According to recent research, the town of Lusk has been identified as the poorest in Wyoming. However, it’s important to note that this designation comes with some caveats and context that paint a more nuanced picture of the economic situation in the state.
Lusk’s Economic Profile
Lusk, a small town with a population of 1,558, has been named Wyoming’s poorest town based on the following economic indicators:
- Median household income: $38,477 (compared to Wyoming’s $64,049)
- Poverty rate: 25.1% (compared to Wyoming’s 11.0%)
- Median home value: $129,500 (compared to Wyoming’s $220,500)
- Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 12.8% (compared to Wyoming’s 27.4%)
Context and Comparisons
While these figures paint Lusk as economically disadvantaged within Wyoming, it’s crucial to consider the broader context:
- Regional comparison: Lusk’s median household income is actually higher than some of the poorest towns in neighboring states, such as Wendover, Utah ($33,750) and South Browning, Montana ($17,450).
- Cost of living: Wyoming generally has a lower cost of living compared to the national average. For instance, Rawlins, another affordable Wyoming town, has a cost of living 12.9% lower than the national average.
- Small sample size: With only 1,558 residents, Lusk’s economic data may be more volatile and less representative than larger towns.
Other Affordable Wyoming Towns
While Lusk has been labeled the “poorest,” other Wyoming towns offer affordable living options with varying economic profiles:
- Rawlins: Median home value of $190,417 and a cost of living 12.9% below the national average
- Torrington: Median home value of $231,125 and a cost of living 12.1% below the national average
- Riverton: Median home value of $249,430 and a cost of living 7.6% below the national average
Challenges and Opportunities
Wyoming’s economic landscape faces several challenges that affect towns like Lusk:
- Declining coal industry
- Housing and childcare shortages
- Aging population
- Outmigration of college-educated young people
However, the state also has opportunities for growth, with a predicted slight increase in the labor force for 2025 and an unemployment rate expected to remain below the national average.
While Lusk has been designated as Wyoming’s poorest town based on certain economic indicators, it’s important to view this label in context. Wyoming offers a range of affordable living options, and even its “poorest” town fares better in some respects than similar towns in neighboring states. As Wyoming navigates economic challenges and opportunities in the coming years, the fortunes of towns like Lusk may well change.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://jacksonholepress.com/each-states-poorest-town-lusk-wyoming/
[2] https://www.houzeo.com/blog/cheapest-places-to-live-in-wyoming/
[3] https://wakeupwyo.com/poorest-city-in-wyoming-lame-study-gets-it-wrong/
[4] https://www.sofi.com/best-affordable-places-to-live-in-wyoming/
[5] https://kgab.com/visit-the-poorest-town-in-wyoming/
