Richlands, a small town nestled in Tazewell County in southwestern Virginia, has been named the poorest town in the state according to recent analyses of income and poverty data. With a population hovering just above 5,000, Richlands stands out not for its size or diversity, but for the significant economic challenges its residents face.
Economic Indicators: Income and Poverty
The median household income in Richlands is $35,959-the lowest among all towns and cities in Virginia. This figure is notably below the state median and even lags behind other struggling communities in the region. The poverty rate in Richlands is 25.0%, ranking it sixth highest in the state, with over 1,300 residents living below the poverty line. Some sources report even higher poverty rates, up to 28.1%, underscoring the depth of economic hardship in the community.
A closer look at income distribution reveals that a third of households make less than $25,000 per year, and only 7% report incomes above $150,000. The median individual income is just $25,526, and nearly a third of individuals earn less than $15,000 annually. These figures paint a stark picture of limited economic opportunity and persistent financial strain.
Demographics and Community Profile
Richlands is a predominantly White community, with 98% of residents identifying as White and small percentages identifying as Asian or two or more races. The town has a relatively older population, with 23% of residents aged 65 or older, and only about 11% under the age of 10. Educational attainment is also below national averages: only 6% of residents hold a master’s degree or higher, and 9% have a bachelor’s degree, compared to national rates of 14% and 21%, respectively.
Employment and Economic Base
The high poverty rate in Richlands is closely tied to limited job opportunities and low wages. The town’s economy, like much of southwestern Virginia, has historically relied on industries such as coal mining and manufacturing-sectors that have declined over recent decades. This economic shift has left many residents unemployed or underemployed, and those who do work often earn modest wages.
Despite the economic challenges, the unemployment rate in Richlands is not the highest in the state, suggesting that many residents are employed but in low-paying jobs that do not lift them out of poverty. The cost of living in Richlands is relatively low-housing is more affordable than in many parts of Virginia-but this is not enough to offset the impact of low incomes.
Comparison to Other Virginia Towns
While other towns like Wytheville, Blacksburg, and Martinsville also face high poverty rates and low median incomes, Richlands consistently ranks at the bottom in terms of overall economic well-being. For example, Wytheville has a higher poverty rate (27.3%) but a slightly higher median income ($39,459), while Blacksburg’s poverty rate is skewed by its large student population.
The Human Impact
The economic realities in Richlands affect every aspect of community life-from educational attainment and health outcomes to access to services and opportunities for young people. The town’s challenges are a microcosm of the broader struggles facing rural communities in Appalachia and highlight the need for targeted economic development and social support.
Richlands, Virginia, is the poorest town in the state, with the lowest median household income and one of the highest poverty rates. Its economic struggles are rooted in the decline of traditional industries and limited job opportunities, creating persistent hardship for many residents.
Sources
[1] https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/11/towns-in-virginia-with-the-worst-poverty/
[2] https://www.virginia-demographics.com/richlands-demographics
[3] https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/richlands-tazewell-va/residents/
[4] https://hdpulse.nimhd.nih.gov/data-portal/_social/poverty/table?statefips=51&demo=00008
[5] https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-virginia/