While Ohio is home to both affluent suburbs and affordable rural towns, not every community enjoys the same level of economic prosperity. A recent report by 24/7 Wall St. sheds light on the poorest town in each U.S. state, and in Ohio, that title goes to Lincoln Heights—a small suburb just north of Cincinnati.
With a population of around 3,100 residents, Lincoln Heights faces steep economic challenges. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 American Community Survey, the town has a median household income of just $12,183. That’s drastically lower than both the Ohio state average of $61,938 and the national median income of about $69,000. This places Lincoln Heights among the most financially disadvantaged communities not just in the state, but across the country.
In addition to low income levels, the town also has a median home value of $72,600, compared to the statewide average of $159,900. This further reflects the economic hardship many residents face, as property values are often tied to income levels, local job opportunities, and overall investment in the community.
Another stark statistic from the report reveals that approximately 63.1% of Lincoln Heights households receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, commonly referred to as food stamps. This is a significantly high percentage and underscores the widespread need for public assistance in the area.
To compile the list, 24/7 Wall St. analyzed five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, focusing on communities with populations between 1,000 and 25,000. They ranked towns in each state by median household income to determine which were the poorest.
Lincoln Heights has a rich cultural and historical legacy, especially as one of the first African American self-governing communities in the United States. However, decades of economic neglect, industrial decline, and disinvestment have taken a toll on the area.
While being labeled the “poorest” town brings attention to the community’s struggles, it also highlights the urgent need for revitalization efforts, improved access to education, job opportunities, and infrastructure investment.
For many in Lincoln Heights, the hope is that increased awareness will lead to meaningful change and a brighter future.
