Scotland Neck, a small town in Halifax County, has earned the unfortunate title of the poorest town in North Carolina. Despite being part of a state that has made significant strides in poverty reduction, Scotland Neck continues to face severe economic challenges.
With a shrinking population and high levels of poverty, the town is a clear example of the struggles many rural communities in North Carolina continue to endure.
Economic Struggles in Scotland Neck
As of 2025, Scotland Neck’s population is estimated to be just 1,566 people, marking a continued decline in residents over the past several years.
The town’s average household income of just $37,015 is well below the state average, and the poverty rate stands at 47.7%, nearly four times the statewide average of 12.8% in 2023.
This means that almost half of the town’s population lives below the poverty line, a concerning statistic for any community.
The Roots of Scotland Neck’s Economic Hardship
Scotland Neck’s economic struggles are deeply rooted in decades of decline. The town, like many rural areas, has been hit hard by the mechanization of agriculture and the outsourcing of manufacturing jobs. Once thriving industries that provided stable employment for the residents have largely disappeared.
As these industries left, so did the job opportunities, leaving many in the town struggling to find stable, well-paying work.
Agriculture and Manufacturing Decline: The town’s economy was once heavily reliant on agriculture and manufacturing, but as these industries mechanized or outsourced production, Scotland Neck lost its economic base.
Aging Population: The median age of the town’s population is 48.6 years, which is relatively high compared to state averages. This aging demographic indicates that many residents may be less adaptable to new economic opportunities and may also face additional challenges in terms of employment.
The Current Economic Landscape
In addition to the high poverty rate, Scotland Neck’s median household income in 2023 was just $18,202, significantly lower than both the state and national averages. Similarly, the median property value was just $76,100, far below the state and national figures.
These numbers paint a picture of a town in economic distress, where opportunities for financial growth and upward mobility are limited.
Efforts to Revitalize Scotland Neck
Despite these challenges, there have been efforts to revitalize Scotland Neck and improve the local economy:
Leveraging Natural Resources: The town has tried to leverage its natural resources to attract businesses and support small local ventures.
Support for Small Businesses: Initiatives aimed at supporting small businesses and encouraging entrepreneurship are ongoing in an attempt to create jobs and stimulate the local economy.
However, despite these efforts, the high poverty rate remains a significant obstacle. The town’s economic challenges reflect a need for more targeted and strategic development, as well as additional social support to lift residents out of poverty.
