This Town Has Been Named the Poorest in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is home to a number of small towns and cities facing significant economic challenges, but one community stands out for having the lowest income and highest poverty rates in the state. Here’s a look at which town has been named the poorest in Oklahoma, based on recent data and rankings.

Hugo: The Poorest Town in Oklahoma

Multiple sources consistently identify Hugo as the poorest town in Oklahoma. According to a 2024 analysis, Hugo ranks at the bottom due to its combination of the lowest median household income and one of the highest poverty rates in the state.

The city, with a population of just over 5,000, reports a median income of $30,089 and a poverty rate of 34.4%. These figures place Hugo at the top of the list for economic hardship among Oklahoma communities.

Other Towns Facing High Poverty

While Hugo leads the list, several other towns also struggle with high poverty and low income, including:

Seminole
Idabel
Stillwater
Sallisaw
Vinita
Henryetta
Okmulgee

Each of these towns appears regularly in rankings of Oklahoma’s most economically disadvantaged places, but Hugo remains the most prominent example.

How Is “Poorest” Determined?

The ranking is typically based on:

Median household income: Hugo has the lowest in Oklahoma.
Poverty rate: Hugo’s rate is among the highest statewide.
Unemployment and job opportunities: A lack of available jobs contributes to the town’s economic struggles.

Notable Mentions: Stilwell

It’s also worth noting that Stilwell is frequently cited as one of the most impoverished towns in the United States, with a per capita income of just $12,872 and a child poverty rate nearing 50%. However, for overall rankings within Oklahoma, Hugo is most often named the poorest.

Hugo holds the distinction of being the poorest town in Oklahoma, marked by the state’s lowest median income and a high poverty rate. While other towns face similar challenges, Hugo’s economic statistics set it apart as the most financially struggling community in the state.

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