The poorest town in New York is New Square, located in Rockland County. According to recent data, New Square has the highest poverty rate in the state at 64.2% and the lowest median household income at $27,488. This town consistently ranks as the poorest in New York due to a combination of low wages, limited job opportunities, and a high concentration of residents living below the poverty line.
Key Statistics for New Square
- Population: 9,578
- Median Income: $27,488 (lowest in the state)
- Poverty Rate: 64.2% (highest in the state)
- Unemployment Rate: 8.1%
- Adults with a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: Only 2.4%
Factors Contributing to Poverty
New Square faces significant economic challenges:
- Limited Employment Opportunities: The town lacks diverse job options, contributing to widespread unemployment and underemployment.
- Low Educational Attainment: With only 2.4% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, residents face barriers to securing higher-paying jobs.
- Community Structure: The town has a unique demographic composition, with many residents relying on community-based support systems rather than external economic opportunities.
Comparison with Other Poor Towns
Other towns like Kaser (poverty rate: 60.4%) and Monsey (poverty rate: 45.8%) also rank high on the list of poorest places in New York but fall short of New Square’s extreme poverty statistics.
New Square remains the poorest town in New York due to its low income levels and high poverty rate. Addressing these issues requires targeted economic development initiatives, improved access to education, and job creation programs tailored to the community’s needs.
Sources
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-new-york/
- https://www.newtraderu.com/2025/02/07/minimum-annual-income-needed-to-qualify-as-middle-class-in-new-york-city-2025/
- https://wblk.com/poorest-cities-new-york-state-23/
- https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/09/towns-in-new-york-with-the-worst-poverty/
- https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2024/12/02/midlands-poorest-towns-revealed-is-your-area-in-the-list/
