North Carolina, a state known for its rich history and varied economy, also has communities facing severe economic challenges. Among these communities, one small town has been identified as the poorest in the state, grappling with high poverty rates, low household incomes, and limited opportunities. Understanding the factors contributing to this designation sheds light on broader social and economic issues impacting the region.
Scotland Neck: North Carolina’s Poorest Town
Location and Population
Scotland Neck is a small town located in Halifax County in eastern North Carolina. With a population of around 2,000 residents, Scotland Neck embodies the challenges of many rural towns facing economic decline and social hardships. Its population size reflects a tight-knit community, but also a limited local economy that struggles to meet residents’ needs.
Economic Indicators
According to a 2024 report by 24/7 Wall St., Scotland Neck ranks as the poorest town in North Carolina based on median household income data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. The town’s median household income is just $15,985, significantly below North Carolina’s state average of approximately $69,000.
The median home value in Scotland Neck is around $63,300, highlighting the low property values and economic stagnation compared to the $197,500 median home value statewide. This economic disparity illustrates the financial struggles many families face living in the town.
Poverty Rate and Assistance
Poverty levels in Scotland Neck are alarmingly high. About 46% of households receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, indicating widespread food insecurity and reliance on government assistance programs.
This poverty rate strains local resources, social services, and educational opportunities, creating cycles of disadvantage that are difficult to break without extensive community and governmental support.
Contributing Factors to Economic Hardship
Several factors contribute to Scotland Neck’s economic plight:
Limited job opportunities: The town has few major employers or industries, resulting in high unemployment and underemployment.
Educational challenges: Lower educational attainment affects residents’ ability to secure well-paying jobs. Only a small percentage hold bachelor’s degrees or higher, reducing access to better careers.
Historical economic shifts: Changes in agriculture, manufacturing, and other traditional industries have diminished economic prospects in rural eastern North Carolina.
Population decline: Younger residents often leave in search of jobs and education, leading to a shrinking and aging population.
Efforts for Improvement
Efforts to revitalize Scotland Neck include community development initiatives, local government programs to attract businesses, and organizations aimed at improving educational attainment and providing social services.
The state of North Carolina also continues to focus on poverty reduction strategies statewide, targeting rural towns like Scotland Neck for economic assistance, infrastructure improvements, and job training programs.
Comparison with Other Challenged Towns
While Scotland Neck stands as the poorest by median income, other North Carolina towns such as Forest City, Laurinburg, and Williamston face similar challenges with poverty rates above 30%, low median incomes, and elevated unemployment.
Understanding these communities’ struggles helps contextualize the persistent rural economic difficulties in North Carolina.
Scotland Neck’s Economic Profile
| Indicator | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $15,985 |
| Median Home Value | $63,300 |
| Poverty Rate (SNAP usage) | 46% |
| Population | ~2,000 |
| Location | Halifax County, Eastern NC |
Scotland Neck’s designation as the poorest town in North Carolina highlights urgent social and economic issues facing many rural communities.
Addressing these problems requires coordinated efforts between local leaders, state government, and community organizations to improve educational opportunities, create jobs, and provide essential services.
Awareness and targeted support can help towns like Scotland Neck move toward greater economic stability and improved quality of life for their residents.
Sources
(https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/09/towns-in-north-carolina-with-the-worst-poverty/)
(https://www.iheart.com/content/2025-01-07-north-carolina-city-named-among-the-neediest-cities-in-the-us/)
(https://ncbudget.org/2025-economic-county-snapshots-for-north-carolina/)
(https://www.noradarealestate.com/blog/worst-places-to-live-in-north-carolina/)
