Let’s look at 18 of America’s less talked about towns. These are the poorest cities in the poorest states in the country, but there’s more to each story than just the numbers. We’ll see what life is like in these communities and maybe understand a bit more about what drives their economies.
Hazlehurst, Mississippi
This information comes from a MoneyWise report. Down in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, people are getting by with a median household income of $22,437. It’s a tight-knit community where everyone knows your name, but things could be much better economically. Jobs aren’t easy to come by, and many are in lower-paying sectors.
Homer, Louisiana
According to the US Census, Louisiana is the second poorest state in the country, and in Homer, the average income is around $17,369. This small town is facing economic issues, with few new businesses setting up shop. Don’t let the numbers fool you, though, because Homer has plenty of culture and history, with residents who stick together through thick and thin.
Anthony, New Mexico
Anthony, New Mexico, isn’t exactly flush with cash, as its residents have an average income of $23,948. Even so, it’s overflowing with community spirit, especially since it’s sandwiched right at the state line. This town has a mix of cultures and a lot of heart, and the townspeople are working hard to bring in more jobs and improve local life.
Williamson, West Virginia
Williamson is in the heart of coal country, West Virginia, with a median income of $24,058. It’s seen better days, economically speaking, but the town is full of folks who believe in hard work and helping neighbors. People here are holding on to their heritage while looking for new ways to thrive.
Albany, Kentucky
Albany, Kentucky, may not be the wealthiest, with a median income of $18,824, but it’s rich in natural beauty and a sense of community. Everyone looks out for each other, trying to make ends meet and keep the town spirit alive. The local people are always ready to lend a hand or share a meal so that no one is left behind in tough times.
Ozark, Arkansas
Over in Ozark, Arkansas, the average monthly income is $20,101, and life’s pretty slow-paced. While the economy isn’t booming, the natural beauty and Southern hospitality provide some peace and a bit of tourist traffic to help the local businesses. The folks here are proud of their heritage and eager to show off their hometown to visitors.
Livingston, Alabama
Livingston, Alabama, has a median income of just $11,969, which is no doubt tough. Even so, this small college town is pushing through, hoping to attract more businesses and opportunities with the help of local leaders and the young people from the university. And with regular community events, everyone comes together for some fun on the cheap.
Hugo, Oklahoma
Hugo, Oklahoma, might have the highest income on our list at $25,212, but it’s still facing its fair share of challenges. It’s famous as a friendly place with a historic downtown and is trying to use its cultural heritage to improve the economy and draw in visitors. The community is actively protecting its history and celebrating it through local events.
Allendale, South Carolina
Life in Allendale, South Carolina, isn’t all peaches and cream, as the median income is $19,463. It’s one of those places fighting to bounce back, looking for ways to improve the town and bring in new opportunities for its residents. Local leaders are brainstorming creative ways to attract small businesses and investments to the area.
Newport, Tennessee
Up in the mountains of Tennessee, Newport folks make do with $24,124. There’s no denying that Newport is a beautiful place that’s great for nature lovers, but the local economy needs some fixing. The local government is making efforts to improve local attractions and market the town as a perfect weekend getaway. Let’s hope this works.
Royston, Georgia
Royston, Georgia, is probably most famous for baseball legend Ty Cobb, but today, it’s working on more than just its sports legacy. Local people get by on an average monthly salary of $21,125, and the town is trying to hit a home run with new business opportunities. This includes diversifying investment opportunities to help the economy.
Presidio, Texas
Right on the border, Presidio, Texas, sees a lot of traffic with a median income of $20,794. It’s a mix of American and Mexican cultures, meaning there are plenty of unique experiences but also the struggles of a border town trying to find its way economically. It’s not all doom and gloom, though, as cross-border trade and tourism could be the way out.
Quartzsite, Arizona
Quartzsite, Arizona, is a hotspot for rockhounds and snowbirds with an income of $20,979. Despite the number of people visiting in the winter, the town is trying to stabilize its economy year-round with more permanent businesses and services. They’re opening new shops and amenities aimed at keeping tourists around a bit longer, not just during the cooler months.
Enfield, North Carolina
Enfield, North Carolina, may be small, but it there’s a lot of history and community life here. The city has an average income of $20,567, and the town has plenty of projects aimed at improving the historic Main Street. Local leaders are converting old storefronts into new businesses in an attempt to attract more people.
Highland Park, Michigan
Hidden within the greater Detroit area is Highland Park, which is fighting back against the state’s numerous economic issues. The average monthly income is $18,474, which is one reason the community is working together to improve the city through new business ventures. This includes rebuilding public spaces and supporting startup businesses.
East Cleveland, Ohio
In East Cleveland, the average monthly income is $20,743, and people are trying to change the city’s future. For example, the city has begun transforming abandoned plots with new housing and fresh green parks to draw people back. Hopefully, East Cleveland can go from being overlooked into something pretty exciting.
New Square, New York
New Square might be in one of New York’s wealthier areas, but it’s struggling with its economic hurdles, as the median income is just $23,730. The community has all kinds of new programs popping up that are trying to give folks the skills they need to succeed. It’s this kind of push that’s slowly changing New Square into a place where opportunities are growing.
Pine Manor, Florida
Over in Pine Manor, Florida, locals are getting creative when dealing with economic challenges. They haven’t got much of a choice, as the average income is $22,052, so locals have created community gardens and markets to sell veggies. These programs also create jobs and bring neighbors together in an attempt to solve the town’s numerous economic issues.
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