Gifford has been identified as the poorest town in Florida according to a study by 24/7 Wall St., which analyzed five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 American Community Survey.
Gifford, located in Indian River County, has a median household income of just $22,353, which is significantly lower than the state average of $61,777.
Additionally, 46% of households in Gifford receive SNAP benefits, and the median home value is $115,300. The town has a population of over 4,400 residents.
Other Notably Impoverished Communities
While Gifford holds the distinction of being the poorest by median household income, several other Florida towns and cities also face high poverty rates and economic challenges:
Immokalee: Frequently cited as one of the poorest places in Florida, Immokalee is known for its large population of agricultural workers and a poverty rate where four in ten residents live below the poverty line2. Many residents earn as little as $10,000 a year working in the fields, and the area is home to many temporary and migrant workers2.
Belle Glade: Located near Lake Okeechobee, Belle Glade has a median household income of $33,000 and a poverty rate nearing 35%3. The city has struggled with crime, poor housing conditions, and historically high rates of disease and unemployment35.
Lehigh Acres: This suburban community has experienced a dramatic increase in poverty, particularly after the 2007-2008 housing crisis. Certain census tracts in Lehigh Acres have poverty rates as high as 49.8%, comparable to some of the poorest inner-city neighborhoods in the U.S.
Table
| Town/City | Median Household Income | Poverty Rate | Notable Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gifford | $22,353 | 46% SNAP | Poorest by income, high SNAP usage |
| Immokalee | N/A (very low) | ~40% | Agricultural hub, many migrant workers2 |
| Belle Glade | $33,000 | ~35% | High crime, poor housing, “The Muck”35 |
| Lehigh Acres | N/A | Up to 49.8% | Suburban poverty, post-housing crash |
Gifford is officially recognized as the poorest town in Florida based on median household income and other economic indicators. However, towns like Immokalee, Belle Glade, and Lehigh Acres also face severe poverty and socioeconomic challenges, highlighting the widespread nature of economic hardship in various regions of the state.
Sources
[1] https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-08-the-poorest-town-in-florida/
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPRyJWYQW5U
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8plNiD9xO74
[4] https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2016/8/17/suburban-poverty-boomtown-lehigh-acres-florida
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk2Cb9s-ueI
