Behind the national median household income of $74,755 are thousands of communities where families earn far less. Understanding where and why incomes are lower is essential for addressing economic disparity in America.
We ranked all 3,100+ US counties by median household income to identify the 25 with the lowest earnings. This is not about shaming communities — it is about making economic reality visible so that policymakers, businesses, and individuals can make informed decisions.
The 25 Lowest-Income Counties in America
Ranked by median household income from lowest to highest.
| Rank | County | State | Median Income | Per Capita Income | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Randolph County | Georgia | $25,425 | $21,280 | $90,900 |
| 2 | Jackson County | South Dakota | $26,686 | $17,120 | $111,500 |
| 3 | East Carroll Parish | Louisiana | $28,321 | $16,689 | $87,400 |
| 4 | Presidio County | Texas | $29,014 | $22,463 | $123,100 |
| 5 | Wolfe County | Kentucky | $29,052 | $15,253 | $66,400 |
| 6 | Issaquena County | Mississippi | $29,271 | $13,843 | $90,700 |
| 7 | Holmes County | Mississippi | $29,434 | $22,044 | $76,500 |
| 8 | McDowell County | West Virginia | $29,980 | $16,599 | $49,200 |
| 9 | Lake County | Tennessee | $30,500 | $16,275 | $107,000 |
| 10 | Owsley County | Kentucky | $31,064 | $21,285 | $79,900 |
| 11 | Brooks County | Texas | $31,310 | $25,010 | $82,700 |
| 12 | Greene County | Alabama | $31,495 | $20,372 | $86,400 |
| 13 | Allendale County | South Carolina | $31,603 | $23,057 | $61,600 |
| 14 | Claiborne Parish | Louisiana | $31,784 | $19,675 | $82,400 |
| 15 | Hancock County | Tennessee | $31,995 | $24,037 | $118,000 |
| 16 | Quitman County | Mississippi | $32,131 | $20,438 | $68,600 |
| 17 | Bell County | Kentucky | $32,403 | $20,463 | $83,000 |
| 18 | Jeff Davis County | Texas | $32,625 | $35,662 | $234,400 |
| 19 | Humphreys County | Mississippi | $32,976 | $24,442 | $88,800 |
| 20 | Knox County | Kentucky | $33,153 | $21,277 | $109,200 |
| 21 | Hancock County | Georgia | $33,182 | $19,305 | $87,400 |
| 22 | Leflore County | Mississippi | $33,188 | $22,303 | $98,200 |
| 23 | Dimmit County | Texas | $33,409 | $20,919 | $80,300 |
| 24 | Magoffin County | Kentucky | $33,632 | $20,024 | $88,300 |
| 25 | Lee County | Kentucky | $34,182 | $19,697 | $82,100 |
Understanding the Economic Context
Low median incomes are typically the result of structural economic factors, not individual choices. The counties on this list face common challenges:
- Limited industry diversification: Many rely on a single sector — agriculture, mining, or manufacturing — that has experienced long-term decline or seasonal employment patterns.
- Geographic isolation: Remote locations far from major highways, airports, and metro areas limit access to markets and employers.
- Educational access: Lower rates of college education correlate strongly with lower incomes. Many of these counties have limited higher education options nearby.
- Historical underinvestment: Some counties, particularly in Appalachia, the Mississippi Delta, and tribal areas, have experienced generations of underinvestment in infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
- Population loss: As younger residents move to cities for work, the remaining population skews older and less economically active.
Lower Income Does Not Mean Lower Quality of Life
Income is only one dimension of life quality. Many low-income counties offer genuine advantages:
- Extremely low housing costs: Home values in these counties are often under $100,000. A family earning $30,000 can afford a home that would be impossible in a metro area.
- Strong community ties: Smaller, less transient populations often mean stronger social networks and community support.
- Access to natural resources: Many of these counties are in beautiful, resource-rich areas with opportunities for outdoor recreation, hunting, fishing, and agriculture.
- Lower overall cost of living: When housing, food, and transportation costs are low, a lower income stretches much further.
The key metric is not income alone — it is income relative to cost of living. Some "low-income" counties have better purchasing power than median-income metro areas.
Economic Opportunity and Development
These counties represent both challenges and opportunities:
- Remote work potential: As broadband expands, residents could access higher-paying remote jobs without relocating.
- Entrepreneurship incentives: Low costs and available real estate create opportunities for small businesses, particularly in tourism, agriculture, and light manufacturing.
- Federal and state programs: Many of these counties qualify for USDA Rural Development loans, Opportunity Zone investments, and other development programs.
- Healthcare and education investment: Expanding healthcare facilities and educational options are among the most impactful long-term investments for low-income counties.
Methodology
All data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). Counties are ranked by median household income (table B19013). Counties with suppressed or missing data were excluded. This analysis focuses on economic data and does not account for cost-of-living differences between counties.
Data source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). All figures are estimates based on survey data and may not reflect current economic conditions.