The town currently named the poorest in Maine is Waldoboro. According to a 2023 national analysis by 24/7 Wall Street, Waldoboro is not only the poorest town in Maine but also ranks as the second poorest town in the entire United States.
The report highlights that Waldoboro, with nearly 1,400 residents, has a median household income between $14,000 and $15,000—far below both state and national averages.
Other sources sometimes identify Machias as the poorest town based on different datasets and criteria, with a median household income of $20,333. However, the most recent and widely cited ranking places Waldoboro at the top of the list for poverty in Maine.
In summary:
- Waldoboro is currently recognized as the poorest town in Maine, with a median household income of about $14,000–$15,000.
- Machias is also frequently cited among the poorest, but recent national rankings put Waldoboro at the lowest economic standing in the state.
Sources:
- https://zipatlas.com/us/me/city-comparison/highest-poverty.htm
- https://shark1053.com/maine-has-the-second-poorest-town-in-the-country/
- https://hdpulse.nimhd.nih.gov/data-portal/_social/poverty/table?demo=00009&statefips=23
- https://92moose.fm/is-this-maines-poorest-town/