New Square, a village located in Rockland County, has gained a reputation as the poorest town in New York State. Various reports, including those from the U.S. Census Bureau and 24/7 Wall Street, highlight its economic struggles.
Despite its cultural richness, New Square faces significant challenges related to income, education, and overall economic well-being. Here’s a closer look at the statistics and the factors contributing to the town’s poverty.
Key Statistics
Median Household Income: $24,881 (Compared to New York State’s average of $75,157)
Poverty Rate: Around 64.2% of residents live below the poverty line, the highest in New York State.
Adults with a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: Only 2.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, far below the state average of 38.1%.
Households Receiving SNAP Benefits: 70.3% of households depend on food assistance, a stark contrast to the state average of 14.3%.
Population: Approximately 9,400–9,700 residents.
Why Is New Square So Poor?
Demographics:
New Square is an all-Hasidic village with a strong emphasis on religious and cultural traditions. Large family sizes and a lifestyle focused on religious observance often result in lower participation in the formal workforce, limiting earning opportunities for many residents.
Economic Structure:
The town relies heavily on community support and government assistance, contributing to the high percentage of households receiving SNAP benefits. This system of mutual aid is a cornerstone of the village, yet it also leads to a higher dependency on public assistance.
Education:
New Square has a significantly lower percentage of adults with higher education compared to the state average. Only 2.9% of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher, which impacts residents’ earning potential and contributes to the town’s overall poverty levels.
How Does New Square Compare?
| Statistic | New Square | New York State Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $24,881 | $75,157 |
| Poverty Rate | 64.2% | ~14% |
| Adults with Bachelor’s or Higher | 2.9% | 38.1% |
| Households on SNAP | 70.3% | 14.3% |
| Median Home Value | $552,200 | $340,600 |
Location and Demographics
New Square is located within the town of Ramapo, Rockland County, situated north of Hillcrest and south of New Hempstead. Its unique cultural and religious makeup sets it apart from many other communities in New York, contributing to its economic structure and challenges.
Notable Mentions
Lowest Median Income: New Square has the lowest median household income in New York State, and it is also ranked as the poorest town in the United States based on its high poverty and SNAP recipiency rates.
High Housing Costs: Despite the town’s poverty, housing costs in New Square remain relatively high, with the median home value exceeding $550,000. This creates a disparity where the cost of living is high, but many residents struggle to meet basic financial needs.
New Square’s economic difficulties are shaped by its cultural and religious structure, with many residents relying on community support rather than traditional employment opportunities. While the village struggles with poverty, it also maintains a close-knit community and cultural identity that plays a key role in the lives of its residents.
The challenges faced by New Square reflect a complex intersection of tradition, economic conditions, and limited educational attainment, making it one of the most unique and economically disadvantaged towns in New York.
Sources
[1] https://lite987.com/new-square-poorest-town-new-york-state/
[2] https://hudsonvalleypost.com/the-poorest-town-in-new-york-state-was-just-uncovered/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Square,_New_York
[4] https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-new-york/
[5] https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/09/towns-in-new-york-with-the-worst-poverty/
