In Missouri, as in many other states in the U.S., towns are having trouble with their finances. Recent studies that use U.S. Census Bureau metrics and community figures show that Van Buren will be the poorest town in Missouri in 2025.
Poorest Town in Missouri: Van Buren
- The median household income is about $22,000, which is less than the average of about $65,000 in Missouri.
- Poverty Rate: 41.9% of people live below the poverty line, according to the Poverty Rate.
- Population: Approximately 747 (as of the last census)
- Education: Only 5.8% of people have at least a bachelor’s degree.
- Home Values: About half the average for the state
Van Buren, which is in the southern part of Missouri, has been named the state’s smallest town. This conclusion comes from a number of different pieces of information, such as income, schooling, home values, and poverty rates.
The Economic Reality
Almost half of the people in Van Buren are poor, which is a much higher percentage than the state and national norms. Because it doesn’t have many people and hasn’t developed economically, it’s hard for people to find well-paying jobs or go to college.
Other Notably Impoverished Towns
Though Van Buren currently holds the title, other towns in Missouri also face extreme economic hardship:
| Town | Median Household Income | Poverty Rate | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van Buren | $22,000 | 41.9% | 747 |
| Versailles | $22,786 | 26.7% (SNAP usage) | ~2,500 |
| Fredericktown | $24,640 | 28.9% | ~4,000 |
- Versailles is characterized by a high incidence of food assistance (SNAP) utilization and a low income.
- Fredericktown was formerly ranked as the poorest town in the state of Missouri in past studies, and its economic metrics have remained continuously low.
Why does Van Buren have such a low income?
The prolonged economic deterioration of Van Buren can be attributed to a number of structural and social issues, including the following:
- The region has little job opportunities.
- Since the 1980s, a declining population
- Low levels of educational attainment are present.
- Housing inventory that is inexpensive but of low value
The town’s tourism industry and natural beauty have not been sufficient to reverse the town’s negative economic trajectory, despite the fact that the town is surrounded by natural beauty and is in close proximity to the Current River and Big Spring.
What’s Next for Van Buren?
A clear reminder of the economic disparities that exist within the state of Missouri is provided by the fact that Van Buren has been designated as the poorest town in the state. Leaders of the community and others who influence policy may need to investigate:
- Economic revitalization programs
- Investment in education
- Local job creation efforts
Over the course of time, it is hoped that the residents of Van Buren and other suffering towns across the state would be able to experience an improvement in their quality of life as a result of community development and targeted support activities.
