The town most frequently named the poorest in Idaho is Glenns Ferry. According to recent analyses of census data and reports by multiple outlets, Glenns Ferry has the lowest median household income in the state—just $29,219, compared to Idaho’s statewide median of $63,377. The town also has a higher percentage of households receiving SNAP benefits (19.6%) and a lower rate of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher (10.6%) than the state average.
Glenns Ferry, with a population of just under 1,200, faces economic challenges typical of small, rural towns, including limited employment opportunities and a reliance on agriculture, which is subject to market fluctuations. Despite these hardships, the community is known for its historic significance and strong local spirit.
It’s worth noting that some rankings based on larger cities and different methodologies may list Rexburg as the poorest “city” in Idaho, due to its high poverty rate (39.4%) and low median income among cities with populations over 5,000. However, when all towns are considered, Glenns Ferry stands out as the poorest by median household income and related economic indicators.
- Poorest town in Idaho: Glenns Ferry
- Median household income: $29,219
- High poverty and SNAP rates, low educational attainment
- Population: About 1,200
Other sources occasionally cite Kamiah or Rexburg, but Glenns Ferry is consistently identified as the poorest town based on the most recent and comprehensive data.
Sources
[1] https://liteonline.com/poorest-cities-in-idaho/
[2] https://www.dailyfly.com/2023/01/10/this-is-the-poorest-town-in-idaho/
[3] https://1043wowcountry.com/did-you-know-the-poorest-town-in-idaho-is-an-hour-from-boise/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Idaho_locations_by_per_capita_income
[5] https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-idaho/