Recent analyses and rankings of Colorado’s poorest towns and cities show some variation depending on the criteria and year of the data. However, two names consistently appear at the top of the list: Rocky Ford and Lamar.
Rocky Ford has been named the poorest town in Colorado by several sources, including 24/7 Wall St., which cites its low median household income as a key factor.
According to the most recent data, Rocky Ford’s median household income is $29,822, which is significantly lower than the state average of $80,184. This economic disparity places Rocky Ford at the bottom in terms of income among Colorado towns.
Lamar is another town frequently cited as the poorest in Colorado, especially in more recent 2024 rankings.
RoadSnacks lists Lamar as the poorest place in Colorado, with a median household income of $48,422 and a poverty rate of 21.2%. While this income is higher than Rocky Ford’s, Lamar’s combination of low pay and a high poverty rate contribute to its ranking.
Other Notable Mentions
- Pueblo is often cited as the poorest city in Colorado when considering larger municipalities (population over 25,000), with a median household income of $40,450 and a poverty rate of 23.5%.
- Other towns frequently listed among the poorest include La Junta, Delta, Trinidad, Alamosa, and Gunnison.
Summary Table
| Town/City | Median Household Income | Poverty Rate | Source Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Ford | $29,822 | Not listed | 2023 |
| Lamar | $48,422 | 21.2% | 2024 |
| Pueblo | $40,450 | 23.5% | 2022 |
Rocky Ford is currently recognized as the poorest town in Colorado based on the lowest median household income, while Lamar is also frequently cited due to its high poverty rate and low income.
For larger cities, Pueblo stands out as the poorest by both income and poverty rate. The exact answer may vary depending on the year and data source, but Rocky Ford and Lamar are the most commonly named poorest towns in Colorado.
Sources:
- https://247wallst.com/income/2025/01/17/the-poorest-town-in-every-state-in-america/
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2022-12-14-this-is-colorados-poorest-city/
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-08-the-poorest-town-in-colorado/
- https://k99.com/10-of-the-poorest-towns-that-are-in-colorado/
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-colorado/
