According to the latest data compiled by 24/7 Wall St. and reported by multiple news outlets, Ware has been named the poorest town in Massachusetts as of 2025.
This designation is based on an analysis of median household income, educational attainment, and the percentage of households receiving government assistance, using U.S. Census Bureau data.
Key Statistics for Ware
- Median Household Income: $43,783 (compared to the Massachusetts state median of $89,026)
- Adults with a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 16.8% (statewide: 45.2%)
- Households Receiving SNAP Benefits: 29.9% (statewide: 12.2%)
- Median Home Value: $183,900 (statewide: $424,700)
- Population: 6,339
These figures highlight Ware’s significant economic challenges relative to the rest of the state, with incomes and home values far below the Massachusetts average and a much higher reliance on government assistance.
How Was the Poorest Town Determined?
24/7 Wall St. identified the poorest town in each state by examining towns with populations between 1,000 and 25,000 and ranking them by median household income. Ware’s low income, lower educational attainment, and high rate of public assistance set it apart as the least affluent town in Massachusetts.
How Does Ware Compare to Massachusetts’ Poorest Cities?
While Ware is the poorest town by these measures, larger cities such as Lawrence, Springfield, and Holyoke also struggle with high poverty rates and low per capita incomes.
However, these cities typically have larger populations and were not included in the 24/7 Wall St. ranking, which focused on smaller communities.
Ware is officially recognized as the poorest town in Massachusetts, facing significant economic hardship compared to both the state average and other communities of similar size. This status is based on comprehensive data regarding income, education, and reliance on public assistance.
Sources:
- https://www.theworkersrights.com/poorest-city-in-massachusetts/
- https://fun107.com/massachusetts-poorest-cities-towns-census/
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-14-massachusetts-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-entire-state/
- https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/2023-11-14-massachusetts-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-entire-state/