This Town Has Been Named the Poorest in Kansas

Chetopa, a small city in Labette County, Kansas, has earned the distinction of being the poorest town in the state, according to recent economic and demographic data. As of 2025, Chetopa’s struggles with declining population, low household incomes, and high poverty rates paint a stark picture of rural economic distress.

Declining Population and Aging Demographics

Chetopa’s population continues to shrink, dropping from 1,022 in 2022 to just 896 in 2025—a decline of nearly 4% in only a few years. The median age in the town is 51.2, reflecting a community with a significant proportion of older residents and fewer young families moving in or staying long-term.

Income and Poverty: The Stark Numbers

Median Household Income: In 2023, Chetopa’s median household income was only $19,788, less than a third of the Kansas statewide median. Other sources report a median household income of $22,614, still dramatically below state and national averages.
Poverty Rate: The poverty rate in Chetopa stands at a staggering 38.4%, more than triple the Kansas average. This means that more than one in three residents lives below the poverty line.
Per Capita Income: The average per capita income is $23,611, and the average household income is $36,079, both figures reflecting the limited economic opportunities available in the area.

Community Profile

Chetopa is predominantly White (about 87–90%), with small percentages of Black, Native American, and multiracial residents.

Most households are English-speaking, and the homeownership rate is about 62%. The town’s median property value is $63,300, and most residents commute by car, with an average commute time of just over 17 minutes.

The Broader Context

Chetopa’s economic challenges are not unique among small, rural towns in Kansas, but the severity of its poverty and income levels set it apart. The town’s shrinking population, aging residents, and limited job prospects contribute to a cycle of hardship that is difficult to break.

Chetopa’s status as the poorest town in Kansas is a reflection of deep-seated economic challenges that affect many rural communities. With a rapidly declining population, extremely low median incomes, and a poverty rate exceeding 38%, Chetopa stands as a stark example of the struggles facing small towns in the American Midwest.

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