According to recent data, Porcupine has been identified as the poorest town in South Dakota. Here are the key details about Porcupine’s economic situation:
Economic Statistics
- Population: 1,021 (as of 2022)
- Median household income: $18,750
- Poverty rate: 91.49%
- Median age: 23 years
Factors Contributing to Poverty
- Location: Porcupine is situated within the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, which faces significant economic challenges.
- Limited economic opportunities: The area has very high unemployment rates, estimated between 80-90% on the reservation.
- Lack of infrastructure: The reservation struggles with inadequate housing, transportation, and other basic infrastructure.
Comparison to State and National Averages
Porcupine’s median household income of $18,750 is dramatically lower than both the South Dakota state median of $67,180 and the national median. The poverty rate of 91.49% is also exceptionally high compared to state and national averages.
Broader Context
Porcupine’s situation reflects wider economic struggles on Native American reservations in South Dakota. Several of the poorest counties in the entire United States are located on or near reservations in the state, highlighting persistent issues of rural poverty and lack of economic development in these areas.
While Porcupine faces severe economic challenges, it’s important to note that there are ongoing efforts by tribal organizations and other groups to address poverty and improve living conditions for residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Sources
- https://keyzradio.com/new-report-says-this-is-the-poorest-town-in-north-dakota/
- https://www.houzeo.com/blog/cheapest-places-to-live-in-south-dakota/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQhBZAx8DP4
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porcupine,_South_Dakota
- https://indianyouth.org/combatting-pine-ridge-reservation-poverty-2023/
