One of the Poorest Counties in Pennsylvania Has Been Revealed

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In the United States, economic strength is often a topic of discussion, especially with recent statistics showing promising figures. For instance, the annual unemployment rate dropped to 3.6% in 2022, the lowest since the 1960s.

Despite these positive indicators, the general perception of the U.S. economy remains largely negative. A Gallup poll from March 2023 revealed that 83% of Americans view the economic conditions as poor or just fair. Broader economic issues like inflation, national debt, and taxes influence this negative outlook.

A 24/7 Wall St. study using data from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2022 American Community Survey identified the poorest county or county equivalent in each state. These areas have incomes ranging from 11% to 66% lower than their state averages. The study also incorporated annual unemployment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other supplemental data from the 2022 ACS.

Let's take Pennsylvania as an example:

• Cameron County
• • Median Household Income: $46,186 (State: $73,170)
  • Poverty Rate: 15.0% (State: 11.8%)
  • Unemployment Rate (2022): 5.7% (State: 4.4%)
  • Adults with Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 10.9% (State: 33.8%)
  • Local Population: 4,536
  • County Seat: Emporium
  • Total Counties Considered in State: 67

Cameron County, like many others on this list, faces economic challenges that are more acute than those in the rest of the state. The lower median income, higher poverty rate, and lower educational attainment highlight the disparities within the state.

This analysis sheds light on the economic disparities that exist within the United States. While the overall economic picture may seem rosy, many communities are struggling with issues that are not reflected in the broader economic data. Understanding these disparities is crucial in addressing these communities' economic challenges and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are more evenly distributed.

Sources:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/careersandeducation/the-poorest-county-in-every-state

https://news.gallup.com/poll/473132/economic-pessimism-persists-inflation-key-concern.aspx