The title of the poorest town in Texas is often debated, but based on recent analyses, Prairie View and Carrizo Springs frequently emerge as the leading contenders, depending on the metrics used. Here’s a breakdown of each:
1. Prairie View
- Median Income: $16,914 (among the lowest in Texas).
- Poverty Rate: High, largely influenced by the student population at Prairie View A&M University.
- Factors: Prairie View’s economic challenges stem from low wages and limited employment opportunities. The high poverty rate is partly attributed to the large number of college students who may not earn significant incomes while studying.
2. Carrizo Springs
- Median Income: Reported as low as $9,110 in some studies.
- Poverty Rate: Estimated at an astonishing 96.9% in certain analyses.
- Factors: Carrizo Springs faces severe economic struggles, with limited job opportunities and one of the lowest average incomes in Texas. This figure makes it a strong contender for the poorest town in the state.
Other Notable Towns
- Marlin: Ranked third poorest in some lists, with a median income of $28,061 and a high poverty rate.
- Escobares: Previously identified as one of the poorest towns in Texas, with 62% of residents living below the poverty line.
Why Prairie View Is Often Highlighted
Prairie View is frequently labeled the poorest due to its combination of low median income and high poverty rates. However, its statistics are heavily skewed by its student population, which may not reflect long-term economic hardship for permanent residents.
Conclusion
While Prairie View is often cited as Texas’ poorest town due to its low median income and high poverty rate, Carrizo Springs’ extreme poverty statistics make it another strong contender. Both towns highlight the economic disparities that persist in certain areas of Texas.
Sources
- https://www.theworkersrights.com/top-10-poorest-cities-in-texas/
- https://klaq.com/poorest-texas-town/
- https://wallercounty.org/assets/main/downloads/appendices_booklet_7.26.pdf
- https://www.prairieviewtexas.gov/i_want_to/prairie_view_edc_(coming_soon).php
- https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-47171130