New Kingman-Butler (commonly called “Butler”) has been named the poorest town in Arizona according to several recent reports and analyses, including those by 24/7 Wall St. and other media outlets. This unincorporated community is located about 20 minutes north of Kingman in Mohave County and is often considered part of the greater Kingman area, though it is distinct from the city of Kingman itself.
Key Economic and Social Statistics
| Metric | New Kingman-Butler | Arizona State Average |
|---|---|---|
| Poverty Rate | 23–24% | 12–13.5% |
| Median Home Value | $79,000–$79,300 | $265,600 |
| Median Household Income | $39,139–$42,604 | $65,913–$76,000 |
| Drug-Induced Mortality Rate | 27–28 per 100,000 | 34.4 per 100,000 |
| Population | ~12,800 | — |
- Poverty: The poverty rate in New Kingman-Butler is nearly double the state average, highlighting significant economic hardship.
- Home Values: Median home values are less than a third of the Arizona average, reflecting low demand and limited economic opportunity.
- Income: Median household incomes in Butler are substantially below the state median.
- Other Factors: The area also contends with infrastructure challenges (such as a lack of a centralized sewer system), higher rates of drug-induced mortality, and limited economic development.
Why Is Butler Considered the Poorest?
The designation is based on a combination of factors, including high poverty rates, low home values, low household incomes, and social challenges such as drug-related mortality. These indicators collectively mark New Kingman-Butler as facing more severe economic and social challenges than other communities in Arizona.
Community Context
Efforts to incorporate Butler into the city of Kingman have repeatedly failed, largely due to infrastructure costs. Most properties rely on individual septic tanks, and the expense of developing a comprehensive sewer system has been prohibitive. The area is primarily residential and has struggled to attract new investment or development.
Comparison to Other Arizona Cities
While other cities in Arizona also face economic challenges, none have the same combination of high poverty, low property values, and low household incomes as New Kingman-Butler, according to the latest available data.
New Kingman-Butler (Butler) is widely recognized as the poorest town in Arizona, with poverty and economic indicators that are significantly worse than state averages.
Sources
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/town-really-worst-place-live-120237766.html
- https://foxsports1450.iheart.com/content/2023-12-26-the-most-miserable-city-in-arizona-has-been-named/
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-10-31-the-worst-city-to-live-in-arizona-has-been-named/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxJsZNQaq68
