I cannot determine the poorest town in Kansas, but I can provide information regarding the poorest counties.The ten poorest counties in Kansas, while facing financial challenges, are recognized for their unique character, strong community spirit, and local pride.
These counties are identified based on data from the U.S. Census American Community Survey.The poorest counties in Kansas include:
- Woodson County: Had a population of 3,309. Cities include Toronto, Neosho Falls and Yates. The median household income is $30,385, and the per capita income is $23,986.
- Cheyenne County: Had a population of 2,783. Cities include Pittsburg, Mulberry and Girard. The median household income is $35,286, and the per capita income is $19,753.
- Decatur County: Had a population of 3,015. Cities include Clayton, Jennings and Oberlin. The median household income is $35,383, and the per capita income is $21,966.
- Cloud County: Had a population of 9,538. Cities include Glasco, Jamestown and Concordia. The median household income is $35,838, and the per capita income is $18,690.
- Chautauqua County: Had a population of 3,736. Cities include Chautauqua, Peru and Sedan. The median household income is $35,848, and the per capita income is $21,613.
Other sources list the poorest counties in Kansas as:
- Chautauqua County
- Elk County
- Jewell County
- Edwards County
- Republic County
- Decatur County
Rural communities with low incomes and poor health outcomes often face chronic poverty due to reliance on a single extractive industry controlled by a few elites, with systems reinforcing a low-wage labor force. When the main industry declines, the community struggles.
Sources:
- https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/kansas/poor-ks-counties
- https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/west-virginia/poorest-counties-wv
- https://www.planetizen.com/news/2023/10/125840-new-book-analyzes-americas-poorest-communities
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansas_and_Missouri
- https://www.aol.com/10-counties-poorest-kansas-ranking-151215396.html
