Ashuelot, New Hampshire, is the poorest town in the state. Ashuelot is a small town with a population of just over 1,600 people. It is located in Cheshire County, in the southwestern part of the state. Ashuelot has a median income of just $35,669, and a poverty rate of 25.19%. This is more than three times the statewide poverty rate of 7.4%. The median household income in Ashuelot is $32,894, which is also significantly lower than the statewide median household income of $83,449.
These statistics paint a stark picture of economic hardship faced by many residents of New Hampshire.
| Characteristic | Data |
| Poverty rate | 25.19% |
| Median income | $35,669 |
| Population | 1,672 |
| Population under 18 | 20.3% |
| Population 65 and over | 20.1% |
| Educational attainment: High school diploma or equivalent | 59.5% |
| Educational attainment: Bachelor’s degree or higher | 15.9% |
| Employment rate | 58.7% |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% |
Why Is Ashuelot The Poorest Town In New Hampshire?
There are a number of factors that have contributed to Ashuelot’s high poverty rate. One factor is that the town has a large population of seniors (20.1% of the population is 65 years old or older). Seniors are more likely to live in poverty than younger people, due to factors such as fixed incomes and rising healthcare costs.
Another factor is that Ashuelot has a relatively low educational attainment rate. Just 59.5% of adults in Ashuelot have a high school diploma or equivalent, and only 15.9% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. People with higher levels of education are more likely to have higher-paying jobs, so the low educational attainment rate in Ashuelot may contribute to the town’s high poverty rate.
The town’s economy is also heavily reliant on agriculture and manufacturing, which are both cyclical industries. In recent years, agricultural prices have been low, and manufacturing jobs have been declining. This has hurt the incomes of many people in Ashuelot.
Consequences Of Poverty In Ashuelot
The high poverty rate in Ashuelot has a number of negative consequences for the town’s residents. People living in poverty are more likely to experience food insecurity, homelessness, and health problems. They are also less likely to have access to quality education and job opportunities.
FAQs About Ashuelot, New Hampshire:
Q: What is the poverty rate in Ashuelot, New Hampshire?
A: The poverty rate in Ashuelot, New Hampshire is 25.19%. This means that over one-quarter of Ashuelot’s residents are living below the poverty line.
Q. What are some causes of poverty in Ashuelot?
Reliance on cyclical industries, large population of seniors, lack of good-paying jobs, high cost of housing
Q: What can policymakers do to help Ashuelot address poverty?
A: Policymakers can help Ashuelot address poverty by:
- Investing in education and training: Policymakers can invest in education and training programs to help Ashuelot residents develop the skills they need to get good-paying jobs.
- Creating jobs: Policymakers can create jobs in Ashuelot by attracting new businesses to the area and supporting the growth of existing businesses.
- Making housing more affordable: Policymakers can make housing more affordable in Ashuelot by providing subsidies to low-income renters and developers of affordable housing.
- Expanding access to healthcare: Policymakers can expand access to healthcare in Ashuelot by supporting the expansion of Medicaid and other public health programs.
Q: What can the community do to help Ashuelot address poverty?
A: The community can help Ashuelot address poverty by:
- Donating to local charities and organizations: The community can donate to local charities and organizations that are working to help people in need.
- Volunteering their time: The community can volunteer their time to help people in need.
- Advocating for policies that will help reduce poverty: The community can advocate for policies that will help reduce poverty, such as investing in education and job training, raising the minimum wage, and expanding access to affordable housing and healthcare.
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