Introduction
In the United States, some states are much richer than others, and this happens because of different reasons like where they are, what they have, and the rules they follow.
In US several states grapple with economic challenges, earning them the label of the “poorest states.” Among these, Mississippi takes the lead with a poverty rate of 18.7%. Despite its rich history and abundant resources, the state faces persistent issues, including a lack of well-paying jobs, limited access to education and healthcare, and a low minimum wage.
Addressing historical racial discrimination is crucial in breaking the cycle of systemic inequalities contributing to poverty. Although efforts have been initiated to combat these challenges, Mississippi continues to tackle the significant and ongoing issue of poverty.
Explore further to understand the complex dynamics influencing the economic disparities among the poorest states in the US.
In simple terms, the U.S. has different states with different money situations because of rules, location, and a divide between cities and rural areas.
Poorest States in the United States
In the United States, ten states are confronting significant financial difficulties, evident in their elevated poverty rates. The states at the forefront of battling poverty include Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, West Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Georgia, and South Carolina, alongside the District of Columbia. Delving into their respective poverty rates:
Mississippi – 18.70%: Leading the list is Mississippi, recognized as the poorest state in the U.S., with almost 19% of its population contending with economic challenges.
Louisiana – 17.80%: Closely following is Louisiana, securing the second-poorest position with a poverty rate of 17.8%.
New Mexico – 16.80%: Holding the third spot is New Mexico, registering a poverty rate of 16.8%.
West Virginia – 15.80%: West Virginia emerges as the fourth-poorest state, grappling with a poverty rate of 15.8%.
Arkansas – 15.20%: Arkansas follows closely, occupying the fifth position with a poverty rate of 15.2%.
Alabama – 14.90%: Alabama stands as the sixth state on the list, with a poverty rate of 14.9%.
Kentucky – 14.90%: Tied for the sixth spot is Kentucky, sharing the same poverty rate of 14.9%.
Oklahoma – 14%: Oklahoma takes the eighth position among the poorest states, facing a poverty rate of 14%.
Georgia – 14.00%: Georgia secures the ninth position, with a poverty rate of 14%.
South Carolina – 13.80%: Completing the list is South Carolina, standing as the tenth-poorest state with a poverty rate of 13.8%.Poorest State in the US
Poorest State in the US
Mississippi holds the title of the poorest state in the U.S., grappling with a poverty rate of 18.7%. Despite boasting a rich history, cultural heritage, and abundant natural resources, the state faces persistent issues with poverty. Several factors contribute to Mississippi’s high poverty rate, including a shortage of well-paying jobs, limited access to education and healthcare, and a low minimum wage. Additionally, historical racial discrimination has left a lasting impact, fostering systemic inequalities that continue to fuel the cycle of poverty. While efforts have been made to tackle these challenges, poverty remains a significant and ongoing issue in the state of Mississippi
Poverty Rate by State List (All 50 States)
Rank | State | Poverty Rate | Estimated Poor People Population | Median Household Income |
1 | Mississippi | 18.70% | 597,450 | $48,716 |
2 | Louisiana | 17.80% | 660,400 | $52,087 |
3 | New Mexico | 16.80% | 349,920 | $53,992 |
4 | West Virginia | 15.80% | 288,792 | $51,248 |
5 | Arkansas | 15.20% | 466,560 | $52,528 |
6 | District of Columbia | 15.00% | 120,000 | $90,088 |
7 | Alabama | 14.90% | 730,240 | $53,913 |
8 | Kentucky | 14.90% | 708,792 | $55,573 |
9 | Oklahoma | 14.30% | 575,736 | $55,826 |
10 | Georgia | 14.00% | 1,400,000 | $66,559 |
11 | South Carolina | 13.80% | 688,800 | $59,318 |
12 | Tennessee | 13.60% | 911,296 | $59,695 |
13 | Texas | 13.40% | 3,804,000 | $66,963 |
14 | North Carolina | 12.90% | 1,313,800 | $61,972 |
15 | Arizona | 12.80% | 1,078,400 | $69,056 |
16 | New York | 12.70% | 2,464,200 | $74,314 |
17 | Michigan | 12.60% | 1,258,800 | $63,498 |
18 | Ohio | 12.60% | 1,537,200 | $62,262 |
19 | Nevada | 12.50% | 375,000 | $66,274 |
20 | Florida | 12.40% | 2,502,400 | $63,062 |
21 | Montana | 12.40% | 132,720 | $63,249 |
22 | Missouri | 12.10% | 1,262,400 | $61,847 |
23 | Indiana | 11.60% | 761,600 | $62,743 |
24 | South Dakota | 11.60% | 102,960 | $66,143 |
25 | California | 11.50% | 4,600,000 | $84,907 |
26 | Illinois | 11.00% | 1,408,000 | $72,205 |
27 | Oregon | 11.00% | 451,000 | $71,562 |
28 | Delaware | 10.90% | 87,464 | $71,091 |
29 | Pennsylvania | 10.90% | 1,394,000 | $68,957 |
30 | Kansas | 10.60% | 422,800 | $64,124 |
31 | Maine | 10.60% | 77,832 | $64,767 |
32 | Rhode Island | 10.60% | 111,832 | $74,008 |
33 | Iowa | 10.20% | 104,040 | $65,600 |
34 | North Dakota | 10.20% | 71,400 | $66,519 |
35 | Idaho | 10.10% | 167,100 | $66,474 |
36 | Wisconsin | 10.00% | 600,000 | $67,125 |
37 | Connecticut | 9.70% | 350,200 | $83,771 |
38 | Alaska | 9.60% | 70,200 | $77,845 |
39 | Washington | 9.50% | 732,500 | $84,247 |
40 | Massachusetts | 9.40% | 645,000 | $89,645 |
41 | New Jersey | 9.40% | 836,000 | $89,296 |
42 | Vermont | 9.40% | 66,360 | $72,431 |
43 | Nebraska | 9.20% | 178,400 | $66,817 |
44 | Virginia | 9.20% | 760,000 | $80,963 |
45 | Wyoming | 9.20% | 41,600 | $65,204 |
46 | Colorado | 9.00% | 684,000 | $82,254 |
47 | Maryland | 9.00% | 648,000 | $90,203 |
48 | Hawaii | 8.90% | 125,100 | $84,857 |
49 | Minnesota | 8.30% | 444,600 | $77,720 |
50 | Utah | 7.30% | 237,900 | $79,449 |
51 | New Hampshire | 7.00% | 49,000 | $88,465 |
FAQs
What is the poorest state in the United States ?
The poorest state in the United States is Mississippi, with a poverty rate of 18.7%.
What are the 15 poorest states ?
1. Mississippi – 18.70%
2. Louisiana – 17.80%
3. New Mexico – 16.80%
4. West Virginia – 15.80%
5. Arkansas – 15.20%
6. District of Columbia – 15.00%
7. Alabama – 14.90%
8. Kentucky – 14.90%
9. Oklahoma – 14%
10. Georgia – 14.00%
11. South Carolina – 13.80%
12. Tennessee – 13.60%
13. Texas – 13.40%
14. North Carolina – 12.90%
15. Arizona – 12.80%
What are the poorest states in the United States ?
The poorest states in the United States are Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, West Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Georgia, South Carolina, and the District of Columbia.
Sources
- “TABLE S1701 – POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS”. Census – Table Results. U.S. Census Bureau. 17 March 2022. Archived from the original on 17 March 2022. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
- Jump up to:Poverty by state. From United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)