These Are America’s Poorest States, Ranked
#3: Arkansas
Median income per household: $47, 597
Rate of poverty: 16.2%
Previously known as “The Land of Opportunity,” Arkansas witnessed a boom post-WWII but now ranks among the poorest states. Yet, its agricultural prowess remains unmatched, contributing $21 billion in 2019 with rice, catfish, and cotton as top crops.
Arkansas’ agriculture has felt the sting of the recent trade tussle with China, leading to a slump in exports, dropping prices, and resulting in numerous bankruptcies. Advents in technology, like AI job boards, offer novel employment paths amidst these economic challenges.
