Lac du Flambeau, a small community in northern Wisconsin, has been identified as the poorest town in the state. This distinction is based on a combination of factors, including median household income, poverty rate, and other economic indicators. The town’s struggles highlight broader issues of rural poverty and economic disparity within Wisconsin.
Economic Overview
According to recent analyses of U.S. Census Bureau data, Lac du Flambeau has a median household income of just $29,375. This figure is less than half the Wisconsin state median of $72,458, underscoring the significant financial challenges faced by residents.
The town’s poverty rate stands at 35.2%, which is more than three times the statewide average of 10.7%. Nearly one in five households in Lac du Flambeau relies on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), further illustrating the depth of economic hardship in the area.
Housing and Cost of Living
The economic difficulties in Lac du Flambeau are also reflected in the local housing market. The median home value in the town is $77,500, which is substantially lower than the Wisconsin average of over $200,000. This low home value is both a symptom and a cause of the area’s economic struggles, as limited job opportunities and low wages make it difficult for residents to build wealth or invest in property.
Demographic and Social Context
Lac du Flambeau is home to about 1,800 people and is located within the boundaries of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa reservation. The town’s demographic makeup and historical context play a significant role in its economic situation.
Native American communities across the United States often face higher rates of poverty and unemployment, and Lac du Flambeau is no exception. The combination of rural isolation, limited access to economic resources, and historical disadvantages has contributed to the persistent poverty in the town.
Comparison to Other Wisconsin Communities
While larger cities in Wisconsin, such as Milwaukee, have neighborhoods with high poverty rates, Lac du Flambeau stands out when looking at towns based on median household income and overall poverty rate.
For example, Milwaukee’s 53206 zip code is well known for economic challenges, but when focusing on towns with populations between 1,000 and 25,000, Lac du Flambeau has the lowest median income and one of the highest poverty rates in the state. This analysis excludes college towns to avoid skewed data due to large student populations with temporarily low incomes.
Challenges and Prospects
The economic challenges in Lac du Flambeau are multifaceted. Limited employment opportunities, reliance on seasonal industries, and barriers to education and healthcare all contribute to the town’s financial struggles.
Addressing these issues requires targeted investment, support for local businesses, and expanded access to social services. Community leaders and policymakers are working to improve conditions, but progress is often slow due to the complexity and scale of the challenges.
Sources
[1] https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-14-wisconsin-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-state/
[2] https://www.iheart.com/content/2025-01-07-wisconsin-city-named-among-the-neediest-cities-in-the-us/
[3] https://max.fm/news/2025/06/30/growing-more-than-gardens-in-wisconsins-poorest-zip-code
[4] https://www.irp.wisc.edu/resources/who-is-poor-in-wisconsin/
[5] https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-wisconsin/
