Poorest Counties In The United States

The poorest counties in America are predominantly located in the rural South, particularly Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, often characterized by low median household incomes and high poverty rates.

Holmes County, Mississippi is frequently ranked as one of the poorest, with a median household income often near or below $25,000. Other consistently low-income areas include Todd County, South Dakota and East Carroll Parish, Louisiana. 

Top Poorest Counties by Income & Poverty (Approximate Data)

• Holmes County, Mississippi:Frequently ranked #1 poorest, with very low median income.

• Todd County, South Dakota: High poverty, often listed in top 3.

• East Carroll Parish, Louisiana:Consistently among the lowest income levels.

• Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska:Known for extremely low median income.

• Jackson County, South Dakota:High rates of poverty.

• Perry County, Alabama: Listed among lowest in the South. 

  
  

Key Characteristics of Poor Counties

• Location: Primarily rural areas in the South (Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia) and Southwest.

• Economic Drivers: Lack of major urban economic centers, reliance on declining industries (like agriculture or mining).

• Demographics: Many, such as Holmes County, MS, have high minority populations.

• Persistent Poverty: Many of these counties are classified as having "persistent poverty," meaning they have had high poverty rates for over 30 years. 

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