Recent analyses and reports highlight East Cleveland as the poorest town in Ohio, based on several key economic indicators.
East Cleveland: Ohio’s Poorest Town
According to a comprehensive study by 24/7 Wall St. and data from the U.S. Census Bureau, East Cleveland holds the lowest median household income among Ohio towns, with a median of just $23,004.
The poverty rate in East Cleveland is a staggering 39.5%, and the city also reports a high average unemployment rate of 19.3%. These figures place East Cleveland not only at the bottom in Ohio but also among the most economically challenged cities of its size in the entire United States.
Residents and local leaders point to decades of economic decline, population loss, and disinvestment as contributing factors. Many homes in the area are abandoned, and the city faces persistent issues such as illegal dumping and high crime rates.
Despite these challenges, community members express hope for revitalization through new infrastructure and community efforts.
Other Notable Mentions
While East Cleveland ranks as the poorest, other Ohio towns also face significant economic hardships. For example, Lincoln Heights—a small Cincinnati suburb—has been identified in some reports for its exceptionally low median household income of $12,183 and a high percentage of households receiving SNAP benefits.
However, East Cleveland’s larger population and consistently low income and high poverty rates make it the most prominent example.
Summary Table: Poorest Towns in Ohio (Selected Data)
| Town | Median Household Income | Poverty Rate (%) | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Cleveland | $23,004 | 39.5 | 13,926 |
| Lincoln Heights | $12,183 | Not listed | ~3,100 |
| Portsmouth | $36,051 | 35.4 | 18,130 |
| Warren | $33,296 | 35.0 | 39,204 |
East Cleveland stands out as the poorest town in Ohio, facing significant economic and social challenges. Its residents and officials remain hopeful that new investments and revitalization efforts will help improve conditions in the years ahead.
Sources:
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-10-ohio-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-state/
- https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/east-cleveland-ranked-lowest-median-family-income-in-the-us-for-cities-with-population-of-5-000
- https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/10/towns-in-ohio-with-the-worst-poverty/
- https://stacker.com/stories/ohio/cities-ohio-most-living-poverty
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2024-01-08-ohio-county-named-the-poorest-in-the-state/