The 5 Poorest Cities in Texas May Not Be Where You Think

Despite everyone complaining about high prices and continued supply chain issues, there is some good news.

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According to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people living in poverty in the U.S. has decreased for the fifth year in a row.

United States Poverty Statistics

In 2019, around 11 percent of the total population (about 37 million people) were living below the poverty line. According to Supplemental Poverty Measure data, during the coronavirus pandemic, poverty rates fell due to federal aid and unemployment benefits kept 5.5 million people from falling into poverty.

To determine poverty levels, the Census Bureau uses income thresholds income before taxes (excluding benefits such as public housing, Medicaid, and food stamps) that vary by household size.

Many experts argue that the poverty guidelines in the United States are a grossly outdated way to measure financial security. The poverty threshold today for a family of four is an income of $27,750 per year or less; for an individual, that number is $13,590.

Poorest County in Texas

The Texas statewide poverty average is 12.9 percent of the total population, according to axios.com. The county with the lowest poverty rate is along the Texas/New Mexico border. Loving County reported zero percent of its population at poverty level.

The highest share of residents in poverty statewide would be in South Texas, with 42.6 percent living in Dimmit County.

Poorest Cities in Texas

Stacker.com reports that San Benito, Texas ranks 5th in the state for the most residents living in poverty for 2022. The median household income in San Benito is $27,460, and a total of 34.5 percent live below the poverty line.

La Homa, Texas has a median household income of $31,563 and ranks 4th for most residents in poverty throughout the state, with 34.6 percent of the total population living below the poverty line, or 4,392 individuals.

Coming in at 3rd place in Texas for most citizens living in poverty is the City of Donna with a median household income of $29,724 and 36.5 percent of individuals living below the poverty line.

Roma, Texas has 36.9 percent, or 4,200 total individuals, living below the poverty line, with a median household income of $23,763. This puts Roma in 2nd place for most residents living in poverty in Texas.

Poorest City in Texas

At the top of the poorest cities list in Texas is Robstown, with 38.4 percent, or 4,323 of its citizens, living below the poverty line, and a median household income of $35,504.