In this piece, we will take a look at the 5 states that pay the most in food stamps. To go through our analysis of the SNAP program, you can go directly to SNAP statistics by state: 15 States That Pay The Most in Food Stamps.
5. Oregon
Percentage of residents receiving food stamps: 17%
Number of Residents that participated in SNAP: 718,600
Oregon, located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, is a state known for its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and progressive values. With a population of approximately 4.3 million people, Oregon offers a unique blend of natural beauty, thriving urban centers, and a laid-back lifestyle. In 2021, about 12.2% of Oregon’s population lived below the poverty line. This was a slight decrease from the previous year when about 12.4% of Oregon residents lived below the poverty line. Approximately 17% of the state’s residents were enrolled in SNAP as of November 2022.
4. Oklahoma
Percentage of residents receiving food stamps: 17.2%
Number of Residents that participated in SNAP: 650,600
Oklahoma, encompassing ancient mountain ranges, prairies, mesas, and eastern forests, primarily occupies the Great Plains, Cross Timbers, and U.S. Interior Highlands regions, all of which are susceptible to extreme weather conditions. The state serves as a significant producer of natural gas, oil, and agricultural goods, and its economy thrives on aviation, energy, telecommunications, and biotechnology sectors. Partially situated in the westernmost area of the Upland South, Oklahoma ranks as the 20th-largest state in terms of land area and the 28th-most populous state among the 50 states in the U.S. The state’s poverty rate stood at 15.6% in 2021, which is slightly about the national average. However, the poorest city in Oklahoma, Hugo, struggles with a poverty rate of 42.8% and a median income of $25,212.
3. West Virginia
Percentage of residents receiving food stamps: 18.2%
Number of Residents that participated in SNAP: 310,900
Nestled within the Appalachian region, West Virginia, commonly referred to as the Mountain State, showcases some of the most rugged and scenic landscapes in the United States. With approximately 80% of its land covered in forests, West Virginia possesses the third-highest forested area among all states in the country. Despite its natural beauty, West Virginia faces socio-economic challenges. The state records the lowest level of higher education attainment in the nation, with only 23.1% of its residents holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher. In terms of economic indicators, West Virginia ranks among the poorest states in the U.S. with a median household income of $48,037 and a poverty rate exceeding 14.6% as of 2022.
2. Louisiana
Percentage of residents receiving food stamps: 19.5%
Number of Residents that participated in SNAP: 822,600
Louisiana, situated in the Deep South and South Central regions of the United States, stands as the 20th-smallest state in terms of land area. The state’s captivating history as a cultural melting pot, blending French, African, American, and French-Canadian influences, is vividly reflected in its vibrant Creole and Cajun cultures. However, Louisiana continues to face significant challenges, including persistently high child poverty rates, which position it among the states with the highest rates in the nation. Additionally, Louisiana ranks as the 49th happiest state in the United States, placing second to last nationwide in terms of overall happiness levels. SNAP participants in the state received roughly $2.39 billion in benefits in 2022.
1. New Mexico
Percentage of residents receiving food stamps: 24.3%
Number of Residents that participated in SNAP: 518,800
New Mexico, although one of the largest states in terms of land area, ranks 36th in population and 46th in population density with just over 2.1 million residents. Renowned as a prominent energy state, New Mexico contributed 9.2% of the total oil production in the United States in 2021. However, alongside its energy prowess, New Mexico faces certain challenges. The state holds the second-highest unemployment rate in the country, standing at 5.3%. Additionally, fewer than a third of the state’s residents hold a higher degree. With more than 24% of its residents participating in SNAP, New Mexico ranks highest among the states that pay the most in food stamps.
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