These Are America’s Poorest States, Ranked
#23: Kansas
Median income per household: $59, 597
Rate of poverty: 11.4%
Kansas shines as an affordable haven, boasting a median home value of $166,000, as per Zillow. But weighing the boon of low mortgage rates against scant job prospects is advisable for potential movers.
With Kansas’s minimum wage at the federal floor of $7.25, a bill aiming for $15 by 2027 is notable. Despite a low unemployment rate, over 100,000 children, 15% of them, grapple with poverty, highlighting socioeconomic challenges.
#22: Arizona
Median income per household: $58, 945
Rate of poverty: 13.5%
From 2015 to 2018, Arizona saw the highest drop in poverty levels in the U.S., yet it remains 3% above the national poverty rate. Educational setbacks for children there predict challenging future job markets, despite the older generation’s higher education levels.
Arizona is positioned towards the end of WalletHub’s ranking on school systems, highlighted by significant dropout rates, underwhelming standardized test performances, and a noticeable shortage of educators for available positions.
#21: Georgia
Median income per household: $58, 700
Rate of poverty: 13.3%
Despite its nickname, Georgia’s not the top peach producer; that’s California. However, its $73.3 billion agricultural sector immensely boosts its economy. While having the nation’s lowest minimum wage at $5.15, most workers earn at least $7.25.
In Georgia, 461,000 children live in poverty. Atlanta faces severe income inequality, ranking poorly among major cities. A simple money-saving tip for Georgians is using a free browser extension that scours for deals online, ensuring lower prices on purchases.