Glenwood, a small town with a population of around 1,116, has recently been recognized as the poorest town in Georgia. Located in Wheeler County, it stands out due to its exceptionally low median household income and high poverty rates, both of which are significantly lower than the state and national averages.
Key Statistics for Glenwood, Georgia
Here’s a quick look at Glenwood’s key economic figures compared to the state averages:
Median Household Income: $19,625 (Georgia State Average: $65,030)
Median Home Value: $82,500 (Georgia State Average: $206,700)
Households Receiving SNAP: 16.7% (State average not specified)
Population: ~1,116
These figures highlight the significant economic struggles faced by residents in Glenwood, which has a median household income far below both the state and national norms.
Other Towns Frequently Cited as Poorest in Georgia
While Glenwood is currently ranked as the poorest town in Georgia, other towns have also been recognized for their high poverty rates and low household incomes:
Camilla: Poverty rate of 46.7%, median household income of $27,306
Cordele: Previously cited with a poverty rate near 50% and a median household income under $25,000
McRae-Helena: Poverty rate of 42.1%
These towns also face significant economic challenges, with high poverty levels and low incomes impacting residents’ quality of life.
How “Poorest” Is Determined
The designation of the “poorest” town is generally based on several key factors:
Median Household Income: Towns with the lowest median incomes are typically at the top of this list.
Poverty Rate: This is the percentage of residents living below the federal poverty line.
Population Size: Towns with populations ranging from 1,000 to 25,000 often make the list.
Other Factors: These can include home values, unemployment rates, and reliance on public assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
Summary Table: Poorest Towns in Georgia (Recent Rankings)
| Rank | Town | Median Income | Poverty Rate | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glenwood | $19,625 | Not listed | ~1,116 |
| 2 | Camilla | $27,306 | 46.7% | 5,163 |
| 3 | Cordele | $23,294 | 49.6% | ~11,000 |
This table provides a snapshot of the poorest towns in Georgia, showing the median income, poverty rate, and population of each.
Glenwood currently holds the title of the poorest town in Georgia, based on its exceptionally low median income and high poverty rate. While other towns such as Camilla and Cordele also face significant economic difficulties, Glenwood’s low income levels make it stand out in the most recent rankings.
These towns represent a broader issue of economic hardship that many communities in Georgia and across the U.S. continue to struggle with.
[1] https://1230wsok.iheart.com/content/2023-11-10-georgia-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-state/
[2] https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-10-georgia-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-state/
[3] https://949thebull.iheart.com/content/2023-11-10-georgia-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-state/
