Jamestown, a small town in East Tennessee, has been identified as the poorest town in Tennessee, according to a report by 24/7 Wall St. As of January 2025, Jamestown has a population of approximately 2,000 residents and a median household income of just $18,000, significantly lower than the state average of $64,035.
Economic Overview
- Median Household Income: $18,000
- Median Home Value: $68,100 (compared to the state average of $193,700)
- Percentage of Households Receiving SNAP Benefits: 47.2%
These figures highlight the severe economic challenges faced by Jamestown’s residents. The town’s low median home value and high dependency on assistance programs reflect a community struggling with financial hardship.
Contributing Factors
Several factors contribute to Jamestown’s economic situation:
- Limited Job Opportunities: The local economy lacks diverse employment options.
- High Dependency on Assistance Programs: Nearly half of the households rely on SNAP benefits.
- Rural Isolation: Being in a rural area limits access to resources and services that could improve economic conditions.
Community Resilience
Despite these challenges, the community of Jamestown shows resilience through local efforts aimed at improving education and job training programs. Community organizations work to provide support and resources to alleviate poverty and enhance living conditions for residents. Jamestown’s designation as the poorest town serves as a reminder of the broader issues of economic disparity affecting many rural areas across the United States.
[1] https://owossoindependent.com/this-town-has-been-named-the-poorest-in-tennessee/
[2] https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-10-tennessee-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-state/
[3] https://1027kissfm.iheart.com/content/2023-11-10-tennessee-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-state/
[4] https://www.datapandas.org/ranking/poorest-cities-in-america
