5 Least Developed States in the USA

1. Mississippi

Human Development Index score: 0.866

Known for being the birthplace of American blues music and home to many talented musicians, Mississippi has long suffered high poverty rates, jobs that pay less than most American jobs, racial division and distrust, and limited government services, especially in education. With a median household income ($46,511) that is nearly $20,000 below the national average, and with more than 18% of its population living in poverty, Mississippi ranks as the least developed state in the United States.

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