Most people in the world think of the United States as a rich country, and well, they’re not wrong. However, some parts of the U.S. aren’t...
Most people in the world think of the United States as a rich country, and well, they’re not wrong. However, some parts of the U.S. aren’t doing as well as others. In this article, we look at 17 states where the residents aren’t doing so well financially.
Mississippi
Mississippi consistently ranks as the poorest state in the U.S. Data USA reports that the median income for a family living in Mississippi is around $49,000. The state also has some of the highest unemployment rates in the country, further worsening the income problem.
New Mexico
New Mexico faces significant economic hardships despite its rich cultural heritage. The gap between the rich and the poor is getting wider every day in New Mexico. It’s also incredibly difficult to access high-quality higher education and healthcare in the state.
Louisiana
Louisiana is one of the most beautiful states in the U.S., but its beauty doesn’t save it from economic problems. The poverty rate is increasingly getting worse, and its top industries like oil and fishing aren’t enough to keep it from sinking. Natural disasters also slow economic development.
West Virginia
In West Virginia, the scenic mountains shadow the underlying economic issues. When the coal industry declined, West Virginia was not in a place where it could rely on another industry to pull itself up. The state also has lots of rural areas that have failed to develop in the past decades.
Arkansas
Arkansas is also known for its natural beauty, which contrasts sharply with its economic realities. Income levels remain very low compared to the rest of the country. According to Unbiased, the median income in Arkansas is $48,000, which isn’t nearly enough to sustain someone.
Kentucky
Kentucky faces economic challenges that go beyond its famous horse races and Bourbon. The state is too dependent on the agriculture and manufacturing sectors, which don’t generate enough revenue to support the state. Kentucky needs to think of ways to diversify its economy to stimulate growth.
Alabama
In Alabama, many people face big differences in money and jobs. A lot of people don’t have jobs, which is a big problem. Not having enough education also makes things tough for many. In the countryside, it’s hard for people to get good healthcare, which makes these problems even worse.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s economy often feels the impact of both metaphorical and literal tornadoes. Even though the state has a booming energy sector, the markets are too volatile for it to be dependable. The unfair treatment of the Indigenous populations in the state has also not helped the community grow as a whole.
Tennessee
Despite its musical heritage, Tennessee faces deep-seated economic blues. Areas aren’t doing as poorly but the rural areas could use some urgent help. Healthcare is also under threat, as many residents of Tennessee are unable to get the help they need when they fall ill.
South Carolina
South Carolina is growing, but many people are still very poor. The money made from tourists doesn’t always help the locals much. Schools in some areas need improvement, and there are also many big issues with roads and other public facilities that need fixing.
Missouri
Missouri is right in the middle of America and has different money problems. Farming issues affect a lot of people. Big cities like St. Louis and Kansas City face their own challenges. Also, there are problems with roads and other ways to travel around the state.
Montana
Montana has big, open lands and big money problems, too. Farming and mining are important but face challenges. People living in the countryside often struggle to get good healthcare. Schools and getting access to technology are also big challenges in many areas.
Idaho
Idaho may seem like it’s doing well with farming and tech jobs, but not everyone is benefiting. Some places are growing fast, while others are left behind. People in rural areas often don’t have easy access to doctors. Schools in some areas also aren’t as good as they need to be to educate the leaders of tomorrow.
Georgia
Even though Atlanta is doing well, other parts of Georgia are struggling. Many people in the countryside are poor. There’s a big difference in money and jobs between big cities and rural areas. Farming is important in Georgia, but it doesn’t solve all the problems.
Ohio
Ohio, once known for its industries, is facing tough times. Many factories have closed, which has hurt cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati. The state is trying to find new ways to make money and fix these problems, focusing on bringing new life to these cities.
Arizona
In Arizona, many Native American reservations face high unemployment and poverty rates, showcasing the stark divides in the state’s economy. While cities like Phoenix and Tucson thrive, rural and Native American areas struggle significantly. Tourism brings money to some parts, but it doesn’t reach many of the rural communities.
Nevada
Beyond the neon lights of Las Vegas, many Nevadans face stark economic realities. The glitz and glamor shown in the media aren’t the daily realities of most of the state’s residents. Spotlight on Poverty & Opportunity reports that a quarter of jobs in Nevada are low-wage, meaning they can’t support workers.
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