Poorest States

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Table

Introduction

In the United States, there is a considerable disparity in economic growth and prosperity between various states. Some states tend to be much poorer than others, which is largely due to a range of factors such as their geographic location, access to resources, and economic policies.

One of the most significant reasons for the disparity between wealthy and poorer states is the difference in economic policies implemented by individual states. Some states have business-friendly regulations that attract large corporations, while others may have higher taxes and more stringent regulations that discourage economic growth. This often leads to a concentration of wealth in certain states, while others struggle to attract investment and create jobs.

Another reason for economic inequality between states is geography. Certain states are located in areas that are prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes. These events can devastate local economies and cause significant economic disruptions. Similarly, some states may lack natural resources, such as oil or coal, which can make it challenging to build a robust economy.

Finally, there is also a significant urban-rural divide in the United States, with many rural areas experiencing chronic poverty and high unemployment rates. This can be attributed to a lack of investment in infrastructure and resources, as well as the migration of jobs and resources to urban areas.

#StatePoverty Rate
1Mississippi18.7%
2Louisiana17.8%
3New Mexico16.8%
4West Virginia15.8%
5Arkansas15.2%
6District of Columbia15%
7Alabama14.9%
8Kentucky14.9%
9Oklahoma14.3%
10Georgia14%
11South Carolina13.8%
12Tennessee13.6%
13Texas13.4%
14North Carolina12.9%
15Arizona12.8%
16New York12.7%
17Michigan12.6%
18Ohio12.6%
19Nevada12.5%
20Florida12.4%
21Montana12.4%
22Missouri12.1%
23Indiana11.6%
24South Dakota11.6%
25California11.5%
26Illinois11%
27Oregon11%
28Delaware10.9%
29Pennsylvania10.9%
30Kansas10.6%
31Maine10.6%
32Rhode Island10.6%
33Iowa10.2%
34North Dakota10.2%
35Idaho10.1%
36Wisconsin10%
37Connecticut9.7%
38Alaska9.6%
39Washington9.5%
40Massachusetts9.4%
41New Jersey9.4%
42Vermont9.4%
43Nebraska9.2%
44Virginia9.2%
45Wyoming9.2%
46Colorado9%
47Maryland9%
48Hawaii8.9%
49Minnesota8.3%
50Utah7.3%
51New Hampshire7%

Poorest States in the US

The ten poorest states in the US in terms of poverty rate are Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, West Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Georgia, and South Carolina – as well as the District of Columbia. Mississippi is the poorest state in the US, with a poverty rate of 18.7%, followed by Louisiana as the second poorest state, with a poverty rate of 17.8%, and New Mexico, as the third poorest state in the US, at a poverty rate of 16.8%. West Virginia and Arkansas come in at fourth and fifth place for poorest states in the US, respectively with poverty rates of 15.8% and 15.2%. Alabama, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Georgia – as well as the District of Columbia – follow as the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth poorest states, all with poverty rates ranging from 15% to 14%. Finally, the tenth poorest state in the US is South Carolina, with a poverty rate of 13.8%.

The factors contributing to these differences include disparities in education, employment opportunities, and access to affordable healthcare. Additionally, some of these states have a high concentration of rural areas, which tend to have higher poverty rates compared to urban areas.

Poorest States

RankingStatesPoverty Rate by State
1Mississippi18.70%
2Louisiana17.80%
3New Mexico16.80%
4West Virginia15.80%
5Arkansas15.20%
6Alabama14.90%
7Kentucky14.90%
8Oklahoma14%
9Georgia14.00%
10South Carolina13.80%

Poorest State in the US

Mississippi is the poorest state in the US, with a poverty rate of 18.7%. Despite the state’s rich history, cultural heritage, and abundance of natural resources, poverty remains a pervasive issue. The state’s high poverty rate is attributed to various factors, including a lack of well-paying jobs, inadequate access to education and healthcare, and a low minimum wage. Additionally, the state’s history of racial discrimination has contributed to systemic inequalities that perpetuate poverty. Although efforts have been made to address the issue, poverty still remains a significant challenge in the state of Mississippi.

Poverty Rate by State

Alabama

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14.9%

Ranked in the US

#7

Poverty Rate

Alaska

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9.6%

Ranked in the US

#38

Poverty Rate

Arizona

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12.8%

Ranked in the US

#15

Poverty Rate

Arkansas

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15.2%

Ranked in the US

#5

Poverty Rate

California

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11.5%

Ranked in the US

#25

Poverty Rate

Colorado

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Ranked in the US

#46

Poverty Rate

Connecticut

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9.7%

Ranked in the US

#37

Poverty Rate

Delaware

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10.9%

Ranked in the US

#28

Poverty Rate

District of Columbia

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Ranked in the US

#6

Poverty Rate

Florida

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12.4%

Ranked in the US

#20

Poverty Rate

Georgia

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Ranked in the US

#10

Poverty Rate

Hawaii

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8.9%

Ranked in the US

#48

Poverty Rate

Idaho

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10.1%

Ranked in the US

#35

Poverty Rate

Illinois

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Ranked in the US

#26

Poverty Rate

Indiana

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11.6%

Ranked in the US

#23

Poverty Rate

Iowa

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10.2%

Ranked in the US

#33

Poverty Rate

Kansas

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10.6%

Ranked in the US

#30

Poverty Rate

Kentucky

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14.9%

Ranked in the US

#8

Poverty Rate

Louisiana

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17.8%

Ranked in the US

#2

Poverty Rate

Maine

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10.6%

Ranked in the US

#31

Poverty Rate

Maryland

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Ranked in the US

#47

Poverty Rate

Massachusetts

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9.4%

Ranked in the US

#40

Poverty Rate

Michigan

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12.6%

Ranked in the US

#17

Poverty Rate

Minnesota

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8.3%

Ranked in the US

#49

Poverty Rate

Mississippi

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18.7%

Ranked in the US

#1

Poverty Rate

Missouri

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12.1%

Ranked in the US

#22

Poverty Rate

Montana

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12.4%

Ranked in the US

#21

Poverty Rate

Nebraska

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9.2%

Ranked in the US

#43

Poverty Rate

Nevada

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12.5%

Ranked in the US

#19

Poverty Rate

New Hampshire

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Ranked in the US

#51

Poverty Rate

New Jersey

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9.4%

Ranked in the US

#41

Poverty Rate

New Mexico

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16.8%

Ranked in the US

#3

Poverty Rate

New York

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12.7%

Ranked in the US

#16

Poverty Rate

North Carolina

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12.9%

Ranked in the US

#14

Poverty Rate

North Dakota

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10.2%

Ranked in the US

#34

Poverty Rate

Ohio

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12.6%

Ranked in the US

#18

Poverty Rate

Oklahoma

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14.3%

Ranked in the US

#9

Poverty Rate

Oregon

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Ranked in the US

#27

Poverty Rate

Pennsylvania

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10.9%

Ranked in the US

#29

Poverty Rate

Rhode Island

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10.6%

Ranked in the US

#32

Poverty Rate

South Carolina

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13.8%

Ranked in the US

#11

Poverty Rate

South Dakota

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11.6%

Ranked in the US

#24

Poverty Rate

Tennessee

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13.6%

Ranked in the US

#12

Poverty Rate

Texas

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13.4%

Ranked in the US

#13

Poverty Rate

Utah

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7.3%

Ranked in the US

#50

Poverty Rate

Vermont

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9.4%

Ranked in the US

#42

Poverty Rate

Virginia

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9.2%

Ranked in the US

#44

Poverty Rate

Washington

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9.5%

Ranked in the US

#39

Poverty Rate

West Virginia

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15.8%

Ranked in the US

#4

Poverty Rate

Wisconsin

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Ranked in the US

#36

Poverty Rate

Wyoming

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9.2%

Ranked in the US

#45

Poverty Rate

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.