According to a comprehensive analysis by 24/7 Wall St., the town of Lac du Flambeau has been named the poorest in Wisconsin. This small northern town, with a population of around 1,800, stands out due to its notably low median household income and other economic indicators.
Key Statistics
- Median Household Income: $26,076
- Median Home Value: $77,500
- State Averages for Comparison:
- Median Household Income: $67,080
- Median Home Value: $200,400
- SNAP Benefit Recipients: 18.1% of households
How the Ranking Was Determined
The ranking was based on five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 American Community Survey. 24/7 Wall St. considered towns with populations between 1,000 and 25,000 and ranked them by median household income.
Lac du Flambeau’s income level is significantly below both the state and national averages, which contributed to its designation as the poorest town in Wisconsin.
Context and Comparison
While other cities in Wisconsin, such as Whitewater, Platteville, and Milwaukee, also face high poverty rates and low median incomes, these are generally larger cities or are ranked using different criteria, such as poverty rate and population size. Lac du Flambeau’s ranking is specifically for towns, not cities, and is based on median household income.
Summary Table: Lac du Flambeau vs. Wisconsin Averages
| Metric | Lac du Flambeau | Wisconsin State Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $26,076 | $67,080 |
| Median Home Value | $77,500 | $200,400 |
| SNAP Recipients (%) | 18.1% | (Not specified) |
Lac du Flambeau is currently recognized as the poorest town in Wisconsin, with a median household income less than half the state average and a significant portion of its population relying on public assistance.
Sources:
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-14-wisconsin-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-state/
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2024-01-08-wisconsin-county-named-the-poorest-in-the-state/
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-wisconsin/
- https://b100quadcities.com/these-are-the-poorest-cities-in-wisconsin-for-2024/