Missouri, like many states, has communities facing significant economic challenges. According to recent analyses using U.S. Census Bureau data, several towns have been identified as among the poorest in the state. However, one town stands out as the poorest in Missouri for 2025.
Van Buren: Missouri’s Poorest Town
Median Household Income: About $22,000 (Missouri average is around $65,000)
Poverty Rate: 41.9% of residents live below the poverty line
Population: Approximately 747 (as of the last census)
Education: Only 5.8% of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher
Home Values: Roughly half the state average
Van Buren, located in southern Missouri, has been named the poorest town in the state based on a combination of factors including median income, poverty rate, education level, and home values.
Nearly half of its residents live in poverty, a figure that is strikingly higher than both the state and national averages. The town’s small population and limited economic opportunities contribute to these challenging conditions.
Other Notably Impoverished Towns
While Van Buren currently holds the title, other towns such as Versailles and Fredericktown have also been highlighted in various reports for their low median incomes and high poverty rates:
| Town | Median Household Income | Poverty Rate | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van Buren | $22,000 | 41.9% | 747 |
| Versailles | $22,786 | 26.7% (SNAP usage) | ~2,500 |
| Fredericktown | $24,640 | 28.9% | ~4,000 |
Versailles: Noted for a median income well below the state average and a high percentage of households receiving SNAP benefits.
Fredericktown: Previously identified as the poorest by median income and poverty rate in earlier reports.
Why Is Van Buren So Poor?
Several factors contribute to Van Buren’s economic struggles:
Limited job opportunities in the region
Declining population since the 1980s
Low educational attainment rates
Affordable but low-value housing
Despite its economic challenges, Van Buren is surrounded by natural beauty, including proximity to the Current River and Big Spring. However, these assets have not been enough to offset the town’s persistent poverty.
Van Buren is currently recognized as the poorest town in Missouri, with nearly half its residents living in poverty and a median household income far below the state average. Economic revitalization and increased educational opportunities could help improve the outlook for this small community in the future
Sources
[1] https://khmoradio.com/what-is-missouris-poorest-town-nearly-half-live-in-poverty/
[2] https://937thebull.iheart.com/content/2023-11-14-missouri-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-state/
[3] https://sbj.net/stories/report-whats-the-poorest-town-in-missouri,63755
[4] https://zipatlas.com/us/mo/city-comparison/lowest-poverty.htm
[5] https://hdpulse.nimhd.nih.gov/data-portal/_social/poverty/table?statefips=29&demo=00007
