Recent analyses of economic data and poverty rates have identified Lamar as the poorest town in Colorado for 2024. This designation is based on a combination of factors, including low median household income and high poverty rates, as compiled from the latest U.S. Census Bureau data and independent rankings.
Why Lamar?
According to RoadSnacks, which analyzed census data for cities with more than 5,000 residents, Lamar stands out due to:
- Median Household Income: $48,422, which is among the lowest in the state.
- Poverty Rate: 21.2%, the third highest among Colorado cities.
- Population: 7,667 residents, with 1,622 living below the poverty line.
These factors combined give Lamar the lowest overall “Poor Score” in the state, reflecting both economic hardship and limited job opportunities.
Other Towns Frequently Mentioned
While Lamar tops the list for 2024, other towns frequently cited among Colorado’s poorest include:
- La Junta
- Trinidad
- Pueblo
- Alamosa
- Gunnison
- Sterling
Each of these communities faces similar challenges, such as high poverty rates and low median incomes, but Lamar consistently ranks at the bottom in recent years.
Pueblo: The Poorest Large City
For cities with populations over 10,000, Pueblo is notable for having the highest poverty rate (21.02%) and is often cited as the poorest large city in Colorado. However, when considering all towns, including smaller communities, Lamar holds the distinction as the poorest overall.
Summary Table: Poorest Towns in Colorado (2024)
| Rank | Town | Median Income | Poverty Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamar | $48,422 | 21.2 |
| 2 | La Junta | $50,799 | 23.1 |
| 3 | Trinidad | $47,908 | 20.1 |
| 4 | Pueblo | $52,794 | 20.6 |
| 5 | Alamosa | $50,239 | 18.3 |
Lamar has been named the poorest town in Colorado for 2024, based on a combination of its low median income and high poverty rate6. While larger cities like Pueblo also face significant economic challenges, Lamar’s economic indicators place it at the bottom among all Colorado towns.
Sources:
- https://247wallst.com/income/2025/01/17/the-poorest-town-in-every-state-in-america/
- https://kbco.iheart.com/content/2023-12-21-the-poorest-city-in-colorado/
- https://k99.com/10-of-the-poorest-towns-that-are-in-colorado/
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-08-the-poorest-town-in-colorado/