Towns in North Carolina With the Most Living in Poverty

Photo byBusiness North Carolina

Poverty continues to be a pressing issue in the United States. Over the last three decades, anywhere between 31.6 million to 48.8 million Americans have lived below the poverty line, with the U.S. poverty rate fluctuating between 11.7% and 16.3%.

Poverty affects more than just finances. 247wallst referenced the U.S. Census Bureau Pulse Survey, 38% of adults earning less than $25,000 report feeling depressed or hopeless most days, compared to 17% of all adults. Furthermore, 27% of low-income adults have experienced food insecurity, triple the rate of the general population.

In North Carolina, where the poverty line is set at $15,060 for individuals and $31,200 for a family of four, 13.3% of the population lives below these thresholds. In many towns, the situation is worse.

Using five-year estimates from the Census’ 2022 American Community Survey, 24/7 Wall St. identified the towns in North Carolina with the highest poverty rates.

Here are some towns in the state with the highest poverty rates:

1. Forest City
2. Laurinburg
3. Williamston
4. Roxboro
5. Mount Airy
6. Reidsville
7. Lumberton
8. Siler City
9. Kinston
10. Rockingham

Based on the 2022 Census data, towns like Forest City, Laurinburg, and Williamston have poverty rates ranging from 32% to 38.9%, with unemployment rates surpassing the state's average of 5%.

Low educational attainment in these areas compounds the problem, with fewer adults holding bachelor's degrees, limiting access to higher-paying jobs.

Despite the U.S.'s global economic influence, poverty remains a deep-rooted issue, affecting mental health, social well-being, and overall life expectancy for millions of Americans.

In North Carolina, towns with high poverty rates highlight the ongoing challenges of economic inequality.