There is no definitive answer to the question of which town in Nebraska is the poorest, as various sources use different criteria to determine poverty levels.
Depending on the metric used—whether it’s median household income, poverty rate, or population size—different towns can take the title. Here’s a breakdown of recent findings:
Falls City: Poorest by Median Household Income
According to 24/7 Wall St. in a November 2023 report, Falls City is named the poorest town in Nebraska. This small town, with a population of around 4,130, has a median household income of $37,712, which is significantly lower than Nebraska’s state median income of $66,644.
Approximately 10.3% of households in Falls City receive government aid, indicating a substantial reliance on public assistance. Falls City has been frequently cited as the poorest town in recent national analyses, particularly when considering small towns and household income.
Humboldt: A Contender, But Less Data Available
Another town that is occasionally ranked as the poorest is Humboldt, a small rural town with a population of just over 1,000 residents. However, detailed data on income and poverty rates are not listed in the sources claiming Humboldt’s position. Despite the lack of specific statistics, the town is mentioned in local reporting and by some sources as one of the poorest in Nebraska.
Wayne: Poorest Among Larger Cities
A 2024 analysis from RoadSnacks ranks Wayne as the poorest place in Nebraska. This ranking is based on a combination of factors, such as median household income of $51,399 and a poverty rate of 25.8%, which is the highest among cities in Nebraska with populations over 5,000.
While Wayne has a higher median income compared to Falls City, it has a significantly higher poverty rate, making it stand out among larger communities.
Summary of Recent Findings
| Town/City | Median Income | Poverty Rate | Population | Source/Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falls City | $37,712 | 10.3% (on aid) | 4,130 | 24/7 Wall St. (2023) |
| Humboldt | Not listed | Not listed | ~1,000 | Collin County Magazine (2025) |
| Wayne | $51,399 | 25.8% | 5,973 | RoadSnacks (2024) |
Sources:
1. https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-13-nebraska-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-entire-state/
2. https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/06/29/this-town-has-been-named-the-poorest-in-nebraska/
3. https://country.iheart.com/content/2022-11-30-fremont-named-the-poorest-city-in-nebraska/
