This Town Has Been Named the Poorest in Wyoming

Lusk, Wyoming, is often cited as the poorest town in the state when considering communities with a significant population and available economic data.

This small town, nestled in the southeastern corner of Wyoming, has a population projected at 1,453 for 2025, making it one of the state’s mid-sized communities. Despite its modest size, Lusk carries a unique economic profile that distinguishes it from other Wyoming towns.

Economic and Demographic Snapshot

Income and Poverty

Recent data reveal that Lusk’s median household income stands at $44,755, which is notably lower than the statewide median of $70,042. The town’s per capita income is even more striking, at just $15,847.

While the poverty rate can vary depending on the source and methodology, figures from 2021 and 2023 place the percentage of Lusk residents living below the poverty line between 16.2% and 21.3%—well above the state average.

For example, in 2021, 21.3% of Lusk’s population for whom poverty status was determined (268 out of 1,260 people) lived below the poverty line.

Population and Demographics

Lusk’s population is predominantly White (over 83%), with smaller percentages of Hispanic, American Indian, Black or African American, and multiracial residents.

The median age is 48 years, reflecting an older community compared to national averages. Homeownership is relatively strong, with 59.1% of households owning their homes, and the median property value is $164,200.

Employment

Unemployment in Lusk is low by national standards, with a town unemployment rate of just 2.2% in 2018 and a county rate of 2.9% in 2025. Most residents work in local industries such as construction, retail, and transportation.

However, the average earnings per job in Niobrara County, where Lusk is located, have historically been lower than the statewide average.

Why Is Lusk Considered the Poorest?

Lusk’s designation as the poorest town in Wyoming is based on a combination of factors:

Lower Median Household Income: Lusk’s median household income is significantly below both the state and national medians.
Higher Poverty Rate: The percentage of residents living in poverty is more than double the state average in some years.
Lower Per Capita Income: With a per capita income of less than $16,000, Lusk residents have less disposable income than most Wyomingites.
Economic Challenges: The local economy is less diversified, and job opportunities, while available, tend to be lower-paying.

Broader Context

While Lusk is most consistently named the poorest town in Wyoming among those with a substantial population, other small communities, such as Fort Washakie, may have even higher poverty rates but much smaller populations, making direct comparisons challenging. For towns of its size, Lusk stands out for its persistent economic struggles.

Lusk, Wyoming, embodies the challenges faced by many rural American communities: an aging population, limited economic diversity, and persistent poverty despite low unemployment.

While the town is not without its strengths—such as a strong sense of community and homeownership—its economic indicators place it at the bottom of the list among Wyoming’s towns.

For policymakers and residents alike, understanding Lusk’s situation is key to addressing the broader issues of rural poverty in the Equality State.

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