The Poorest States In The U.S.

Summary of Facts

Nationally, the U.S. has an average poverty rate of 13.7%
Over 40 million Americans live in poverty
Mississippi has the highest percentage of its population living in poverty at 20.3%
California has the highest number of people living in poverty, totaling over 5,163,814
Only 7.6% of people in New Hampshire are considered to be living in poverty, the lowest rate in the U.S.
Fifteen states have a child poverty rate exceeding 20%
New Mexico, West Virginia, and Mississippi each have adult poverty rates above 18%
Louisiana has the highest senior poverty rate at 12.8%

Even as the richest nation in history, the United States grapples with persistent poverty in many communities. This issue affects millions, from children to senior citizens. The Federal government classifies the official poverty threshold at or below $27,750 per year.

In light of these statistics, we have analyzed yearly poverty rates across all states. Here are the key findings:

Here are the ten states with the highest poverty rates:

How We Determined the States with the Highest Poverty Rates

To identify the states with the highest poverty rates, we calculated the percentage of each state’s population living in poverty, using data from the American Community Survey. The states were ranked based on these percentages. For instance, West Virginia may have 310,765 people in poverty compared to New York’s 2,867,908, but West Virginia’s smaller population results in a higher poverty percentage overall.

While reviewing the top ten poorest states, it’s notable that those with the lowest poverty rates maintain levels below 10%. Conversely, many of the ten states listed here exhibit rates exceeding 15%.

Mississippi

Poverty Rate: 20.3%
Number of People Living in Poverty: 586,013
State Population: 2,886,767

Mississippi, named after the iconic river, faces a staggering poverty rate of 20.3%. This state leads in child (28.7%), adult (18.8%), male (18.2%), and female (22.3%) poverty rates. As of 2023, the per capita income averaged only $24,369 annually.

The low income levels can be largely attributed to sectors like agriculture and education, where most jobs fail to provide high wages, alongside a significant gap in access to higher education necessary for better-paying positions.
Louisiana

Poverty Rate: 19.2%
Number of People Living in Poverty: 870,281
State Population: 4,532,714

With its picturesque bayous and vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana still wrestles with a high poverty rate of 19.2%. The state’s per capita income stands at just $27,923, and its senior poverty rate mirrors Mississippi’s at 12.8%.

The high poverty levels stem from educational shortcomings and the size of major urban areas. Despite New Orleans’ fame, it ranks as the 36th largest Combined Metropolitan Statistical Area (CMSA), significantly smaller than cities like New York or Los Angeles.
New Mexico

Poverty Rate: 19.1%
Number of People Living in Poverty: 391,547
State Population: 2,049,986

Surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert, New Mexico’s poverty rate is also elevated at 19.1%, making it the third poorest state. Interestingly, its per capita income is surprisingly high at $45,803 annually, yet the adult poverty rate is notably higher than Louisiana’s at 18.2%.

This disparity can be attributed to factors such as educational access, geographical challenges, and inequality. For example, the poverty rate among American Indians/Alaskan Natives is as high as 30%. Furthermore, the lack of educational institutions and job opportunities in the desert region limits economic mobility.
West Virginia

Poverty Rate: 17.6%
Number of People Living in Poverty: 310,765
State Population: 1,765,715

West Virginia’s rich landscapes are overshadowed by a persistent poverty rate of 17.6%, alongside one of the lowest per capita incomes in the U.S. at $26,480 per year.

While the adult poverty rate is high at 18.1%, the state’s senior poverty rate is notably lower at 9.5%. These trends can be linked to West Virginia’s economic shifts, as the once-thriving coal mining industry has declined, leaving residents without new job opportunities.
Kentucky

Poverty Rate: 17.3%
Number of People Living in Poverty: 745,543
State Population: 4,309,501

Kentucky, located just across the Appalachian Mountains, ranks fifth with a poverty rate of 17.3%. Its per capita income is just $28,178, compounded by high senior (11%) and adult poverty (16.7%) rates.

These rates are largely driven by limited educational access in urban centers, leading many to remain in low-wage jobs. However, Kentucky has made strides since 2011, when its poverty rate was 19.4%, reflecting nearly a 3% improvement.
Arkansas

Poverty Rate: 17%
Number of People Living in Poverty: 494,862
State Population: 2,910,954

Arkansas has seen gradual improvement but still holds a poverty rate of 17%, down from a peak of 19.8% in 2012.

Currently, its per capita income is $26,577, which is lower than several higher-ranked states. The state also grapples with a significant child poverty rate of 23.7%, revealing the challenges many families face.

The issues largely stem from limited educational opportunities and a reliance on agriculture and other low-paying jobs.
Alabama

Poverty Rate: 16.7%
Number of People Living in Poverty: 793,966
State Population: 4,754,288

Alabama, bordering Mississippi, has a poverty rate of 16.7% and a per capita income of just $27,928. Notably, its child poverty rate is alarmingly high at 23.9%.

This issue is exacerbated by educational disparities and racial inequalities. For instance, 28.4% of African Americans and 32.2% of Latinos live in poverty, significantly higher than the rates for white individuals in the state.
Oklahoma

Poverty Rate: 15.7%
Number of People Living in Poverty: 599,326
State Population: 3,817,368

Oklahoma, located just north of Texas, has a poverty rate of 15.7% alongside a low per capita income of $28,422. Interestingly, the state’s senior poverty rate of 8.9% is the lowest compared to others in this list.

The persistently high poverty rates can be traced back to educational shortcomings and economic inequality, with many opportunities confined to low-wage jobs in farming and ranching.
South Carolina

Poverty Rate: 15.2%
Number of People Living in Poverty: 741,438
State Population: 4,877,884

Despite its stunning beaches and forests, South Carolina faces a poverty rate of 15.2%. The median household income is higher than many on this list, yet the per capita income is still only $29,426, with a troubling child poverty rate of 22.2%.

The state’s poverty can be attributed to a mix of government mismanagement and racial inequalities, with the African American poverty rate reaching 26.7%.
Tennessee

Poverty Rate: 15.2%
Number of People Living in Poverty: 994,504
State Population: 6,542,792

Tennessee rounds out our list with an overall poverty rate of 15.2%. The state has an average per capita income of $29,859. Although Tennessee’s statistics are similar to those of South Carolina, it has a slightly higher male poverty rate of 13.9%.

Encouragingly, Tennessee’s poverty rate has significantly decreased from 18.3% in 2014, bringing it closer to the national average of 13.7%.

Final Thoughts

Poverty rates remain a pressing concern in the U.S., highlighting disparities across states. From Mississippi to Tennessee, these states currently show higher poverty figures than others, though some have made considerable strides in recent years.

It’s essential to recognize the multifaceted issues surrounding poverty, which can include educational access, inequality, and resource availability.

This analysis aims to provide insights rather than generalized judgments about these states, many of which possess unique beauty and cultural richness despite their economic challenges.

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Author

Jack Flynn

Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.

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