Mulberry, a tiny community in Adair County, has been named the poorest town in Oklahoma, a distinction that starkly highlights the persistent economic challenges faced by some of the state’s smallest and most rural places. With a population that has dwindled to just 15 as of 2025, Mulberry’s story is one of both demographic decline and deep-rooted poverty, setting it apart not just within Oklahoma, but nationally as well.
A Town in Decline
Mulberry’s population has plummeted dramatically in recent years. In 2020, the town had 98 residents; by 2023, that number had dropped to 22, and projections for 2025 put the population at just 15. This sharp decline-over 80% in less than a decade-reflects broader trends affecting many rural communities: outmigration, aging populations, and limited economic opportunities.
Staggering Poverty Rates
What truly sets Mulberry apart is its extraordinary poverty rate. According to recent data, a staggering 93.9% of Mulberry’s residents live below the poverty line. This is nearly six times higher than Oklahoma’s statewide poverty rate of 15.2%, and more than seven times the national average of 12.5%5. Such a high rate is rare even among the poorest communities in America, and it places Mulberry at the top of Oklahoma’s list for poverty by a significant margin.
For context, the next poorest towns in Oklahoma-Bee, Oak Hill-Piney, and Rosston-also have high poverty rates (ranging from about 80% to 90%), but none approach Mulberry’s level.
Economic and Demographic Profile
The economic picture in Mulberry is bleak. In 2023, the median household income was reported as just $19,063, far below the state and national medians. The town’s residents are predominantly American Indian & Alaska Native (81.8%), with the remainder being White (18.2%).Most people in Mulberry own their homes, with a homeownership rate of 66.7%, but property values are low, with a median value of $85,600 in 2022. The average commute time for those who work is nearly 40 minutes, suggesting that jobs are scarce locally and residents must travel for employment.
The Roots of Persistent Poverty
Mulberry’s economic struggles are compounded by its isolation, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to services. Like many rural communities, it faces challenges in attracting investment, maintaining public services, and providing opportunities for young people. These factors contribute to a cycle of poverty and depopulation that is difficult to break.
Efforts to address poverty in towns like Mulberry often focus on improving basic infrastructure, such as water and sewer systems, and supporting small business development. However, with such a small and shrinking population, even well-intentioned programs face significant hurdles in achieving lasting change.
Mulberry’s designation as the poorest town in Oklahoma is a sobering reminder of the deep inequalities that persist in rural America. With nearly all of its residents living in poverty and the population continuing to decline, Mulberry exemplifies the urgent need for targeted economic development and support for the state’s most vulnerable communities. As policymakers and advocates consider solutions, Mulberry’s experience underscores the importance of addressing both the economic and demographic realities facing Oklahoma’s rural towns.
Sources
[1] https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/oklahoma/mulberry
[2] https://datausa.io/profile/geo/mulberry-ok/
[3] https://annualreport.communitiesu.org/en/category/fy2022/
[4] https://annualreport.communitiesu.org/mulberry-ar-participates-in-very-rewarding-program/
[5] https://zipatlas.com/us/ok/city-comparison/highest-poverty.htm