New Rockford, a small town in North Dakota with a population of just over 1,300, has recently earned the unfortunate title of being the poorest town in the state.
This ranking comes from an analysis of towns with populations between 1,000 and 25,000 people, based on factors like median household income and other economic indicators.
While New Rockford is the most financially struggling town, other areas, such as Devils Lake and Wahpeton, also face economic difficulties. Let’s take a closer look at the financial situation in New Rockford and other towns in North Dakota.
Key Facts About New Rockford
New Rockford is located in the northeastern part of North Dakota. Despite its small size, the town faces significant economic challenges:
Population: Just over 1,300 people.
Median Household Income: $35,595, which is significantly lower than North Dakota’s state median income of around $68,000.
Poverty Indicators:
About 17.2% of households in New Rockford receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. This is much higher than the state average of 6.4%.
The typical home value in New Rockford is $88,000, which is also much lower than the state average home value of $209,000.
These figures point to the financial hardships experienced by many residents in New Rockford, making it stand out when compared to other towns in the state.
Economic Comparison: Other Towns Facing Challenges
While New Rockford tops the list as the poorest town in North Dakota, other towns are not far behind in terms of poverty and low median incomes. Here’s a comparison of some towns in the state:
| Town | Median Income | Poverty Rate | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devils Lake | $41,203 | 22.4% | 7,192 |
| Wahpeton | $51,417 | 18.3% | 7,983 |
| New Rockford | $35,595 | Data not listed | 1,300+ |
Devils Lake, for example, has the highest poverty rate among cities in North Dakota with populations over 2,000. With a poverty rate of 22.4%, it shows that even larger towns in the state face significant financial struggles. Wahpeton, though a bit more affluent than New Rockford, still has a relatively low median income and a high poverty rate of 18.3%.
County Perspective: Sioux County’s Struggles
When looking at the county level, Sioux County stands out as having the highest percentage of residents living in poverty. Approximately 32.9% of the county’s population is affected by poverty, highlighting the deep economic challenges faced by this region.
Sources:
1. https://keyzradio.com/new-report-says-this-is-the-poorest-town-in-north-dakota/
2. https://hot975fm.com/10-poorest-cities-in-north-dakota-for-2024/
3. https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-north-dakota/
4. https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/north-dakota/poorest-counties-nd
