10 Poorest States in America

6. Kentucky

Poverty Rate: 14.6%

Population aged between 18 and 24 with college or associate degree: 39.5%

Population aged 25 and above with bachelor’s degree: 15.9%

Score: 1.67

Kentucky had a poverty rate of 14.6% in 2021, according to figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The state’s median household income of $55,454 was also well short of the national average. It also ranks low on the population aged 25 and above with a bachelor’s degree. All of these factors combine to make Kentucky one of the poorest states in America.