While wealth is often concentrated in specific regions, poverty remains a harsh reality for many counties across the United States. The counties on this list have some of the lowest median household incomes in the country, underscoring the economic challenges these communities face. Issaquena County, Mississippi, tops the list as the poorest county, with a median household income of just $17,900. From Appalachia to the rural South, these counties highlight regions where economic investment and opportunity are needed most.
| Rank | County, State | Median Household Income | Total Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Issaquena County, MS | $17,900 | 1,206 |
| 2 | Randolph County, GA | $24,638 | 6,365 |
| 3 | Jackson County, SD | $26,078 | 2,838 |
| 4 | Dimmit County, TX | $27,374 | 8,672 |
| 5 | McDowell County, WV | $28,235 | 18,911 |
Complete List of 25 Poorest Counties
The counties on this list span multiple states, including Mississippi, Kentucky, and South Dakota, where economic hardships are often tied to limited job opportunities, lower education attainment, and struggling local industries. Despite these challenges, these communities demonstrate resilience and a need for targeted economic support. Below, you’ll find the full list of the 25 poorest counties in the United States, ranked by median household income.
1. Issaquena County, Mississippi
- Median Household Income: $17,900
- Median Home Value: $96,300
- Total Population: 1,206
2. Randolph County, Georgia
- Median Household Income: $24,638
- Median Home Value: $83,800
- Total Population: 6,365
3. Jackson County, South Dakota
- Median Household Income: $26,078
- Median Home Value: $108,400
- Total Population: 2,838
4. Dimmit County, Texas
- Median Household Income: $27,374
- Median Home Value: $75,900
- Total Population: 8,672
5. McDowell County, West Virginia
- Median Household Income: $28,235
- Median Home Value: $47,500
- Total Population: 18,911
6. Wolfe County, Kentucky
- Median Household Income: $28,666
- Median Home Value: $62,200
- Total Population: 6,573
7. Holmes County, Mississippi
- Median Household Income: $28,818
- Median Home Value: $73,900
- Total Population: 16,848
8. Presidio County, Texas
- Median Household Income: $29,012
- Median Home Value: $121,000
- Total Population: 6,168
9. Brooks County, Texas
- Median Household Income: $30,566
- Median Home Value: $80,100
- Total Population: 7,059
10. East Carroll Parish, Louisiana
- Median Household Income: $30,856
- Median Home Value: $72,600
- Total Population: 7,371
11. Quitman County, Mississippi
- Median Household Income: $31,192
- Median Home Value: $65,500
- Total Population: 6,113
12. Jenkins County, Georgia
- Median Household Income: $31,463
- Median Home Value: $81,800
- Total Population: 8,704
13. Jefferson County, Mississippi
- Median Household Income: $31,544
- Median Home Value: $76,400
- Total Population: 7,207
14. Lee County, Kentucky
- Median Household Income: $31,682
- Median Home Value: $77,400
- Total Population: 7,338
15. Sumter County, Alabama
- Median Household Income: $31,726
- Median Home Value: $88,000
- Total Population: 12,196
16. Hancock County, Georgia
- Median Household Income: $31,767
- Median Home Value: $93,500
- Total Population: 8,588
17. Hancock County, Tennessee
- Median Household Income: $31,809
- Median Home Value: $112,600
- Total Population: 6,726
18. Humphreys County, Mississippi
- Median Household Income: $31,907
- Median Home Value: $79,900
- Total Population: 7,744
19. Magoffin County, Kentucky
- Median Household Income: $31,927
- Median Home Value: $83,400
- Total Population: 11,647
20. Claiborne Parish, Louisiana
- Median Household Income: $32,034
- Median Home Value: $79,100
- Total Population: 14,203
21. Lake County, Tennessee
- Median Household Income: $32,064
- Median Home Value: $111,900
- Total Population: 6,898
22. Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota
- Median Household Income: $32,279
- Median Home Value: $46,700
- Total Population: 13,695
23. Perry County, Alabama
- Median Household Income: $32,332
- Median Home Value: $81,700
- Total Population: 8,479
24. Greene County, Alabama
- Median Household Income: $32,796
- Median Home Value: $88,800
- Total Population: 7,706
25. Owsley County, Kentucky
- Median Household Income: $32,844
- Median Home Value: $78,500
- Total Population: 4,054
