
Owsley County, Kentucky
Located in the Appalachian region of Kentucky, Owsley County is one of the poorest counties in the United States, with nearly 45% of its population living in poverty. The county’s economy is primarily based on agriculture and government assistance.
Madison Parish, Louisiana
Madison Parish faces economic challenges with a poverty rate of over 35%. The local economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, which has faced significant declines. High unemployment and limited access to healthcare and education contribute to the parish’s financial difficulties.
Hancock County, Tennessee
Hancock County has a poverty rate of nearly 31%, making it one of the poorest counties in Tennessee. The local economy relies on small-scale farming and limited manufacturing jobs. Access to healthcare and educational resources remains a significant challenge for residents.
Coahoma County, Mississippi
Coahoma County, part of the Mississippi Delta, has a poverty rate exceeding 35%. The decline of the agricultural industry has left many residents without stable employment, healthcare, and education.
McDowell County, West Virginia
McDowell County, once a thriving coal mining region, now faces significant economic hardships. The decline of the coal industry has led to high unemployment and a poverty rate of over 33%. Residents struggle with limited access to healthcare and education.
East Carroll Parish, Louisiana
East Carroll Parish is among the poorest in Louisiana, with a poverty rate of around 44%. The economy relies heavily on agriculture, which has seen significant declines. High unemployment and limited access to healthcare and education exacerbate the struggles faced by its residents.
Allendale County, South Carolina
Allendale County has a poverty rate of approximately 37%, making it one of the poorest in South Carolina. The local economy is reliant on agriculture and government assistance. Limited job opportunities and access to healthcare and education further hinder economic progress.
McCreary County, Kentucky
McCreary County faces significant economic challenges, with a poverty rate of nearly 42%. The local economy relies on small-scale farming and government assistance. Access to healthcare and educational resources remains limited.
Shannon County, South Dakota
Shannon County, now known as Oglala Lakota County, has a poverty rate of around 53%, the highest in South Dakota. The county is located within the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, facing significant economic and healthcare challenges.
Wolfe County, Kentucky
Wolfe County has a poverty rate of approximately 39%, making it one of the poorest in Kentucky. The local economy relies on small-scale agriculture and government assistance. Limited access to healthcare and education further hinders economic progress for residents.
Todd County, South Dakota
Todd County, located within the Rosebud Indian Reservation, has a poverty rate of around 50%. The county faces significant economic and healthcare challenges, with limited job opportunities. Access to education and essential services remains a critical issue for residents.
Quitman County, Mississippi
Quitman County has a poverty rate exceeding 33% and is facing significant economic challenges. The local economy relies heavily on agriculture, which has declined in recent years. Limited access to healthcare and education further exacerbates the struggles faced by the community.
Menominee County, Wisconsin
Menominee County, located within the Menominee Indian Reservation, has a poverty rate of around 27%. The local economy relies on tribal enterprises and government assistance. Access to medical assistance and educational resources remains limited.
Holmes County, Ohio
Holmes County, known for its rolling farmland and large Amish population, has a poverty rate of approximately 12%. The local economy relies on agriculture and small-scale manufacturing.
Shannon County, Missouri
Shannon County has a poverty rate of around 26% and faces significant economic challenges. The local economy relies on small-scale farming and forestry, but residents have limited access to medical services.
Issaquena County, Mississippi
Issaquena County has a poverty rate of approximately 35%, making it one of the poorest in Mississippi. The local economy relies heavily on agriculture, which has seen significant declines. High unemployment and limited access to health services and education contribute to the county’s financial difficulties.
McCreary County, Kentucky
McCreary County has a poverty rate of nearly 42%, one of the highest in Kentucky. The local economy relies on small-scale farming and government assistance. Limited access to healthcare and educational resources further compounds the struggles faced by residents.
Humphreys County, Mississippi
Humphreys County has a poverty rate exceeding 34% and faces significant economic challenges. The local economy relies heavily on agriculture, which has declined in recent years. Limited access to medical services and education further exacerbates the struggles faced by the community.
