Utah is often recognized for its economic growth and high quality of life, but not all communities share equally in the state’s prosperity. Recent data highlights a town facing persistent economic hardship, earning it the distinction of being the poorest in Utah.
Moab: Utah’s Poorest Town in 2025
Moab, a small city in Grand County, has been named the poorest town in Utah for 2025. Despite its status as a gateway to some of the state’s most stunning national parks and a major destination for tourism, Moab’s residents contend with significant economic challenges.
Key Economic Indicators
- Poverty Rate: Moab’s poverty rate stands at 19.9%, more than double Utah’s statewide average of 9% and well above the national average of 12.5%. Over one in five residents live below the poverty line, with children and seniors particularly affected.
- Median Household Income: The median household income in Moab is $55,333, which is below the state median and not enough to offset the area’s high cost of living.
- Housing Costs: The median property value in 2023 was $478,700, and the homeownership rate is 58.5%. The influx of vacation rentals and second-home owners has pushed housing costs even higher, making affordability a major issue for local families and workers.
Demographics and Social Impact
Moab’s population is about 5,127, with a median age of 35.6. The city is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic), but there is a notable Hispanic and Native American presence. Nearly one in five residents under 18 live in poverty, underscoring the impact on the community’s youth.
Community Response
Local and state agencies provide assistance programs, including Medicaid, CHIP, food stamps, and subsidized childcare. However, the economic pressures remain severe, especially for low- and middle-income households.
How Moab Compares to Other Utah Towns
While Moab is recognized as the poorest town by several measures, other Utah cities also struggle with high poverty rates. For example, Logan and Provo have poverty rates exceeding 25%, but Moab’s combination of a high poverty rate and unaffordable housing makes its situation particularly acute.
Moab is the poorest town in Utah as of 2025, with a poverty rate of 19.9% and significant challenges related to housing affordability and economic opportunity. Despite its popularity with tourists, many local residents face daily struggles to meet basic needs, highlighting the complex interplay between tourism-driven prosperity and persistent local hardship.
Sources:
- https://mylolowcountry.com/usa-laws/this-town-has-been-named-the-poorest-in-utah/
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2022-01-24-this-city-has-the-highest-poverty-rate-in-utah/
- https://zipatlas.com/us/ut/city-comparison/highest-poverty.htm
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2021-01-28-you-may-be-surprised-to-see-the-richest-and-poorest-cities-in-utah/