Washington State is home to vibrant tech hubs and thriving cities, but some towns continue to struggle with entrenched poverty and limited economic opportunity. For 2025, Oroville has been named the poorest town in Washington by multiple studies and news outlets.
Where is Oroville?
Oroville is a small town located in Okanogan County, near the Canadian border. With a population of just under 1,700 people, Oroville is a rural community that has long faced economic challenges.
Poverty and Income Statistics
Median Household Income: In Oroville, the median household income is $32,083—less than half the state’s average, which is around $82,400.
Poverty Rate: Nearly one in three households (about 30.3%) rely on SNAP benefits (food assistance), indicating high levels of need and food insecurity.
Home Values: The median home value in Oroville is $142,700, which is significantly lower than statewide averages, reflecting less demand and limited local wealth.
Population: The town’s small population size and isolation contribute to a lower tax base and fewer resources for social support programs.
Why Oroville Ranks as the Poorest
Oroville’s economic difficulties are rooted in a few key factors:
Limited Job Opportunities: Like many small towns in rural Washington, Oroville lacks diverse and high-paying employment options. Many jobs are seasonal (agriculture, tourism), and there is limited access to new industries.
Geographic Isolation: Oroville’s northern location makes it less accessible. This isolation affects everything from job creation to healthcare, education, and access to services.
Aging Infrastructure: With fewer resources, the town faces challenges in upgrading infrastructure, which further deters new business investment.
Demographic Trends: Like many economically depressed towns, Oroville has a higher-than-average percentage of families and individuals living in poverty and a lower percentage of adults with college degrees.
Comparisons: Other Struggling Towns
While Oroville tops the list based on median income, other towns in Washington also face high poverty rates, including Shelton, West Clarkston-Highland, and Othello. For example, Shelton has a poverty rate of 26.5% and a median household income of $57,907, while West Clarkston-Highland’s median income is $50,172 with a 25% poverty rate.
However, Oroville’s combination of low income, high SNAP usage, and fewer employment options make it stand out as the state’s most economically challenged municipality in 2025.
The Broader Picture
Statewide, about 10% of Washington residents live in poverty—a number that masks stark differences between cities and rural towns. In towns like Oroville, poverty is part of daily life, impacting everything from education and public health to local economies and community spirit.
Oroville’s designation as the poorest town in Washington in 2025 underscores the ongoing economic disparities present even in an overall prosperous state. Addressing issues like underemployment, limited job access, and rural isolation are critical to lifting communities like Oroville out of poverty.
Sources
[1] https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-08-the-poorest-town-in-washington/
[2] https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/13/towns-in-washington-state-with-the-worst-poverty/
[3] https://ofm.wa.gov/washington-data-research/statewide-data/washington-trends/social-economic-conditions/population-poverty
[4] https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/slideshows/poorest-cities-in-the-us
[5] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/13/this-town-has-been-named-the-poorest-in-washington/
