Oklahoma has several towns struggling with high poverty rates, but two towns stand out as some of the most impoverished in the state: Stilwell and Hugo.
While Stilwell is commonly identified as the poorest town in Oklahoma based on per capita income and poverty rates, a recent ranking focusing on towns with populations over 5,000 places Hugo in the spotlight due to its median income and high poverty rate. Here’s a breakdown of key comparisons between these two towns.
Stilwell: The Poorest Town by Per Capita Income
Stilwell, a small town in Adair County, Oklahoma, has a population of just 3,700. Located within the Cherokee Nation, Stilwell stands out as the poorest town in Oklahoma based on its per capita income and high poverty statistics.
Per Capita Income: Stilwell’s per capita income is $12,872, one of the lowest in both Oklahoma and the U.S.
Poverty Rates: The town has a 37.2% adult poverty rate and a 49.0% child poverty rate, which is extremely high compared to state and national averages.
Notable Fact: Stilwell is known for its very low per capita income and its extreme poverty, especially among children.
Hugo: The Poorest Town by Poverty Rate and Median Income
Another town in Oklahoma, Hugo, is often cited as the poorest town when focusing on towns with populations over 5,000. While its per capita income is not as low as Stilwell’s, Hugo faces significant challenges with its poverty rate and median income.
Median Income: Hugo has a median income of $30,089, which is low but still higher than Stilwell’s per capita income.
Poverty Rate: The town has a 34.4% poverty rate, among the highest in Oklahoma, and is ranked as one of the poorest towns in the state.
Notable Fact: Hugo’s poverty rate and low median income place it among the most economically challenged places in the state, especially considering its population of 5,178.
Comparison of Key Data
| Town | Per Capita Income | Poverty Rate | Population | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stilwell | $12,872 | 37.2% (adults), 49.0% (children) | 3,700 | Lowest per capita income; high child poverty |
| Hugo | N/A | 34.4% | 5,178 | Highest poverty rate in towns >5,000 |
Summary
While Stilwell is generally regarded as the poorest town in Oklahoma based on its extremely low per capita income and high child poverty rates, Hugo holds the title for the poorest when looking at median income and poverty rate in towns with populations above 5,000.
Both towns face significant economic challenges, but Stilwell’s poverty is notably more extreme, particularly when considering its child poverty rate.
Sources:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stilwell,_Oklahoma
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IW7m7qFUFc
3. https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-oklahoma/
4. https://z94.com/oklahomas-poorest-cities-towns/
