Poorest States in the US 2024

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:

  1. 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.

  2. Louisiana – 17.80%: Closely following is Louisiana, securing the second-poorest position with a poverty rate of 17.8%.

  3. New Mexico – 16.80%: Holding the third spot is New Mexico, registering a poverty rate of 16.8%.

  4. West Virginia – 15.80%: West Virginia emerges as the fourth-poorest state, grappling with a poverty rate of 15.8%.

  5. Arkansas – 15.20%: Arkansas follows closely, occupying the fifth position with a poverty rate of 15.2%.

  6. Alabama – 14.90%: Alabama stands as the sixth state on the list, with a poverty rate of 14.9%.

  7. Kentucky – 14.90%: Tied for the sixth spot is Kentucky, sharing the same poverty rate of 14.9%.

  8. Oklahoma – 14%: Oklahoma takes the eighth position among the poorest states, facing a poverty rate of 14%.

  9. Georgia – 14.00%: Georgia secures the ninth position, with a poverty rate of 14%.

  10. 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)

 

RankStatePoverty RateEstimated Poor People PopulationMedian Household Income
1Mississippi18.70%597,450$48,716
2Louisiana17.80%660,400$52,087
3New Mexico16.80%349,920$53,992
4West Virginia15.80%288,792$51,248
5Arkansas15.20%466,560$52,528
6District of Columbia15.00%120,000$90,088
7Alabama14.90%730,240$53,913
8Kentucky14.90%708,792$55,573
9Oklahoma14.30%575,736$55,826
10Georgia14.00%1,400,000$66,559
11South Carolina13.80%688,800$59,318
12Tennessee13.60%911,296$59,695
13Texas13.40%3,804,000$66,963
14North Carolina12.90%1,313,800$61,972
15Arizona12.80%1,078,400$69,056
16New York12.70%2,464,200$74,314
17Michigan12.60%1,258,800$63,498
18Ohio12.60%1,537,200$62,262
19Nevada12.50%375,000$66,274
20Florida12.40%2,502,400$63,062
21Montana12.40%132,720$63,249
22Missouri12.10%1,262,400$61,847
23Indiana11.60%761,600$62,743
24South Dakota11.60%102,960$66,143
25California11.50%4,600,000$84,907
26Illinois11.00%1,408,000$72,205
27Oregon11.00%451,000$71,562
28Delaware10.90%87,464$71,091
29Pennsylvania10.90%1,394,000$68,957
30Kansas10.60%422,800$64,124
31Maine10.60%77,832$64,767
32Rhode Island10.60%111,832$74,008
33Iowa10.20%104,040$65,600
34North Dakota10.20%71,400$66,519
35Idaho10.10%167,100$66,474
36Wisconsin10.00%600,000$67,125
37Connecticut9.70%350,200$83,771
38Alaska9.60%70,200$77,845
39Washington9.50%732,500$84,247
40Massachusetts9.40%645,000$89,645
41New Jersey9.40%836,000$89,296
42Vermont9.40%66,360$72,431
43Nebraska9.20%178,400$66,817
44Virginia9.20%760,000$80,963
45Wyoming9.20%41,600$65,204
46Colorado9.00%684,000$82,254
47Maryland9.00%648,000$90,203
48Hawaii8.90%125,100$84,857
49Minnesota8.30%444,600$77,720
50Utah7.30%237,900$79,449
51New Hampshire7.00%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

  1.  “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.
  2.  Jump up to:Poverty by state. From United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
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