Poverty Rate By State

Poverty Rate
Poverty Rate
1.MississippiMississippi19.3%
2.LouisianaLouisiana18.6%
3.New MexicoNew Mexico18.1%
4.West VirginiaWest Virginia17.0%
5.KentuckyKentucky15.9%
6.ArkansasArkansas15.3%
7.AlabamaAlabama15.0%
8.OklahomaOklahoma14.5%
9.TennesseeTennessee13.5%
10.South CarolinaSouth Carolina13.5%
11.MichiganMichigan13.3%
12.ArizonaArizona13.3%
13.GeorgiaGeorgia13.2%
14.New YorkNew York13.2%
15.OhioOhio13.2%
16.TexasTexas13.1%
17.North CarolinaNorth Carolina13.0%
18.MissouriMissouri12.5%
19.CaliforniaCalifornia12.5%
20.FloridaFlorida12.2%
21.IndianaIndiana12.2%
22.OregonOregon12.0%
23.IllinoisIllinois11.9%
24.NevadaNevada11.9%
25.South DakotaSouth Dakota11.8%
26.MontanaMontana11.6%
27.PennsylvaniaPennsylvania11.4%
28.KansasKansas11.0%
29.Rhode IslandRhode Island10.8%
30.IowaIowa10.6%
31.WisconsinWisconsin10.5%
32.WyomingWyoming10.5%
33.DelawareDelaware10.4%
34.IdahoIdaho10.4%
35.MaineMaine10.4%
36.AlaskaAlaska10.1%
37.VermontVermont10.0%
38.North DakotaNorth Dakota9.9%
39.NebraskaNebraska9.8%
40.WashingtonWashington9.6%
41.VirginiaVirginia9.5%
42.MassachusettsMassachusetts9.4%
43.ConnecticutConnecticut9.3%
44.ColoradoColorado9.3%
45.New JerseyNew Jersey9.1%
46.MinnesotaMinnesota8.9%
47.HawaiiHawaii8.9%
48.MarylandMaryland8.6%
49.UtahUtah8.3%
50.New HampshireNew Hampshire6.9%

Introduction

In the United States, the issue of poverty is a multi-faceted one, entrenched in a complex interplay of systemic variables. From job loss to limited access to quality education, inheritance of poverty to systematic exclusion, numerous factors contribute to this pressing issue. Many living below the poverty line struggle to secure fundamental needs such as housing, food, and basic hygiene items.

  • Mississippi, Louisiana, and New Mexico hold the highest poverty rates, with 19.3%, 18.6%, and 18.1% respectively. This underscores a struggle with persistent and deep-seated poverty in these areas.
  • States with the lowest poverty rates include Maryland, Utah, and New Hampshire, with 8.6%, 8.3%, and 6.9% respectively, hinting at broader access to resources or a better performance in poverty-reducing measures.
  • Regions with high poverty rates are concentrated in the South, indicating that these areas face greater systemic obstacles to escape poverty, possibly due to lower salaries, higher unemployment rates, or limited access to quality education and healthcare.
  • States like California, New York, and Michigan, despite having thriving metropolises, still have poverty rates higher than 12%, pointing out the prevalence of urban poverty.

States with the Most Poverty

Leading the pack is Mississippi, where 19.3% of residents live below the poverty line. Despite its rich cultural heritage and natural resources, the state still struggles with high rates of poverty, likely owing to a lack of quality job opportunities and persistent economic distress. Louisiana comes in a close second with a poverty rate of 18.6%, linked to long-standing economic struggles and, more recently, the devastating effects of natural disasters. Just behind is New Mexico at 18.1%, grappling with issues of educational access and job disparity, which perpetuate an ongoing cycle of poverty. West Virginia and Kentucky also have a noticeable prevalence of poverty, witnessing 17% and 15.9% poverty rates, respectively. They are followed by Arkansas at 15.3%, Alabama at 15%, and Oklahoma at 14.5%. Complications around access to education, decent jobs, and social inequality may contribute to these high rates. Lastly, Tennessee and South Carolina wrap up the top ten list with 13.5% poverty rates each. While strides have been made to decrease poverty in these states, a significant portion of their population still struggles for a basic living. States with Highest Poverty Rates:

  1. Mississippi - 19.3%
  2. Louisiana - 18.6%
  3. New Mexico - 18.1%
  4. West Virginia - 17.0%
  5. Kentucky - 15.9%
  6. Arkansas - 15.3%
  7. Alabama - 15.0%
  8. Oklahoma - 14.5%
  9. Tennessee - 13.5%
  10. South Carolina - 13.5%

States with the Least Poverty

New Hampshire tops the list with the least poverty rate of 6.9%. Known for its high quality of life and strong economy, New Hampshire provides its residents with ample employment opportunities and resources. Utah follows closely, with a poverty rate of 8.3%. The state's diverse economy and high employment rate play a significant role in keeping its poverty levels low. Maryland, with an 8.6% poverty rate, ranks third among states with the least poverty. The state benefits from a highly educated workforce and close proximity to Washington D.C., offering numerous government job opportunities. Hawaii and Minnesota, both with an 8.9% poverty rate, stand fourth and fifth respectively. These states offer robust social services and have economies bolstered by tourism and diverse industries. New Jersey, with a 9.1% poverty rate, ranks sixth due to its high per capita income and employment opportunities in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, finance, and telecommunications. Colorado and Connecticut each have a poverty rate of 9.3%, reflective of their robust economies, driven by industries like technology, manufacturing, and financial services. Massachusetts, with a poverty rate of 9.4%, benefits from a strong economy based on higher education, healthcare, and technology. Virginia rounds off our list with a 9.5% poverty rate, benefitting from a diverse economy with a strong employment base in government services, defense, and information technology. States with the Least Poverty:

  1. New Hampshire - 6.9%
  2. Utah - 8.3%
  3. Maryland - 8.6%
  4. Hawaii - 8.9%
  5. Minnesota - 8.9%
  6. New Jersey - 9.1%
  7. Colorado - 9.3%
  8. Connecticut - 9.3%
  9. Massachusetts - 9.4%
  10. Virginia - 9.5%

By Region

Alabama

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Alabama

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

15.0%

#7

Alaska

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Alaska

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

10.1%

#36

Arizona

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Arizona

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

13.3%

#12

Arkansas

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Arkansas

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

15.3%

#6

California

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California

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

12.5%

#19

Colorado

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Colorado

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

9.3%

#44

Connecticut

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Connecticut

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

9.3%

#43

Delaware

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Delaware

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

10.4%

#33

Florida

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Florida

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

12.2%

#20

Georgia

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Georgia

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

13.2%

#13

Hawaii

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Hawaii

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

8.9%

#47

Idaho

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Idaho

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

10.4%

#34

Illinois

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Illinois

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

11.9%

#23

Indiana

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Indiana

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

12.2%

#21

Iowa

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Iowa

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

10.6%

#30

Kansas

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Kansas

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

11.0%

#28

Kentucky

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Kentucky

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

15.9%

#5

Louisiana

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Louisiana

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

18.6%

#2

Maine

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Maine

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

10.4%

#35

Maryland

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Maryland

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

8.6%

#48

Massachusetts

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Massachusetts

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

9.4%

#42

Michigan

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Michigan

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

13.3%

#11

Minnesota

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Minnesota

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

8.9%

#46

Mississippi

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Mississippi

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

19.3%

#1

Missouri

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Missouri

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

12.5%

#18

Montana

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Montana

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

11.6%

#26

Nebraska

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Nebraska

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

9.8%

#39

Nevada

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Nevada

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

11.9%

#24

New Hampshire

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New Hampshire

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

6.9%

#50

New Jersey

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New Jersey

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

9.1%

#45

New Mexico

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New Mexico

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

18.1%

#3

New York

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New York

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

13.2%

#14

North Carolina

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North Carolina

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

13.0%

#17

North Dakota

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North Dakota

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

9.9%

#38

Ohio

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Ohio

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

13.2%

#15

Oklahoma

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Oklahoma

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

14.5%

#8

Oregon

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Oregon

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

12.0%

#22

Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

11.4%

#27

Rhode Island

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Rhode Island

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

10.8%

#29

South Carolina

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South Carolina

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

13.5%

#10

South Dakota

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South Dakota

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

11.8%

#25

Tennessee

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Tennessee

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

13.5%

#9

Texas

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Texas

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

13.1%

#16

Utah

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Utah

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

8.3%

#49

Vermont

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Vermont

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

10.0%

#37

Virginia

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Virginia

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

9.5%

#41

Washington

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Washington

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

9.6%

#40

West Virginia

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West Virginia

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

17.0%

#4

Wisconsin

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Wisconsin

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

10.5%

#31

Wyoming

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Wyoming

Metric

Value

Rank

Poverty Rate

10.5%

#32

Table

Region ↕Poverty Rate ↕
Alabama iconAlabama15.0%
Alaska iconAlaska10.1%
Arizona iconArizona13.3%
Arkansas iconArkansas15.3%
California iconCalifornia12.5%
Colorado iconColorado9.3%
Connecticut iconConnecticut9.3%
Delaware iconDelaware10.4%
Florida iconFlorida12.2%
Georgia iconGeorgia13.2%
Hawaii iconHawaii8.9%
Idaho iconIdaho10.4%
Illinois iconIllinois11.9%
Indiana iconIndiana12.2%
Iowa iconIowa10.6%
Kansas iconKansas11.0%
Kentucky iconKentucky15.9%
Louisiana iconLouisiana18.6%
Maine iconMaine10.4%
Maryland iconMaryland8.6%
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts9.4%
Michigan iconMichigan13.3%
Minnesota iconMinnesota8.9%
Mississippi iconMississippi19.3%
Missouri iconMissouri12.5%
Montana iconMontana11.6%
Nebraska iconNebraska9.8%
Nevada iconNevada11.9%
New Hampshire iconNew Hampshire6.9%
New Jersey iconNew Jersey9.1%
New Mexico iconNew Mexico18.1%
New York iconNew York13.2%
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina13.0%
North Dakota iconNorth Dakota9.9%
Ohio iconOhio13.2%
Oklahoma iconOklahoma14.5%
Oregon iconOregon12.0%
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania11.4%
Rhode Island iconRhode Island10.8%
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina13.5%
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota11.8%
Tennessee iconTennessee13.5%
Texas iconTexas13.1%
Utah iconUtah8.3%
Vermont iconVermont10.0%
Virginia iconVirginia9.5%
Washington iconWashington9.6%
West Virginia iconWest Virginia17.0%
Wisconsin iconWisconsin10.5%
Wyoming iconWyoming10.5%
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