Once Home to the Richest Town in America, Now Half of This County Is Poor
Poverty’s toll on Americans reaches far beyond mere economics, a reality underscored by today’s turbulent economic landscape. In 2025, persistent inflation—hovering around 3.5% according to recent Federal Reserve reports—continues to erode purchasing power, while the lingering effects of a volatile job market, with unemployment ticking up to 4.8% nationally, hit low-income families hardest. The latest […] The post Once Home to the Richest Town in America, Now Half of This County Is Poor appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..
Poverty’s toll on Americans reaches far beyond mere economics, a reality underscored by today’s turbulent economic landscape. In 2025, persistent inflation—hovering around 3.5% according to recent Federal Reserve reports—continues to erode purchasing power, while the lingering effects of a volatile job market, with unemployment ticking up to 4.8% nationally, hit low-income families hardest.
The latest Pulse Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals a stark divide: 38% of adults earning less than $25,000 report feeling depressed or hopeless most days, compared to 17% of all adults. Moreover, 27% of those in the lowest income bracket faced food insufficiency in the past week—triple the rate among all adults. These struggles persist despite President Lyndon Johnson’s war on poverty launched over 60 years ago, and they echo President Donald Trump’s critique in his January 20, 2025, inaugural address: “For many years, a radical and corrupt establishment has extracted power and wealth from our citizens, while the pillars of our society lay broken and seemingly in complete disrepair.” Poverty remains a stubborn blight across the United States.
Over the past three decades, the number of Americans living below the poverty line has fluctuated between 31.6 million and 48.8 million annually, with poverty rates peaking at 15.9% and never dipping below 11.3%. Today, amid supply chain disruptions and energy price spikes—partly blamed on global conflicts and domestic policy gridlock—these numbers feel all too real. Trump’s address highlighted this stagnation, decrying a “government that cannot manage even a simple crisis at home,” pointing to failures like the botched hurricane recovery in North Carolina, where low-income communities still reel months later. Yet he also struck an optimistic chord, promising, “The American Dream will soon be back and thriving like never before,” a vision that hinges on reversing these economic tides.
In most of the country, including Florida, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services pegs the poverty line at $15,060 for individuals and $31,200 for a family of four. In Florida, 12.9% of residents fall below these thresholds, though many towns far exceed that figure. Using five-year estimates from the Census 2022 American Community Survey, 24/7 Wall St. pinpointed Florida towns with populations between 5,000 and 50,000 where poverty runs rampant. (Places with 20% or more college students were excluded to avoid skewed data.) Among the 35 towns listed, poverty rates range from 23.4% to 46.7%, with median household incomes lagging behind Florida’s $67,917 statewide benchmark.
Economic hardship in these areas stems partly from scarce opportunity. The five-year average unemployment rate in most of these towns exceeds Florida’s 5.0%, a gap widened by 2025’s uneven recovery from tech layoffs and manufacturing slowdowns. Education, a key ladder out of poverty, remains elusive—workers with bachelor’s degrees earn 66% more than those with only high school diplomas, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, yet every town on this list falls short of Florida’s 32.3% bachelor’s attainment rate. Trump’s nod to America’s past—“lifted billions from poverty, harnessed electricity, split the atom”—serves as both a reminder of potential and a challenge to lift today’s struggling communities from despair.
Why It Matters
The United States is, in many ways, the center of gravity of the global economy. The U.S. dollar has been the world’s leading reserve currency since the end of World War II, and American gross domestic product accounts for over a quarter of economic activity worldwide. Despite these advantages, more than one in every 10 Americans has been living below the poverty line for decades. For those facing serious financial hardship, the effects are far-reaching. Poverty can negatively impact mental health, social relationships, and life expectancy.
35. Warrington
- Poverty rate: 23.4%
- Median household income: $51,016
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 7.4%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 24.9%
- Population: 16,567
34. Immokalee
- Poverty rate: 23.8%
- Median household income: $46,700
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 5.8%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 6.3%
- Population: 27,753
33. Mango
- Poverty rate: 23.8%
- Median household income: $43,571
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 5.3%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.8%
- Population: 12,400
32. Lauderdale Lakes
- Poverty rate: 23.9%
- Median household income: $41,644
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 9.0%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 15.2%
- Population: 35,914
31. Westview
- Poverty rate: 25.0%
- Median household income: $44,538
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 2.0%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 16.2%
- Population: 10,992
30. West Pensacola
- Poverty rate: 25.3%
- Median household income: $38,263
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 6.8%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.7%
- Population: 21,246
29. Dundee
- Poverty rate: 25.3%
- Median household income: $44,936
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 0.2%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 5.8%
- Population: 5,373
28. Southeast Arcadia
- Poverty rate: 25.5%
- Median household income: $44,659
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 15.0%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 3.2%
- Population: 7,675
27. Indian River Estates
- Poverty rate: 25.7%
- Median household income: $47,023
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 4.7%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 21.7%
- Population: 6,965
26. Pembroke Park
- Poverty rate: 25.9%
- Median household income: $41,875
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 6.8%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 20.0%
- Population: 6,266
25. Westgate
- Poverty rate: 26.6%
- Median household income: $42,449
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 8.6%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 5.9%
- Population: 8,340
24. Oak Ridge
- Poverty rate: 27.2%
- Median household income: $50,322
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 6.2%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.8%
- Population: 24,476
23. Inwood
- Poverty rate: 27.3%
- Median household income: $34,815
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 7.0%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 7.6%
- Population: 7,054
22. Fort Pierce North
- Poverty rate: 27.6%
- Median household income: $31,458
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 5.2%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.9%
- Population: 6,519
21. Opa-locka
- Poverty rate: 28.0%
- Median household income: $30,101
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 5.2%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 7.6%
- Population: 16,230
20. Sebring
- Poverty rate: 28.6%
- Median household income: $38,024
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 12.7%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 16.3%
- Population: 11,006
19. Palatka
- Poverty rate: 29.0%
- Median household income: $30,945
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 10.1%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.0%
- Population: 10,471
18. Fort Pierce
- Poverty rate: 29.0%
- Median household income: $45,121
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 10.4%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 20.1%
- Population: 47,153
17. Wimauma
- Poverty rate: 29.5%
- Median household income: $56,321
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 2.8%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 17.6%
- Population: 12,439
16. Orlovista
- Poverty rate: 29.7%
- Median household income: $43,333
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 12.3%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.4%
- Population: 6,661
15. Brownsville
- Poverty rate: 29.7%
- Median household income: $34,779
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 7.5%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 14.3%
- Population: 17,817
14. Starke
- Poverty rate: 31.7%
- Median household income: $42,976
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 3.9%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.0%
- Population: 5,756
13. Pahokee
- Poverty rate: 31.8%
- Median household income: $36,289
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 23.0%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 16.8%
- Population: 5,548
12. Gladeview
- Poverty rate: 32.3%
- Median household income: $42,490
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 6.7%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 16.0%
- Population: 14,698
11. Belle Glade
- Poverty rate: 32.5%
- Median household income: $42,314
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 12.5%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.4%
- Population: 16,896
10. Florida City
- Poverty rate: 32.6%
- Median household income: $44,774
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 8.8%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 6.6%
- Population: 12,841
9. Willow Oak
- Poverty rate: 32.7%
- Median household income: $50,108
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 4.3%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.8%
- Population: 6,885
8. Indiantown
- Poverty rate: 32.7%
- Median household income: $47,627
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 3.2%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 6.4%
- Population: 6,624
7. Naranja
- Poverty rate: 33.6%
- Median household income: $46,045
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 10.2%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 18.5%
- Population: 13,261
6. Marianna
- Poverty rate: 33.6%
- Median household income: $27,296
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 5.2%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.8%
- Population: 6,681
5. South Apopka
- Poverty rate: 34.4%
- Median household income: $44,056
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 5.4%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 17.6%
- Population: 7,653
4. Arcadia
- Poverty rate: 35.2%
- Median household income: $34,598
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 8.3%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 14.9%
- Population: 7,480
3. Crystal Lake
- Poverty rate: 36.4%
- Median household income: $45,166
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 7.4%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.0%
- Population: 6,048
2. Cocoa West
- Poverty rate: 37.9%
- Median household income: $31,266
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 1.9%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 10.9%
- Population: 5,727
1. Quincy
- Poverty rate: 46.7%
- Median household income: $33,786
- 5-yr. avg. unemployment rate: 3.6%
- Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 16.5%
- Population: 7,811
| Rank | Place | Poverty rate (%) | Median household income ($) | Unemployment rate (%) | Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher (%) | Total population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quincy, Florida | 46.7 | 33,786 | 3.6 | 16.5 | 7,811 |
| 2 | Cocoa West, Florida | 37.9 | 31,266 | 1.9 | 10.9 | 5,727 |
| 3 | Crystal Lake, Florida | 36.4 | 45,166 | 7.4 | 13.0 | 6,048 |
| 4 | Arcadia, Florida | 35.2 | 34,598 | 8.3 | 14.9 | 7,480 |
| 5 | South Apopka, Florida | 34.4 | 44,056 | 5.4 | 17.6 | 7,653 |
| 6 | Marianna, Florida | 33.6 | 27,296 | 5.2 | 12.8 | 6,681 |
| 7 | Naranja, Florida | 33.6 | 46,045 | 10.2 | 18.5 | 13,261 |
| 8 | Indiantown, Florida | 32.7 | 47,627 | 3.2 | 6.4 | 6,624 |
| 9 | Willow Oak, Florida | 32.7 | 50,108 | 4.3 | 12.8 | 6,885 |
| 10 | Florida City, Florida | 32.6 | 44,774 | 8.8 | 6.6 | 12,841 |
| 11 | Belle Glade, Florida | 32.5 | 42,314 | 12.5 | 13.4 | 16,896 |
| 12 | Gladeview, Florida | 32.3 | 42,490 | 6.7 | 16.0 | 14,698 |
| 13 | Pahokee, Florida | 31.8 | 36,289 | 23.0 | 16.8 | 5,548 |
| 14 | Starke, Florida | 31.7 | 42,976 | 3.9 | 12.0 | 5,756 |
| 15 | Brownsville, Florida | 29.7 | 34,779 | 7.5 | 14.3 | 17,817 |
| 16 | Orlovista, Florida | 29.7 | 43,333 | 12.3 | 13.4 | 6,661 |
| 17 | Wimauma, Florida | 29.5 | 56,321 | 2.8 | 17.6 | 12,439 |
| 18 | Fort Pierce, Florida | 29.0 | 45,121 | 10.4 | 20.1 | 47,153 |
| 19 | Palatka, Florida | 29.0 | 30,945 | 10.1 | 12.0 | 10,471 |
| 20 | Sebring, Florida | 28.6 | 38,024 | 12.7 | 16.3 | 11,006 |
| 21 | Opa-locka, Florida | 28.0 | 30,101 | 5.2 | 7.6 | 16,230 |
| 22 | Fort Pierce North, Florida | 27.6 | 31,458 | 5.2 | 12.9 | 6,519 |
| 23 | Inwood, Florida | 27.3 | 34,815 | 7.0 | 7.6 | 7,054 |
| 24 | Oak Ridge, Florida | 27.2 | 50,322 | 6.2 | 13.8 | 24,476 |
| 25 | Westgate, Florida | 26.6 | 42,449 | 8.6 | 5.9 | 8,340 |
| 26 | Pembroke Park, Florida | 25.9 | 41,875 | 6.8 | 20.0 | 6,266 |
| 27 | Indian River Estates, Florida | 25.7 | 47,023 | 4.7 | 21.7 | 6,965 |
| 28 | Southeast Arcadia, Florida | 25.5 | 44,659 | 15.0 | 3.2 | 7,675 |
| 29 | Dundee, Florida | 25.3 | 44,936 | 0.2 | 5.8 | 5,373 |
| 30 | West Pensacola, Florida | 25.3 | 38,263 | 6.8 | 13.7 | 21,246 |
| 31 | Westview, Florida | 25.0 | 44,538 | 2.0 | 16.2 | 10,992 |
| 32 | Lauderdale Lakes, Florida | 23.9 | 41,644 | 9.0 | 15.2 | 35,914 |
| 33 | Mango, Florida | 23.8 | 43,571 | 5.3 | 12.8 | 12,400 |
| 34 | Immokalee, Florida | 23.8 | 46,700 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 27,753 |
| 35 | Warrington, Florida | 23.4 | 51,016 | 7.4 | 24.9 | 16,567 |
The post Once Home to the Richest Town in America, Now Half of This County Is Poor appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..
