The 50 Worst Counties in the US

The United States GDP per capita is one of the world’s highest, though scattered among the wealth and endeavor, there are pockets of despair. We looked at various sources, such as the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to learn which county in each state has the worst scores.

While it may rely on being slightly subjective, rankings have been thoroughly considered and are always open to challenge from disgruntled residents. This list is not a statement on the good people living in these spots. Furthermore, others may argue that certain inner-city areas are worse, though this focuses on economic and academic prospects, among other factors.

Here is each state’s worst county based on poverty, education, income, and life expectancy.

1.  Wilcox County, Alabama

Wilcox County has one of the poorest records in the nation. Here, residents typically reach 69.8 years, which is well below the 77.6-year national average. What’s more, a 32.4% poverty rate puts it atop Alabama’s worst places to live.

“Wilcox County has not thrived since the turn of the last century. Not this one,” writes AL’s Amanda Walker. “Not the century we are currently in – I’m not talking about just the last 20 years – I am talking about the last 120 years.”

2. Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska

Alaska may have a wealth of natural resources but sadly, many communities don’t benefit from this. In Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska, the stats all tell a similar story. This county has a 30% poverty rate — well below the state average of nearly 10%.

Moreover, life expectancy is almost a decade lower than the state average of 79. US & World News Report scores the county Alaska’s worst for obesity rates,

3. Apache County, Arizona

The worst thing about living in Apache County would be the scarcity of work — it has among the lowest education and employment rates in the state. Perhaps a strong indicator for life in Apache County comes with its life expectancy of 66.1 years — one of the country’s lowest.

The largest employer in the county is its healthcare industry, though farming still accounts for much else. Ironically, Apache County is the safest county in Arizona, reports AZ Central.

4. Phillips County, Arkansas

Arkansas sits next to the great Mississippi River, which, once upon a time, gave the state much fortune. Sadly, today, in parts of Arkansas, that fortune has turned to misery. Phillips County might be the worst place to grow up in Arkansas.

Only 14% of residents own a bachelor’s degree, and the reason for this disparity may lie in its economic outlook. Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI) surveyed the county’s under-18 demographic. Unfortunately, Phillips County had the lowest physical activity and second-highest poverty rates.

5. Lake County, California

One might suspect that the Lakeport city management team is attempting a bait-and-switch tactic. “Surrounded by beautiful mountains and capturing the breezes off the lake, Lake County has a Mediterranean temperate climate,” reads the city website summary. “Gorgeous seasons, mild winters, and plenty of sun make this an ideal place to live.”

In reality, Lake County isn’t doing so well. California may be a rich, shining beacon in the West, but it is peppered with low-economy zones. Lake County may be the best of all the counties on this list, but its household income is among the lowest in the state. Furthermore, compared to California’s average 35.5% bachelor’s degree ownership, the county has only half that number.

6. Bent County, Colorado

Bent County has an unfortunate synonymous name and ranks as Colorado’s worst place to live, based on its annual household income rate. At just $41,000, Bent residents are surviving on almost half the state average ($80,184).

What’s more, Bent County has the worst college completion rates in Colorado: only 15% of Bent County students graduate higher education. On the plus side, property is cheap — statistics platform Niche puts the median home value at less than half the national average.

7. Windham County, Connecticut

Of Connecticut’s eight counties, Windham sits at the bottom based on its life expectancy, household income, and educational attainment. Although reports show that parts of Windham County are pleasant, the Southeastern corner is considered the worst part.

CrimeGrade gives Windham County a low “D” grade for violent crime based on clusters of activity in the worst areas.

8. Kent County, Delaware

There are only three counties in Delaware’s tiny state, so the differences between the three aren’t much.  Several features of life in Kent County, Delaware, make life hard for some.  The county has a median household income of $10,000 below the state average, and only a quarter of college-aged residents graduate.

Recent news from the region lists complaints of unruly behavior — illegal outdoor parties have overwhelmed the local parks and recreation authorities.

9. Union County, Florida

Florida is one of the healthiest economies in the United States, but certain parts don’t measure up to the state averages. Union County has among the lowest college completion rates in Florida at 10% of the adult population.

One other factor is substance abuse. A 2020 survey found middle and high school students with high rates of past-30-day substance use. Union has the smallest landmass in the whole state, though miles of undeveloped shoreline on Lake Butler means the county’s fortunes may yet change.

10. Clinch County, Georgia

“Clinch County is very proud of its low cost of living, excellent school system, and newly renovated hospital,” reports the Clinch County government website. “We are home to a wide variety of industries including timber, blueberries, and honeybees.”

To the non-researcher, this could sound promising. However, the depiction is far from the reality. Georgia has a median poverty rate of 14% — well below Georgia’s 30% rate in general.

11. Hawaii County, Hawaii

Hawaii is a complicated place, housing some of America’s richest and poorest residents, some of whom barely meet the poverty level elsewhere. Hawaii County’s 14% poverty rate is almost one-third higher than the archipelago’s average.

While this sounds like many other states on the list, Hawaii County suffers a unique ecological problem — a scarcity of freshwater. CBS News reported early in 2024 how freshwater levels were at critical levels due to drought and over-tourism. Worse still, PFA chemical pollution has also been an issue in the groundwater.

12. Shoshone County, Idaho

Idaho is a Rocky Mountain State famous for its precious metals like gold and silver deposits, earning its nickname “the Gem State.” However, such wealth doesn’t filter down to Shoshone County, which is ironically a mining area.

Regardless of its statistical shortcomings, Shoshone County has a unique recent problem, which may reflect its issues. In 2023, the county lost its county jail license because of overuse and deterioration.

13. Alexander County, Illinois

Spread around its county center, Cairo, Alexander County is probably the worst of Illinois’ 102 counties in which to reside. The latest figures show poor records in its education and poverty index.

A recent WKMS News and Music Discovery report details the hardships faced by Alexander residents living at the bottom end of the economy. Moreover, the town doesn’t even have its own gas station. Losses in social housing and its only nursing home in recent years only compound the problems.

14. Scott County, Indiana

Only 13% of Scott County, Indiana’s adults hold a bachelor’s degree, reflected in the county’s $46,000 median household income. In contrast, the national average is almost double that number; Indiana’s state median is $62,000.

Real Estate platform Dwellics only give main town Scottsburg a two-star safety score — maybe this comes from its tornado record. Sadly, the town is famous for an HIV outbreak in 2014 sparked by intravenous narcotic use.

15. Appanoose County, Iowa

Continuing our tour of the Midwest’s worst counties, we arrive in Appanoose County, Iowa, which has a collection of low scores. This corner of Iowa has poor college attendance and a low median household income to match.

Research platform Stacker listed Appanoose County as Iowa’s “lowest earning” county in Iowa in 2020. More recent data shows nothing has changed, though it still maintains the second-worst figures in Iowa.

16. Harper County, Kansas

The Corn Belt States tour continues into Wolfe County, Kansas, which has the lowest bachelor’s degree-holding figures in the state. Most astonishing is the median household income of less than $25,000 on average — almost a quarter of the U.S. national average.

ABC affiliate KAKE News reports that Harper County residents have been complaining about a dangerous detour they must now take. This response came after a fatal crash put a bridge out of use, and may reflect the poor infrastructure in the county.

17. Wolfe County, Kentucky

Wolfe County has reportedly less than one-in-10 adults with no college degree, meaning the local economy suffers. Such a spiral of poor education and subsequent low development is common in such areas.

The area is blessed with natural beauty, though this often brings natural problems, like flooding. A local student recounts their experiences in a Wilderness Medical Society review about the 2022 disaster, which claimed several lives.

18. East Carroll Parish, Louisiana

Louisiana is a unique state with endless open areas and natural beauty. However, it frequently finds itself at the bottom of national rankings. U.S. News & World Report famously put Louisiana as the worst state to live in two years running.

Therefore, being the worst county in the worst state is no mean feat, though East Carroll Parish “wins” this accolade. Soaring poverty rates of 47%, a bachelor’s degree ownership of 10%, and a $25,000 median annual household income make East Carroll Parish, Louisiana, the official worst county in the United States.

19. Somerset County, Maine

Sitting in the Lower 48’s nether regions near the Canadian border makes Somerset County one of the hardest places to reach. Perhaps this is the reason behind Somerset having one of the lowest employment and highest poverty rates in Maine.

Furthermore, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection once found samples of chemical pollution in local farm milk. Lori Valigra of Bangor Daily News reports that residents still suffer the contamination in their fresh water stocks.

20. Somerset County, Maryland

Maryland is one of America’s smaller states and had the 7th most dense population in 2020, though it isn’t the poorest. The Old Line State is only perched behind the District of Columbia for median income — $10,000 above the national average.

Somerset County makes a second appearance in the list, though this one differs from its Maine counterpart. Its annual median income is half the state average. What’s more, Somerset County has the lowest college completion rate and the second-highest unemployment numbers in Maryland.

21. Hampden County, Massachusetts

The Bay State is world famous because it contains some of the globe’s most well-established universities. However, Massachusetts contains some juxtaposed locations, not least Hampden County.

While the average Massachusetts household generates $89,000, the average in this county is a mere two-thirds of that amount. Naturally, the college graduation rate here is also less than two-thirds of the total average. Most startling is Hampden’s food insecurity rate: 48%, reports local news site, The Reminder.

22. Clare County, Michigan

There are some parts of the country where higher education finds it hard to permeate — Clare County appears to be that place in Michigan. Centered around Harrison Township, the county has the joint-lowest college degree rate in the state.

Clare County’s 12.2% falls way short of Washtenaw’s 50% college completion rate, though it could be due to its aging population. In grim news, Fox 2 Detroit reports that Harrison Township has experienced a spate of drownings in its canal.

23. Mahnomen County, Minnesota

Minnesota’s poorest county suffers from such a dearth of funding that even its hospitals are at threat. In April 2024, Minnesota Public Radio announced shocking news for Mahnomen County’s citizens.

Due to financial hurdles, Mahnomen Health Center was being forced to shutter its inpatient department for longer stays. A rural hospital center with emergency care and 24-hour observation is now the only treatment possible in Mahnomen County. This scenario reflects a county experiencing a decline.

24. Quitman County, Mississippi

The worst poverty rate in the United States stems from Mississippi, which comes dead last behind Louisiana and New Mexico. Meanwhile, the worst place to live in Mississippi is the Quitman County.

The aptly named county offers a life expectancy of 70.5 years, an 11% graduation rate, and an 18% poverty rate. An indication of life in Quitman could be found in its former food desert status. A few years prior, the county celebrated the opening of a new supermarket after four years without one.

25. Pemiscot County, Missouri

Missouri’s worst zip code lost a reported 10% of its population between 2015 and 2021 — Pemiscot County isn’t a recommended place for residency. This discrepancy is more striking when one realizes Missouri’s population has doubled since World War Two, growing each year.

Cheryl Crow’s former town of Kennett is in Pemiscot County, reports Doc Holliday of Tri-States rock station The Eagle, “and that’s where the good stuff ends.”

26. Roosevelt County, Montana

Montana is one of the least populated states in the union, with barely one million residents to fit into its roughly 145,000 square miles. Somehow, it still has areas with harsh levels of poverty and life expectancy.

Roosevelt County’s 32% poverty index is more than double the state average and three times more than the national average of 11%. People in this county life almost a decade shorter than Montana and America’s average life expectancy.

27. Thurston County, Nebraska

Nebraska is considered by obtuse people as a fly-over state, though Nebraskans will not like such a reference. However, there might be an argument for fly-over counties within the state, including Thurston County. In 2017, AP News ranked Thurston as the unhealthiest in the state, and things haven’t changed since then.

Coincidentally, Thurston is right next door to Nebraska’s healthiest, Cedar County. The difference in life expectancy is beyond contrast. Cedar residents live 81 years, longer than the national average. Those born and dying in Thurston can only expect an alarming 64 years.

28. Nye County, Nevada

It is common to see a cycle of poverty and its effect on education, and this is evident in Nevada’s worst-performing county. Having a 16% poverty rate correlates with a mere 13% of residents possessing a bachelor’s degree.

Nye County sits at the bottom of Nevada, near California, and was once contained in a nuclear weapon testing area, home to 928 explosions. Curiously, the life expectancy in Nye County isn’t much below the national average.

29. Coos County, New Hampshire

“Live Free or Die” is New Hampshire’s famous state motto, though residents of Coos County would perhaps just enjoy living well. The Granite State’s northernmost county borders Vermont, Maine, and Canada, which may explain its 20% degree-holder rate.

Cailin Loesch writes for Patch about a series of communities that could be ghost towns by 2100 due to low birth rates and declining industry. She cites at least two in Coos County.

30. Cumberland County, New Jersey

New Jersey has a generally high life expectancy (80 years) and above-average median household income. Such stats are not hitting its worst county. Cumberland County has only two-third of the state median income and less than half the degree-holder ratio.

The surprisingly honest New Jersey (NJ) website published a critique of the county in 2023 with a stark headline. “This forgotten N.J. county is worse off than parts of Appalachia,” reads the title. “How can that be?”

31. McKinley County, New Mexico

Residents of a county named after America’s highest peak may not appreciate the metaphorical comparison here. The county has a 34% poverty rate compared to New Mexico’s 18% average, leaving many children in dire straits.

One reflection of the county’s financial woes is in a SourceNM story about a Gallup hospital in ruin, unable to make payroll, and flirting with insolvency. The catalyst was a malpractice lawsuit settlement of $68 million.

32. Cattaraugus County, New York

New York is one of the more wealthy states in America, though like its surrounding Northeastern neighbors, it has problems. Of all its 62 counties, Cattaraugus stands out as the least educated — it has only half the number of the state average.

Like many of its contemporary counties in other states, this Rust Belt area suffers from an opioid crisis. Police chiefs recently announced a huge narcotics bust of substances such as Fentanyl, which has caused endless heartache.

33. Robeson County, North Carolina

North Carolina’s economy has been robust over the past two decades, so it seems inexplicable that places like Robeson County exist. However, Robeson has almost half the median yearly household income and double the state poverty rate.

Another indictment on the county is the dwindling population, down almost 12% between 2015 and 2021, despite North Carolina’s growing by 5% in that period.

34. Sioux County, North Dakota

North Dakota is not America’s most famous or appealing state, though the Great Plains state has one title at least. It is in the top 10 loneliest states in the U.S., preceded by its Southern neighbor.

Sioux County is on the border with South Dakota, with Fort Yates as its economic center. The worst statistic for Sioux County is the poverty rate: 39%, almost 400% higher than North Dakota’s.

35. Scioto County, Ohio

Scioto County in Ohio has a severe 28% poverty rate, which almost doubles the state average. Furthermore, those born in this corner of Ohio live, on average, four years less than most Americans.

One aspect of life in Scioto County is the homeless problem. “There are dozens, if hundreds, of chronically mentally ill people living on the streets,” writes Cyn Mackley of SCDN Progress. “They rack up dozens of arrests and no real treatment.”

36. Okfuskee County, Oklahoma

A typical Okfuskee County adult has an 11% chance of owning a degree and a 28% chance of living in poverty. They will live seven years less than the average American, putting this last among the state’s 77 counties.

If that isn’t enough to contend with, the county suffered major tornado damage earlier in 2024. Risk assessment platform Augurisk also gives Osfuksee County a poor score for societal dangers, citing property crime.

37. Klamath County, Oregon

There is no doubt Klamath County in Oregon has much natural beauty surrounding it, though statistically, not much else. Compared to the rest of the state, Klamath County has $20,000 less median household income and almost half as few degree holders.

Another factor affecting a county already falling behind the rest is the recent drawdown of several reservoirs on the Klamath River. Subsequently, locals in Klamath have complained about heavy metal levels — a charge denied by officials.

38. Forest County, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s website boasts a dynamic economy headed by advanced manufacturing; other industries include life sciences, semiconductors, and robotics. The Appalachian county is in the state’s heartland, which means resources are not always accessible.

“In rural Forest County, there’s only one part-time ambulance service,” reports Andy Sheehan in a recent CBS News Pittsburgh article. “Because resources are so thin, tragedy has ensued.” Anybody with a pre-existing condition in such a county is at risk.

39. Providence County, Rhode Island

The Rhode Island state capital, Providence, is based in the self-title county — one of only five in America’s smallest state. Notwithstanding the poor economic performance compared to its neighboring counties, the local infrastructure is a problem.

A bridge going into East Providence was partially shut down in July by authorities who revealed “something catastrophic” happened to a support rod. The consequent traffic mayhem turned a 40-minute commute into a four-and-a-half-hour nightmare for locals.

40. Marlboro County, South Carolina

While South Carolina grows, the same can’t be said of Marlboro County, whose population has been in freefall since 1990. When viewing the county’s poverty rate, double that of the Palmetto State, it’s now a surprise.

Such figures will have a negative effect on resources. As of 2015, Marlboro County closed its hospital to in-patients, relenting to EMS and telehealth measures. The median household income in this part of America is less than half the national average.

41. Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota (Shannon County)

Formerly, Shannon Country, Oglala Lakota County is statistically the worst county in South Dakota, though arguably the entire Lower 48. A litany of issues are present here, one being that there is no county seat.

An example of the problems faced in South Dakota’s only dry county came in 2023. Oglala Sioux President Frank Star declared a state of emergency following endemic crime activity in the area.

42. Hancock County, Tennessee

Tennessee is a mid-range state in every sense of the word. Its 2024 economic growth is just above the national average, while U.S. News & World Report ranks it 27th overall. There is a slight problem with Hancock County, however.

Hancock has double Tennessee’s 14% poverty rate and only a third of its 29% graduation levels. This fact may explain why there is a potential corruption case on the horizon for some local government officials.

43. Cochran County, Texas

Some love the Texans’ never-say-can’t attitude, warm hospitality, and vainglorious fortitude, while others can’t leave the Lone Star State quick enough. Regardless, the biggest piece of the Lower 48 jigsaw is full of wealth, yet economic disparity is scattered all over.

Cochran County falls way behind other counties for personal wealth: almost a dozen Texan counties reach three figure personal incomes, compared to Cochran’s roughly $38,000. The area most in need of development in this county is access to degrees; the current bachelor-holding alumni in Cochran is lower than 10% of the populace.

44. Carbon County, Utah

Utah is well-known for its striking natural spaces and endless blue skies, though parts of the mostly teetotal state are coal-mining centers. If one had to guess which parts of Utah mined coal, Carbon County might be an obvious name.

In any case, the coal is what drives the fortune — or misfortune — of this humble territory. A 2023 Fox 13 Now post explored how the last mine closure has affected housing taxes.

45. Essex County, Vermont

Though its numbers are nowhere near other entries on this list, Essex County represents the worst place to live in Vermont, namely for academics. Essex County’s 20% degree holder contingent falls halfway below the state average.

It is hard to imagine anywhere in the Green Mountain State being undesirable. Essex County appears okay, otherwise: A recent story involves Essex residents voicing concerns about how noisy roads might affect their health.

46. Martinsville, Virginia

West Virginia has a staggering 134 counties, which means the differences in ranking are slight. Sadly, there has to be one loser, and Martinsville receives the dishonor. Martinsville County has a median household income of less than half the state average. Furthermore, its life expectancy is 10 years below America’s collective age.

Sadly, the county remains a poignant metaphor for America’s industrial decline. China’s millennial rise dealt Martinsville’s once-thriving furniture manufacturing industry a fatal blow.

47. Grays Harbor County, Washington

World Population Review lists Washington among the 10 most-expensive states due to many reasons. Property and sales tax contribute to Washington State’s fast-growing population’s effect on housing prices.

Therefore, the average median income per household is above the national average, though in Grays Harbor County it remains roughly 60% of that amount. Real estate experts at BestPlaces report the county has a property crime figure of 42% — well above the national average.

48. McDowell County, West Virginia

Anybody contemplating a move to West Virginia may want to avoid McDowell County, which isn’t doing well. John Denver’s trademark song may be a romantic love letter to a place of majesty. If it were before, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” isn’t aimed at modern-day McDowell County, which has fallen on hard times.

The lowest-educated place on this list (if you made it this far, you rule) has its problems. A mere 6% bachelor’s graduation level and median life expectancy of 69 years means McDowell County is in much need of attention.

49. Menominee County, Wisconsin

Wisconsin may not be in most American visitors’ plans, though the Badger State has lots to enjoy. However, those who do make it that far north may want to avoid Menominee.

The North Wisconsin domain is behind the state in terms of poverty rate, degree completion, life expectancy, and median annual income. While there is no single reason behind this record, local news points to issues with substance abuse and opioids being a problem.

50. Fremont County, Wyoming

Wyoming has generally decent scores for most demographics. The state has steady fiscal growth, though nothing spectacular. Sitting at the bottom of the Cowboy State’s counties — though not by any great margin — is Fremont County.

Fremont County is blessed with natural beauty, incorporating the Wind River Valley, meaning there are places where locals can escape.  Katie Roenigt of County 10 writes how Fremont County has become a “maternal healthcare desert” following a decline in new births.