The town named the poorest in Delaware is Laurel. Multiple sources, including U.S. Census Bureau data and recent economic analyses, confirm that Laurel has the highest poverty rate in the state—nearly 40% of its residents live below the poverty line.
Other reports note that Laurel has the lowest median household income among Delaware towns, and its economic challenges have been persistent for several years.
Laurel, located in Sussex County and home to about 4,000 people, has struggled with slow economic growth, a high vacancy rate in housing, and limited job opportunities.
Town officials acknowledge these difficulties but are working on initiatives to attract businesses and improve infrastructure, aiming to revitalize the community.
Despite these efforts, Laurel continues to hold the distinction as Delaware’s poorest town, with poverty and low income levels ranking it at the bottom statewide.
While other towns like Seaford, Wilmington, and Rodney Village also face significant economic hardship, Laurel stands out for its particularly high poverty rate and low income, making it the most economically challenged community in Delaware as of 2025.
Sources
- https://zipatlas.com/us/de/city-comparison/highest-poverty.htm
- https://wjbr.com/2025/04/28/study-names-delawares-least-livable-city/
- https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/slideshows/poorest-cities-in-the-us
- https://www.wmdt.com/2023/01/town-of-laurel-rated-the-poorest-in-the-first-state/
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-delaware/
