Hugo, Oklahoma, has frequently been recognized as the poorest town in the state, based on median household income and poverty statistics. Despite being rich in culture and history, Hugo faces severe economic hardship, and it regularly tops lists identifying Oklahoma’s most financially struggling communities.
Towns Hit Hardest by Poverty in Oklahoma
Hugo
Recent numbers show that the typical household income in Hugo is $24,548, which is a lot less than the average for Oklahoma. The town has had economic problems for a long time and is still a symbol of rural poor in the area.
Stilwell
Stilwell, which is in Cherokee Nation land, is another town that keeps showing up in lists of poor places to live. It doesn’t say what its median family income is, but its per capita income is $12,872, which is one of the lowest in the state.
- Adult Poverty Rate: 37.2%
- Child Poverty Rate: 49.0%
Based on these scary numbers, Stilwell is one of the poorest towns in Oklahoma and the whole country.
Key Data Snapshot
| Town | Median Household/Per Capita Income | Adult Poverty Rate | Child Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hugo | $24,548 (median household) | Data not specified | Data not specified |
| Stilwell | $12,872 (per capita) | 37.2% | 49.0% |
Why Are These Towns So Poor?
A number of interconnected variables are responsible for the persistently high poverty rates in places such as Hugo and Stilwell, including the following:
- A decline in the economy
The decline of local industry has resulted in a stagnation of the economy and a reduction in the number of employment possibilities.
- Site in a Rural Area
The two communities are geographically separated from major economic centers, which makes it more difficult to obtain secure employment, medical care, and educational resources.
- Problems Regarding the Population
Both unemployment and underemployment rates that are much higher than average have a major impact on household incomes.
- Inequities that have occurred throughout history
The situation has been significantly impacted by systemic problems, in particular those that have an impact on Native American people. Stilwell, which is situated within Cherokee Nation territory, is particularly impacted by the persistent discrepancies in access to opportunities that have existed for a long time.
Oklahoma’s Broader Poverty Problem
As of the year 2023, the Oklahoma Policy Institute reports that the state of Oklahoma has a statewide poverty rate of 15.9%, making it the sixth poorest state in the United States.
According to the research that was published by KOSU in 2024, child poverty continues to be a significant problem, as one in every five children in Oklahoma lives below the federal poverty level.
Conclusion
Even though Hugo is the town in Oklahoma that is most commonly referred to be the poorest, Stilwell is also struggling with extremely high levels of poverty. The continued problems that are experienced in rural and underprivileged regions, where systemic impediments continue to hinder economic mobility, are brought to light by both of these places. Taking on these difficulties will necessitate the implementation of extensive legislative changes, investments in infrastructure, and increased access to educational opportunities and employment opportunities.
