https://www.americancityandcounty.com/wp-content/themes/acc_child/assets/images/logo/footer-logo.png
  • Home
  • Co-op Solutions
  • Commentaries
  • News
  • In-Depth
  • Multimedia
    • Back
    • Podcast
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Resources
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Events
    • How to Contribute
    • Municipal Cost Index – Archive
    • Equipment Watch Page
    • American City & County Awards
  • Magazine
    • Back
    • Digital Editions
    • Reprints & Reuse
    • Advertise
  • About Us
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Statement
    • Terms of Service
American City and County
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Home
  • Co-op Solutions
  • Commentaries
  • News
  • In-Depth
  • Multimedia
    • Back
    • Podcasts
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Events
    • How to Contribute
    • American City & County Awards
    • Municipal Cost Index
    • Equipment Watch Page
  • Magazine
    • Back
    • Digital Editions
    • Reprints & Reuse
    • Subscribe to GovPro
    • Manage GovPro Subscription
    • Advertise
  • About Us
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Cookie Policy
    • Privacy Stament
    • Terms of Service
  • newsletter
  • Administration
  • Economy & Finance
  • Procurement
  • Public Safety
  • Public Works & Utilities
  • Smart Cities & Technology
acc.com

Economy


Article

Poorest counties by state

Poorest counties by state

Income inequality is a growing problem in America.
  • Written by Derek Prall
  • 14th January 2015

Income inequality is a growing problem in the U.S., and disparities can be seen in a analysis of counties. 

Using the most recent data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 24/7 Wall Street found the poorest county in each state and compared it to statewide income averages.

USA Today reports the populations of nearly half of the poorest counties are predominantly rural. However, in some states the poorest counties were largely urban. The poorest counties in New York and Pennsylvania had 100 percent urban populations in 2010.

The reasons for poverty are myriad, but the common thread in the majority of these counties was lack of education and high levels of unemployment, according to USA Today.

In 45 of the 50 counties, the percentage of adults who had attained a bachelor’s degree was below the national average of 28.8 percent. In 36 of the 50 counties, the unemployment rate was above the national average of 7.4 percent.

The poorest counties in each state are:

1. Sumter County, Alabama

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $22,186
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $43,253
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 38.0 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 9.9 percent

2. Bethel Census Area, Alaska

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $51,689
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $70,760
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 22.8 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 15.4 percent

3. Apache County, Arizona

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $31,476
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $49,774
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 36.2 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 19.8 percent

4. Lee County, Arkansas

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $25,034
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $40,768
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 31.5 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 11.2 percent

5. Lake County, California

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $36,548
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $61,094
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 25.0 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 11.9 percent

6. Otero County, Colorado

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $33,848
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $58,433
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 25.2 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 8.8 percent

7. Windham County, Connecticut

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $59,333
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $69,461
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 11.4 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 8.7 percent

8. Sussex County, Delaware

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $52,710
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $59,878
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 13.4 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 6.7 percent

9. Putnam County, Florida

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $32,497
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $46,956
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 26.4 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 9.4 percent

10. Telfair County, Georgia

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $26,634
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $49,179
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 30.5 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 15.6 percent

11. Hawaii County, Hawaii

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $51,250
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $67,402
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 18.3 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 6.8 percent

12. Madison County, Idaho

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $32,059
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $46,767
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 35.8 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 4.6 percent

13. Jackson County, Illinois

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $33,479
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $56,797
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 30.4 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 7.9 percent

14. Fayette County, Indiana

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $37,391
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $48,248
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 23.0 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 10.3 percent

15. Appanoose County, Iowa

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $39,208
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $51,843
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 15.2 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 6.4 percent

16. Crawford County, Kansas

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $37,378
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $51,332
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 20.6 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 5.6 percent

17. McCreary County, Kentucky

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $20,972
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $43,036
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 30.3 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 13.5 percent

18. Madison Parish, Louisiana

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $25,498
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $44,874
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 40.3 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 9.7 percent

19. Piscataquis County, Maine

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $36,646
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $48,453
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 18.5 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 9.6 percent

20. Somerset County, Maryland

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $38,447
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $73,538
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 23.4 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 9.9 percent

21. Berkshire County, Massachusetts

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $48,450
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $66,866
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 12.8 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 7.1 percent

22. Lake County, Michigan

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $29,379
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $48,411
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 27.9 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 13.1 percent

23. Wadena County, Minnesota

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $36,928
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $59,836
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 16.9 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 7.1 percent

24. Holmes County, Mississippi

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $22,325
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $39,031
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 43.5 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 16.5 percent

25. Oregon County, Missouri

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $27,743
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $47,380
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 27.7 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 6.6 percent

26. Sanders County, Montana

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $32,881
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $46,230
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 22.0 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 12.6 percent

27. Red Willow County, Nebraska

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $42,345
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $51,672
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 12.7 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 3.1 percent

28. Nye County, Nevada

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $39,876
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $52,800
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 18
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 11.9 percent

29. Coos County, New Hampshire

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $41,985
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $64,916
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 13.4 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 6.4 percent

30. Cumberland County, New Jersey

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $50,750
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $71,629
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 17.5 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 12.2 percent

31. Sierra County, New Mexico

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $27,430
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $44,927
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 22.6 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 6.2 percent

32. Bronx County, New York

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $34,388
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $58,003
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 29.8 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 11.8 percent

33. Scotland County, North Carolina

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $29,592
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $46,334
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 32.3 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 14.6 percent

34. Rolette County, North Dakota

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $31,336
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $53,741
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 36.0 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 12.9 percent

35. Athens County, Ohio

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $33,823
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $48,308
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 31.7 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 8.4 percent

36. Pushmataha County, Oklahoma

  •  County median household income, 2009-2013: $29,897
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $45,339
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 26.5 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 7.6 percent

37. Malheur County, Oregon

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $35,578
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $50,229
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 27.4 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 8.7 percent

38. Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $37,192
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $52,548
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 26.5 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 10.0 percent

39. Providence County, Rhode Island

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $49,297
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $56,361
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 17.1 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 10.2 percent

40. Allendale County, South Carolina

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $25,252
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $44,779
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 36.0 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 14.0 percent

41. Shannon County, South Dakota

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $25,648
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $49,495
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 53.2 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 12.9 percent

42. Grundy County, Tennessee

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $26,814
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $44,298
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 29.7 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 9.5 percent

43. Starr County, Texas

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $24,927
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $51,900
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 39.2 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 15.4 percent

44. San Juan County, Utah

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $40,492
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $58,821
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 27.1 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 9.3 percent

45. Orleans County, Vermont

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $41,953
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $54,267
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 15.4 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 6.2 percent

46. Martinsville, Virginia

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $28,116
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $63,907
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 27.2 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 12.1 percent

47. Whitman County, Washington

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $36,257
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $59,478
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 32.6 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 6.2 percent

48. McDowell County, West Virginia

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $22,252
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $41,043
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 36.3 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 10.0 percent

49. Ashland County, Wisconsin

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $38,550
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $52,413
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 18.8 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 9.0 percent

50. Albany County, Wyoming

  • County median household income, 2009-2013: $42,774
 
  • State median household income, 2009-2013: $57,406
 
  • Poverty rate, 2009-2013: 26.0 percent
 
  • Unemployment, 2013: 4.0 percent

_____________

To get connected and stay up-to-date with similar content from American City & County:
Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter
Watch us on Youtube

Tags: Economy News Article

Related


  • A video surveillance camera and sign warning about CCTV being in operation
    All activities monitored: The 10 most surveilled major cities in the U.S.
    Public close-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, or public video surveillance camera, hold multiple benefits for cities. They can help reduce crimes around public areas, buildings and roads, and with the increasing deployment of smart sensors and 5G, these cameras will be able to utilize the Internet of Things (IoT) to accomplish much more in the future. […]
  • A street in Denver
    Denver anticipates autonomous vehicles with cross-agency, cross-sector collaborative planning
    Without early planning by regulators, autonomous vehicles (AVs) have the potential to fail on their promises of safer and more convenient travel. Before and even during the pandemic, which has understandably shifted priorities of local and state officials, leaders in AV policy development are nonetheless thinking about and producing plans to deal with hundreds of […]
  • Revenue and zoning evolution prepares Seattle for an autonomous vehicle future
    Although autonomous vehicles (AVs) are not fully ready for deployment, history provides strong incentive to begin planning for its implementation now. In the early 20th century, the growth of the automobile erupted faster than regulators could have imagined with far-reaching consequences. Although cars eventually helped fulfill promises of economic growth, middle-class jobs, and on-demand mobility, […]
  • A street in Los Angeles
    Los Angeles infrastructure inventory anticipates future autonomous vehicle policy
    With respect to autonomous vehicles (AVs), city and state regulators are eventually going to confront hundreds of interrelated policy and economic issues in order to adequately prepare their roads and populations for safe, fair, and effective use. During the pandemic, city budgets have become strained, and regulators understandably have important and pressing financial burdens such […]

Leave a comment Cancel reply

-or-

Log in with your American City and County account

Alternatively, post a comment by completing the form below:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Content

  • How cities and states can benefit from Biden’s infrastructure, climate proposals
  • How cities are reclaiming street parking spaces for public use
  • Grand Rapids offers free Wi-Fi access to the public in 10 parks
  • Kentucky county invests over $13 million in building innovative public fiber network

White papers


How-to Tips to Prepare for Your Summer Construction Projects

5th April 2021

How to Procure an eProcurement System that Generates More Value from Your Budget

1st April 2021

The Technology Solutions Vital to Clerk Productivity in Our Post-Pandemic Communities

18th March 2021
view all

Events


PODCAST


Young Leaders Episode 4 – Cyril Jefferson – City Councilman, High Point, North Carolina

13th October 2020

Young Leaders Episode 3 – Shannon Hardin – City Council President, Columbus, Ohio

27th July 2020

Young Leaders Episode 2 – Christian Williams – Development Services Planner, Goodyear, Ariz.

1st July 2020
view all

Twitter


AmerCityCounty

Procurement department puts post-pandemic work plan in place to ensure continued productivity dlvr.it/RxgxjN

14th April 2021
AmerCityCounty

Georgia city moves to automated trash collection dlvr.it/RxX5Rl

12th April 2021
AmerCityCounty

The Community Game Changer: Library Outsourcing dlvr.it/RxLd6r

9th April 2021
AmerCityCounty

Cooperative contracts can be an entryway for small and diverse companies to successfully compete for government sal… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

9th April 2021
AmerCityCounty

Electric slide: Mayors form collaborative organization to purchase electric vehicles for cities dlvr.it/RxGsHY

8th April 2021
AmerCityCounty

Celebrating the unsung heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic: Procurement professionals dlvr.it/RxGsG2

8th April 2021
AmerCityCounty

Expanding opportunities: Nebraska’s bold procurement Concierge Program dlvr.it/RxGpyr

8th April 2021
AmerCityCounty

All activities monitored: The 10 most surveilled major cities in the U.S. dlvr.it/RxCKzy

7th April 2021

Newsletters

Sign up for American City & County’s newsletters to receive regular news and information updates about local governments.

Resale Insights Dashboard

The Resale Insights Dashboard provides model-level data for the entire used equipment market to help you save time and money.

Municipal Cost Index

Updated monthly since 1978, our exclusive Municipal Cost Index shows the effects of inflation on the cost of providing municipal services

Media Kit and Advertising

Want to reach our digital audience? Learn more here.

DISCOVER MORE FROM INFORMA TECH

  • IWCE’s Urgent Communications
  • IWCE Expo

WORKING WITH US

  • About Us
  • Contact Us

FOLLOW American City and County ON SOCIAL

  • Privacy
  • CCPA: “Do Not Sell My Data”
  • Cookies Policy
  • Terms
Copyright © 2021 Informa PLC. Informa PLC is registered in England and Wales with company number 8860726 whose registered and Head office is 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.
This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Click here for more information on our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
X