Nogales is consistently identified as the poorest town in Arizona among cities with significant populations. Several recent rankings and U.S. Census data confirm this status.
Key Statistics for Nogales
- Poverty Rate: 29.7% to 29.79% – the highest among Arizona cities with at least 10,000 residents.
- Median Household Income: $29,339 to $36,682 – the lowest in the state for cities of its size.
- Population: Approximately 19,761.
- People in Poverty: Over 5,400 residents.
Nogales stands out due to its combination of a very low median income and a poverty rate that far exceeds both the state average (13.5%) and national average. The city’s economic challenges are compounded by limited job opportunities and low wages.
How Does Nogales Compare to Other Arizona Towns?
While some very small communities or Native American reservations may report higher poverty rates in percentage terms, Nogales is the poorest incorporated city of significant size in Arizona.
Other cities with high poverty rates include Douglas, Winslow, and San Luis, but none surpass Nogales in both poverty rate and low median income among larger towns.
Summary Table: Poorest Large Cities in Arizona
| City | Poverty Rate (%) | Median Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nogales | 29.7–29.79 | $29,339–$36,682 | 19,761 |
| Douglas | 24.77–30.1 | $35,514–$41,594 | 16,301 |
| San Luis | 24.9–25.05 | $46,747 | 35,189 |
| Winslow | 31.6 | $43,918 | 8,943 |
Note: Some smaller rural communities and tribal areas report higher poverty rates, but Nogales is the poorest among Arizona’s larger towns and cities.
Nogales holds the distinction of being the poorest town in Arizona, with the highest poverty rate and lowest median household income among cities of notable size in the state. This status highlights ongoing economic challenges and the need for targeted support and development in the area.
Sources:
- https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/03/towns-in-arizona-with-the-worst-poverty/
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-arizona/
- https://www.beautifydata.com/economics/united-states/acs-5yrs/2021/ranking-of-cities-and-places-by-acs-info-per-state/poverty-rate/arizona
- https://zipatlas.com/us/az/city-comparison/highest-poverty.htm
- https://stacker.com/stories/arizona/cities-arizona-most-living-poverty