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.
# | State | Poverty Rate |
---|---|---|
1 | Mississippi | 18.7% |
2 | Louisiana | 17.8% |
3 | New Mexico | 16.8% |
4 | West Virginia | 15.8% |
5 | Arkansas | 15.2% |
6 | District of Columbia | 15% |
7 | Alabama | 14.9% |
8 | Kentucky | 14.9% |
9 | Oklahoma | 14.3% |
10 | Georgia | 14% |
11 | South Carolina | 13.8% |
12 | Tennessee | 13.6% |
13 | Texas | 13.4% |
14 | North Carolina | 12.9% |
15 | Arizona | 12.8% |
16 | New York | 12.7% |
17 | Michigan | 12.6% |
18 | Ohio | 12.6% |
19 | Nevada | 12.5% |
20 | Florida | 12.4% |
21 | Montana | 12.4% |
22 | Missouri | 12.1% |
23 | Indiana | 11.6% |
24 | South Dakota | 11.6% |
25 | California | 11.5% |
26 | Illinois | 11% |
27 | Oregon | 11% |
28 | Delaware | 10.9% |
29 | Pennsylvania | 10.9% |
30 | Kansas | 10.6% |
31 | Maine | 10.6% |
32 | Rhode Island | 10.6% |
33 | Iowa | 10.2% |
34 | North Dakota | 10.2% |
35 | Idaho | 10.1% |
36 | Wisconsin | 10% |
37 | Connecticut | 9.7% |
38 | Alaska | 9.6% |
39 | Washington | 9.5% |
40 | Massachusetts | 9.4% |
41 | New Jersey | 9.4% |
42 | Vermont | 9.4% |
43 | Nebraska | 9.2% |
44 | Virginia | 9.2% |
45 | Wyoming | 9.2% |
46 | Colorado | 9% |
47 | Maryland | 9% |
48 | Hawaii | 8.9% |
49 | Minnesota | 8.3% |
50 | Utah | 7.3% |
51 | New Hampshire | 7% |
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
Ranking | States | Poverty Rate by State |
1 | Mississippi | 18.70% |
2 | Louisiana | 17.80% |
3 | New Mexico | 16.80% |
4 | West Virginia | 15.80% |
5 | Arkansas | 15.20% |
6 | Alabama | 14.90% |
7 | Kentucky | 14.90% |
8 | Oklahoma | 14% |
9 | Georgia | 14.00% |
10 | South Carolina | 13.80% |
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
14.9%
Ranked in the US
#7
Alaska
9.6%
Ranked in the US
#38
Arizona
12.8%
Ranked in the US
#15
Arkansas
15.2%
Ranked in the US
#5
California
11.5%
Ranked in the US
#25
Colorado
Ranked in the US
#46
Connecticut
9.7%
Ranked in the US
#37
Delaware
10.9%
Ranked in the US
#28
District of Columbia
15%
Ranked in the US
#6
Florida
12.4%
Ranked in the US
#20
Georgia
14%
Ranked in the US
#10
Hawaii
8.9%
Ranked in the US
#48
Idaho
10.1%
Ranked in the US
#35
Illinois
11%
Ranked in the US
#26
Indiana
11.6%
Ranked in the US
#23
Iowa
10.2%
Ranked in the US
#33
Kansas
10.6%
Ranked in the US
#30
Kentucky
14.9%
Ranked in the US
#8
Louisiana
17.8%
Ranked in the US
#2
Maine
10.6%
Ranked in the US
#31
Maryland
Ranked in the US
#47
Massachusetts
9.4%
Ranked in the US
#40
Michigan
12.6%
Ranked in the US
#17
Minnesota
8.3%
Ranked in the US
#49
Mississippi
18.7%
Ranked in the US
#1
Missouri
12.1%
Ranked in the US
#22
Montana
12.4%
Ranked in the US
#21
Nebraska
9.2%
Ranked in the US
#43
Nevada
12.5%
Ranked in the US
#19
New Hampshire
Ranked in the US
#51
New Jersey
9.4%
Ranked in the US
#41
New Mexico
16.8%
Ranked in the US
#3
New York
12.7%
Ranked in the US
#16
North Carolina
12.9%
Ranked in the US
#14
North Dakota
10.2%
Ranked in the US
#34
Ohio
12.6%
Ranked in the US
#18
Oklahoma
14.3%
Ranked in the US
#9
Oregon
11%
Ranked in the US
#27
Pennsylvania
10.9%
Ranked in the US
#29
Rhode Island
10.6%
Ranked in the US
#32
South Carolina
13.8%
Ranked in the US
#11
South Dakota
11.6%
Ranked in the US
#24
Tennessee
13.6%
Ranked in the US
#12
Texas
13.4%
Ranked in the US
#13
Utah
7.3%
Ranked in the US
#50
Vermont
9.4%
Ranked in the US
#42
Virginia
9.2%
Ranked in the US
#44
Washington
9.5%
Ranked in the US
#39
West Virginia
15.8%
Ranked in the US
#4
Wisconsin
10%
Ranked in the US
#36
Wyoming
9.2%
Ranked in the US
#45
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.