1
Louisiana
18.9%
The state has one of the nation's highest poverty rates and also the highest rate of child poverty.
2
New Mexico
18.5%
New Mexico has a high rate of residents living in extreme poverty, with a significant gap between high- and middle-income households.
3
Mississippi
17.3%
Mississippi has the lowest median household income in the nation, and poverty disproportionately affects children.
4
Arkansas
15.8%
While improving slightly, Arkansas continues to have a high poverty rate, especially in its southeastern counties.
5
West Virginia
15.3%
The state has a high poverty rate in rural areas, where limited access to high-paying jobs and education persists.
6
Kentucky
16.4%
Like neighboring states, Kentucky has high rates of poverty, with significant disparities between different regions.
7
Oklahoma
15.9%
Oklahoma's poverty rate remains above the national average, with challenges related to income inequality.
8
Alabama
15.6%
Alabama struggles with high poverty, low wages, and significant wage gaps.
9
New York
14.2%
While often associated with wealth, New York has a significant poverty rate and high economic inequality.
10
Tennessee
14.0%
Many families in Tennessee live near the federal poverty line, influenced by low income and high healthcare costs.