Glenwood, a small town in Wheeler County, has been named the poorest town in Georgia, a distinction that highlights the stark economic challenges faced by some rural communities in the state. With a population hovering around 800 in 2025, Glenwood’s story is emblematic of the persistent poverty that affects many small towns across the American South.
Economic Hardship by the Numbers
Glenwood’s median household income stands at just $19,625, a figure that is dramatically lower than Georgia’s state median of $65,030 and the national average, which hovers around $69,000.
The median home value in Glenwood is $82,500, less than half the state average of $206,700, reflecting both the depressed real estate market and the limited economic opportunities available to residents. Approximately 16.7% of households in Glenwood receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, underscoring the extent of economic need.
The most recent demographic data paints a nuanced picture. As of 2023, Glenwood’s median household income had risen slightly to $31,250, but this still places the town among the lowest-income communities in Georgia.
The poverty rate for Glenwood families is reported at 5.2%, which may seem modest, but given the low incomes and lack of economic mobility, many residents still struggle to make ends meet.
Demographics and Community Profile
Glenwood is a predominantly Black community, with 73.1% of residents identifying as Black, 22.8% as White, and 2.4% as Hispanic. The median age is strikingly young at just 18.8 years, suggesting a significant proportion of children and young adults, which may be due to local family structures or migration patterns.
The town’s small population and rural location contribute to its economic challenges. Like many rural communities, Glenwood faces limited access to higher education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Only a small percentage of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, further constraining the types of jobs available and the potential for upward mobility.
How Glenwood Compares
While Glenwood is recognized as the poorest town based on median household income and other economic indicators, it is not alone in facing hardship.
Other Georgia towns such as Cordele, Fort Valley, and Camilla also report high poverty rates and low median incomes. For example, Cordele, with a population of over 10,000, has a poverty rate exceeding 50%, making it the poorest city in Georgia by percentage, though Glenwood’s lower income levels place it at the bottom by household earnings.
The Broader Context
Glenwood’s struggles are part of a larger pattern of rural poverty in Georgia and the Southeast. The town’s low income, reliance on social assistance, and limited economic prospects are challenges shared by many small towns that have seen manufacturing decline, agricultural jobs disappear, and young people move away in search of better opportunities.
Despite these hardships, Glenwood’s residents maintain a sense of community and resilience. Local leaders and organizations continue to seek ways to attract investment, improve education, and create new pathways out of poverty.
However, the data shows that significant structural challenges remain, and Glenwood’s designation as the poorest town in Georgia serves as a reminder of the work still needed to address rural poverty in the state.
Sources
[1] https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/06/towns-in-georgia-with-the-worst-poverty/
[2] https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-10-georgia-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-state/
[3] https://www.georgia-demographics.com/glenwood-demographics
[4] https://www.theworkersrights.com/top-10-poorest-cities-in-georgia/
[5] https://www.iheart.com/content/2025-01-06-georgia-city-named-among-the-10-neediest-cities-in-the-us/