In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 least developed states in the United States. To see our detailed analysis of the country’s least developed states, you can go directly to see the 25 Least Developed States in the USA.
5. Kentucky
Human Development Index score: 0.884
Kentucky, officially the Commonwealth of Kentucky, is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States bounded by the Ohio River in the north and the Appalachian Mountains in the east. The Bluegrass State ranked as the 47th happiest state in the U.S., behind only Arkansas, Louisiana and West Virginia. Kentucky’s share of adult depression, adequate sleep-rate, sports participation rate and volunteer rate ranked among the lowest in the nation.
4. Alabama
Human Development Index score: 0.881
Known to be a state with rich history, culture, natural beauty, and southern hospitality, Alabama is a southeastern U.S. state that’s home to significant landmarks from the American Civil Rights Movement. Alabama’s median household income is at a peak of $53,958. However, the gap between Alabama’s median household income and the national median household income stands at $13,382. At a county level, seven of Alabama’s 67 counties have a poverty rate higher than 25%.
3. Arkansas
Human Development Index score: 0.881
Arkansas, a southern state bordering the Mississippi River, is known for its abundant park and wilderness areas, with terrain encompassing mountains, caves, rivers and hot springs. In 2022, about 14.7% of Arkansas’s population lived below the poverty line. This accounts for persons or families whose collective income in the proceeding 12 months was below the national poverty level of the United States. Overall, the state is one of the least developed in the U.S., ranking 41st in education, 43rd in infrastructure, 48th in crime, and 49th in healthcare.
2. West Virginia
Human Development Index score: 0.877
Located in the Appalachian region, West Virginia, also known as the Mountain State, has some of the most rugged land in the United States. Given around 80% of its land is forests, the state has the third most forests in the country. West Virginians have the lowest level of higher education attainment in the nation, with only 23.1% of its residents holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher. With a $48,037 median household income and a poverty rate of more than 14.6% as of 2022, West Virginia is one of the poorest states in the U.S.
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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