When most people think of Wyoming, they picture open skies, wide landscapes, and a rugged way of life. But behind that beauty, some communities face significant economic challenges.
Lusk, a small town in eastern Wyoming, was named the poorest town in the state in a 2022 study by 24/7 Wall St.. Let’s explore what that means and how Lusk compares to other towns in Wyoming and nearby states.
How Was Lusk Ranked the Poorest Town in Wyoming?
The ranking was based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey, with a focus on median household income. Lusk stood out with the lowest income levels and higher poverty rates compared to the state average.
Here’s how Lusk stacks up:
- Population: 1,558
- Median household income: $38,477
- Wyoming median household income: $64,049
- Poverty rate: 25.1%
- Statewide poverty rate: 11.0%
- Median home value in Lusk: $129,500
- Wyoming median home value: $220,500
- Adults with bachelor’s degree: 12.8% (statewide: 27.4%)
These numbers highlight a community that, while rich in history and small-town charm, struggles economically when compared to the rest of the state.
How Does Lusk Compare to Other Towns in the Region?
Although Lusk ranks as Wyoming’s poorest town by one measure, it still appears better off than similar towns in nearby states:
- Wendover, Utah
- South Browning, Montana
- Glenns Ferry, Idaho
- Las Animas, Colorado
In all of these towns, median incomes are lower and poverty rates are higher than in Lusk.
Conflicting Reports: Is Lusk Really the Poorest?
Different sources offer different results, depending on how they define “poorest”:
- Only In Your State (2017) named Mountain View the poorest town in Wyoming, with a median household income of just $16,875.
- In 2021, Forbes identified Natrona County as the poorest based on median income.
- In 2022, Forbes then called Albany County the most poverty-stricken in the state.
- In 2023, a separate study named Laramie the poorest city in Wyoming, focusing on towns with over 25,000 people.
So, while Lusk has been flagged as the poorest small town in Wyoming, other places rank lower when different data sets or criteria are used.
FAQs
Q1. Is it illegal to drive barefoot in New Jersey?
Oops! Wrong state. Let’s talk Wyoming:
Q1. Why was Lusk named the poorest town in Wyoming?
According to a 2022 study, Lusk had the lowest median household income and one of the highest poverty rates in Wyoming, based on 2019 Census data.
Q2. What is the population of Lusk, Wyoming?
As of the latest count, Lusk has about 1,558 residents.
Q3. How does Lusk compare to other poor towns in neighboring states?
While considered the poorest in Wyoming, Lusk actually fares better than towns like Wendover (UT) and South Browning (MT) in terms of income and poverty levels.
Q4. Are there towns in Wyoming with lower income than Lusk?
Yes, some past reports have listed Mountain View and counties like Natrona or Albany as having lower median incomes or higher poverty rates, depending on the source.
Q5. Is Lusk improving economically?
Recent updates beyond 2019 are limited, but home values and incomes remain below the state average. Small towns like Lusk often face ongoing economic challenges.