McAlester, Oklahoma, has been named the poorest city in the state. The city has a long history of poverty, which can be traced back to its founding in 1870. McAlester was originally a small coal-mining town, and many of its residents worked in the mines. Over the years, the coal industry in McAlester has declined, and the city has struggled to replace these jobs with new ones. As a result, many McAlester residents are unemployed or underemployed, and they are struggling to make ends meet.
Poverty In Mcalester, Oklahoma
According to a 2023 study by the U.S. Census Bureau, 27.2% of McAlester residents live below the poverty line, which is significantly higher than the state’s overall poverty rate of 15.9%. The poverty rate in McAlester is also higher than the national average of 13.4%.
The poverty rate in McAlester is high for a number of reasons. One reason is that the city has a high unemployment rate. The unemployment rate in McAlester is 10.4%, which is higher than the state’s overall unemployment rate of 4.1% and the national average of 3.7%.
Another reason for the high poverty rate in McAlester is the city’s low median household income. The median household income in McAlester is $36,922, which is lower than the state’s median household income of $53,030 and the national average of $67,521.
Causes Of Poverty In Mcalester, Oklahoma
There are a number of factors that contribute to poverty in McAlester. One factor is the lack of education and training for many residents. The graduation rate for McAlester high schools is 79.2%, which is lower than the state’s overall graduation rate of 84.6%. Additionally, many McAlester residents lack access to quality post-secondary education and training opportunities.
Another factor contributing to poverty in McAlester is the lack of access to affordable housing and healthcare. The median rent in McAlester is $790 per month, which is higher than the state’s median rent of $772 per month. Additionally, many McAlester residents lack health insurance, and they may have difficulty accessing affordable healthcare services.
These statistics paint a stark picture of economic hardship faced by many residents of Oklahoma.
| Indicator | Value |
| Poverty rate | 27.2% |
| State’s overall poverty rate | 15.9% |
| National average poverty rate | 13.4% |
| Graduation rate for McAlester high schools | 79.2% |
| State’s overall graduation rate | 84.6% |
| Median rent in McAlester | $790 per month |
| State’s median rent | $772 per month |
Solutions To Poverty In Mcalester, Oklahoma
There are a number of things that can be done to address poverty in McAlester. One important step is to invest in education and job training programs to help residents develop the skills they need to get good-paying jobs. Additionally, the city needs to work to attract and retain businesses in high-growth industries to provide residents with better job prospects. Finally, the city needs to address the root causes of poverty, such as discrimination and lack of access to opportunity.
FAQs About McAlester, Oklahoma:
Q. What contributes to McAlester, Oklahoma, being named the poorest city in the state?
The city’s history as a coal-mining town played a significant role. With the decline of the coal industry, many jobs were lost and not replaced, leading to high unemployment and underemployment rates. As a result, a considerable portion of McAlester’s population struggles to meet their basic needs due to a lack of adequate employment opportunities.
Q. How severe is the poverty situation in McAlester compared to state and national averages?
According to the 2023 U.S. Census Bureau study, McAlester’s poverty rate stands at 27.2%, notably higher than the state’s overall poverty rate of 15.9% and significantly exceeding the national average of 13.4%.
Q. What are some reasons behind the high poverty rate in McAlester?
Several factors contribute to the city’s elevated poverty rate. These include a notably high local unemployment rate (10.4%), a low median household income ($36,922, compared to the state’s median of $53,030 and the national average of $67,521), and limited educational opportunities for residents, leading to lower graduation rates compared to the state average.
Q. What are the key factors contributing to poverty in McAlester, Oklahoma?
Lack of education and job training opportunities are significant factors. The city’s residents face challenges accessing quality education beyond high school, resulting in limited access to better-paying jobs. Additionally, the high cost of rent and inadequate access to affordable healthcare further exacerbate the poverty situation.
