Lusk, a small community in eastern Wyoming, has been identified as the poorest town in the state for 2025. Recent economic data highlights the significant financial challenges faced by Lusk compared to other towns in Wyoming, with disparities in household income, poverty rates, home values, and educational attainment.
Economic Indicators in Lusk
Median Household Income
Lusk’s median household income stands at just $38,477, a stark contrast to Wyoming’s state median of $64,049. This puts Lusk at the bottom of the income scale when compared to other communities in the state.
Poverty Rate
The poverty rate in Lusk is a concerning 25.1%, which is more than double the state average of 11.0%. This high rate indicates that a significant portion of Lusk’s population faces financial hardships and struggles to meet basic needs.
Home Values
The median value of homes in Lusk is $129,500, significantly lower than the statewide median of $220,500. This difference in home values reflects the economic challenges the town faces and the limited purchasing power of its residents.
Educational Attainment
In terms of educational attainment, only 12.8% of adults in Lusk have at least a bachelor’s degree. This is much lower than the statewide average of 27.4%, suggesting that educational opportunities and outcomes are also a challenge in the community.
Population
Lusk has a small population of 1,558 people. While it may be a tight-knit community, the economic struggles faced by residents have made it one of the most financially disadvantaged towns in Wyoming.
Comparison With Other Towns
Other reports, such as those focused on national poverty data, often mention Fort Washakie as a contender for the poorest town in Wyoming. Fort Washakie has a median household income of $40,000 and a poverty rate of 27.1%. However, when considering state-focused reports and current data, Lusk is widely regarded as the town with the greatest economic challenges in Wyoming for 2025.
Community Resilience and Outlook
Despite these economic hardships, the people of Lusk remain resilient. Local leaders and organizations are actively working to address the disparities and create new opportunities for growth and development.
With targeted investments and support, there is hope for improving the town’s economic conditions. However, the data highlights the urgent need for focused efforts to assist the most vulnerable towns in Wyoming, including Lusk.
Sources:
1. https://thewrangler.com/this-town-has-been-named-the-poorest-in-wyoming-2/2025/06/11/
2. https://jacksonholepress.com/each-states-poorest-town-lusk-wyoming/
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Wyoming_locations_by_per_capita_income
