Hugo has frequently been named the poorest town in Oklahoma, based on median household income and poverty rates. According to recent reports, Hugo’s median household income is significantly lower than the state average, and it consistently appears at the top of lists ranking poverty in Oklahoma towns.
Another town that is often highlighted for extreme poverty is Stilwell, which has some of the highest adult and child poverty rates in the state and the nation. Stilwell’s per capita income is notably low, and nearly half of its children live below the poverty line.
Key Data
| Town | Median Household Income | Adult Poverty Rate | Child Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hugo | $24,548 | Data not specified | Data not specified |
| Stilwell | $12,872 (per capita) | 37.2% | 49.0% |
- Hugo: Median household income is $24,548, far below Oklahoma’s state median.
- Stilwell: Per capita income is $12,872, with 37.2% of adults and 49% of children living in poverty.
Why Are These Towns So Poor?
Several factors contribute to the high poverty rates in towns like Hugo and Stilwell:
Economic Decline: Loss of local industries and limited job opportunities.
Rural Location: Isolation from larger economic centers reduces access to jobs and services.
Demographic Challenges: Higher rates of unemployment and underemployment.
Historical Inequities: Systemic issues affecting Native American communities, especially in places like Stilwell, which lies within Cherokee Nation territory.
Oklahoma’s Broader Poverty Context
Oklahoma ranks as the sixth poorest state in the U.S., with a state poverty rate of 15.9% as of 2023.
Child poverty is especially severe, with 1 in 5 Oklahoma children living below the federal poverty line.
Hugo is most commonly cited as the poorest town in Oklahoma, but Stilwell is also among the most impoverished, with some of the highest poverty rates in the country. These towns reflect broader challenges facing rural and marginalized communities throughout the state.
Sources
[1] https://z94.com/oklahomas-poorest-cities-towns/
[2] https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/money/2020/06/25/poorest-town-in-every-state/111979716/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stilwell,_Oklahoma
[4] https://okpolicy.org/2023-census-data-oklahoma-ranks-as-sixth-poorest-state/
[5] https://www.kosu.org/local-news/2024-09-16/oklahoma-has-the-sixth-highest-poverty-rate-in-the-country
