by Lusk, a small town in Niobrara County, has recently been named the poorest town in Wyoming, according to a variety of economic studies and state-level analyses. This designation is based on several critical socioeconomic indicators including income, poverty rate, home value, and education levels.
Economic Analysis of the Lusk Region
According to a research published by The Wrangler, the median household income in Lusk is $38,477, which is a substantial amount lower than the median income for the state of Wyoming, which is $64,049. The disparity in income highlights the economic challenges that residents experience on a daily basis during their existence.
Lusk has a high poverty rate of 25.1%, which is more than twice as high as the average poverty rate for the state, which is 11.0%. This is in addition to the low income levels that are reported. The Jackson Hole Press published an article not too long ago that brought attention to this troubling statistic. The article stated that Lusk, Wyoming, continues to struggle economically despite the fact that it is one of the oldest cities in Wyoming.
Education and the Values of the Home
The median home value in Lusk is currently at $129,500, which is significantly lower than the average home value in the state, which is $220,500. This is another evidence of the state’s economic status. In spite of the fact that affordable housing could appear to be a positive, the low home values are frequently a reflection of decreased demand and restricted economic opportunities in the area.
Additionally, Lusk has a low rate of educational attainment. Only 12.8% of individuals in Lusk have a bachelor’s degree or more, which is significantly lower than the average for the state, which is 27.4%, according to data that was given by Stacker. Because of this discrepancy in education, residents may have a more difficult time finding jobs that offer higher wages and maintaining their financial security over the long run.
Big Impact Despite a Small Population
Lusk is a village that is very close-knit, yet counting only 1,558 individuals as its population. The fact that there is such a small population, on the other hand, means that economic statistics can be unstable and may not necessarily be representative of trends that occur over a longer period of time. Even relatively little changes in employment or population might result in huge fluctuations in the statistics on household income and poverty.
Examination in Relation to Other Wyoming Towns
Despite the fact that Lusk is usually regarded as the poorest town in Wyoming, it is essential to take into consideration that Fort Washakie is a contender for the title of poorest town in the state according to several national rankings. In a recent study conducted by 24/7 Wall Street, it was found that Fort Washakie has a poverty rate of 27.1% and a median income of $40,000. This makes Fort Washakie even more impoverished than Lusk in several aspects.
Despite this, the majority of Wyoming-based periodicals and economic studies continue to rate Lusk as the municipality in the state that is the most economically disadvantaged. Recent research conducted by My Big Horn Basin identified Natrona County as the poorest county in the region. However, among the communities in the region, Lusk continues to stand out for its ongoing economic difficulties.
A More Comprehensive Viewpoint
It is necessary to have a comprehensive understanding of the situation, despite the fact that Lusk may be the poorest town in Wyoming. Although Lusk’s median income and overall infrastructure are not the worst in the world, they are not the worst in comparison to the worst municipalities in adjacent states. Having said that, the community is still confronted with significant challenges, particularly in the areas of education, housing development, and income growth.
Final Thoughts
As of the year 2025, Lusk continues to be universally acknowledged as the most impoverished town in Wyoming. This assertion is supported by consistent data on income, poverty, housing values, and educational outcomes. Small towns in Wyoming, such as Lusk, may require focused support and investment in order to bridge the gap and assure a better future for their citizens while Wyoming’s economy continues to expand in other places.
