In 2025, Blackville, a small town in South Carolina, has earned the unfortunate distinction of being the poorest town in the state, according to an analysis conducted by 24/7 Wall St. The report used data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey to identify towns with populations between 1,000 and 25,000 based on median household income.
Blackville, which is located in Barnwell County, has a population of just around 2,100 people and has a median household income of only $19,583—a stark contrast to the state’s average median household income of $58,234.
The data paints a picture of significant financial hardship in this rural community, with a large portion of the population relying on government assistance to make ends meet.
A Closer Look at Blackville’s Struggles
Blackville’s economic situation is a prime example of how small, rural towns can often face disproportionate challenges when it comes to income inequality and financial hardships.
Despite its picturesque setting in Barnwell County, Blackville’s low income is accompanied by a high level of economic distress, which many residents have been experiencing for years.
One of the key indicators of poverty in Blackville is the town’s reliance on government assistance. According to the data, a staggering 45.8% of households in Blackville receive SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which is a significant portion of the population.
SNAP benefits are typically used to provide food assistance to low-income households, and the high percentage of Blackville residents dependent on them highlights the level of financial strain many are under.
This also reflects a broader trend of economic instability in the area, as many households are struggling to cover basic living expenses like food, utilities, and healthcare.
This heavy reliance on government aid is also mirrored in the community’s educational outcomes. Blackville, like many other small towns in South Carolina, faces challenges with educational attainment and job opportunities.
With fewer residents holding college degrees, the town’s residents often face limited employment prospects, which in turn impacts the local economy. Lack of access to higher education and vocational training opportunities means that many Blackville residents are limited to lower-wage jobs, which perpetuate the cycle of poverty.
Why Blackville’s Income Is So Low
There are several reasons why Blackville has earned the title of the poorest town in South Carolina. Some of these factors are systemic, while others are linked to the town’s geography, historical context, and current socio-economic conditions.
Economic Structure
Blackville is a rural town with a limited local economy, which typically means fewer opportunities for economic development. The town’s main industries include agriculture, retail, and service sectors, which generally offer lower-paying jobs compared to urban areas that have more diversified economies.
The town also lacks significant industries such as manufacturing, technology, or health services, which are typically the engines of economic growth in larger urban centers.
In addition to limited employment options, the high level of poverty in Blackville reflects the state of economic mobility in many rural communities. People in Blackville often lack the necessary resources and networks to move into higher-paying jobs or seek education and training that could help them improve their circumstances.
Historical and Social Context
Blackville’s current situation is also shaped by its history and social context. Like many rural communities in the South, the town has faced a long history of economic disenfranchisement, particularly in the aftermath of the civil rights era.
Historically, many towns like Blackville have dealt with discrimination in employment, education, and housing, which has limited the upward mobility of the population.
Although progress has been made in some areas, the economic legacy of these issues persists in communities like Blackville, where poverty rates have remained high.
The Impact of Poverty on Blackville’s Residents
The economic hardship experienced by Blackville residents has far-reaching effects on their quality of life. For many residents, healthcare is one of the greatest challenges.
With limited access to affordable healthcare options, residents often struggle to obtain necessary medical care, which can lead to worsening health conditions and even higher medical costs in the long run.
In addition, the lack of good-paying jobs means that many young people in Blackville feel compelled to leave the town in search of better opportunities. This out-migration can leave the town with an aging population, further contributing to the economic and social challenges that Blackville faces.
Poverty also exacerbates issues in education, with public schools in low-income areas like Blackville often facing challenges such as underfunding, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of access to modern educational tools.
These factors make it harder for children to succeed academically, which in turn limits their future opportunities for higher education and stable employment.
Efforts to Improve Blackville’s Economy
Despite the economic challenges facing Blackville, there are ongoing efforts to improve the town’s situation. Several organizations and local government initiatives have been working on improving economic development, job training, and education in rural South Carolina.
These efforts are aimed at attracting new industries, increasing access to job opportunities, and ensuring that Blackville’s residents have the skills and education necessary to thrive in the modern economy.
For example, job training programs are often available in rural areas to help individuals develop skills in industries that have a higher demand for workers, such as construction, manufacturing, and technology. These programs can equip residents with the tools they need to access higher-paying jobs and break the cycle of poverty.
Additionally, local economic development programs focus on bringing in new businesses and industries that can provide good jobs to Blackville residents, creating a more sustainable and diversified economy.
Furthermore, community engagement initiatives are helping to create a stronger local network that connects residents with the resources and services they need to improve their quality of life.
Local non-profits, churches, and community organizations are actively working together to provide food, educational resources, and other forms of support to the town’s most vulnerable populations.
Blackville’s designation as the poorest town in South Carolina highlights the stark economic challenges facing many rural communities in the state.
With a median household income far below the state average and a high percentage of residents relying on government aid, Blackville serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted issues of poverty, lack of access to education, and limited job opportunities that many rural areas face.
However, while Blackville’s economic situation is difficult, efforts to improve the town’s future through education, job training, and economic development are underway. With continued attention and support from both local and state governments, Blackville and similar towns across South Carolina have the potential to break the cycle of poverty and create a better future for their residents.
[1] https://y1025.iheart.com/content/2023-11-14-south-carolina-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-state/
[2] https://www.iheart.com/content/2025-01-07-south-carolina-city-named-among-the-25-neediest-cities-in-the-us/
[3] https://247wallst.com/income/2025/01/17/the-poorest-town-in-every-state-in-america/
