According to a 2023 report by 24/7 Wall St., the poorest town in Wyoming is Fort Washakie. The town has a median household income of just $41,944, which is 38.3% less than the state average. Given the low incomes, it is not surprising that a larger than average share of residents live in poverty. The local poverty rate in the town stands at 30.1%, compared to the statewide poverty rate of 10.7%.
The poverty in Fort Washakie has a number of negative consequences for the community, such as making it difficult for people to meet their basic needs and increasing the crime rate. There are a number of things that can be done to address the poverty in Fort Washakie, such as creating more jobs and making housing more affordable.
These statistics paint a stark picture of economic hardship faced by many residents of Wyoming.
| Statistic | Value |
| Median household income | $41,944 |
| Poverty rate | 30.1% |
| Unemployment rate | 15.4% |
Demographics And Poverty Statistics
The majority of residents in Fort Washakie are Native American. The Eastern Shoshone Tribe is the largest tribe in Wyoming, with over 14,000 members. The tribe has a long and rich history in the region, dating back thousands of years.
Fort Washakie is a rural community with a high unemployment rate. The unemployment rate in Fort Washakie is 15.4%, which is significantly higher than the statewide unemployment rate of 5.5%. The cost of living in Fort Washakie is also relatively high, making it difficult for people to make ends meet.
Factors Contributing To Poverty
There are a number of factors that contribute to poverty in Fort Washakie. One factor is the high unemployment rate. The lack of jobs in the area makes it difficult for people to find work and earn a living. Another factor is the high cost of living. The cost of housing, food, and transportation are all higher in Fort Washakie than in other parts of Wyoming.
The lack of access to quality education and healthcare are also contributing factors to poverty in Fort Washakie. The schools in Fort Washakie are underfunded and understaffed. The town also lacks a hospital, and residents have to travel long distances to access medical care.
Consequences Of poverty
The poverty in Fort Washakie has a number of negative consequences for the community. One consequence is that it makes it difficult for people to meet their basic needs, such as food and housing. Many people in Fort Washakie have to rely on food stamps and other government assistance programs to make ends meet.
Another consequence of poverty is that it increases the crime rate. The crime rate in Fort Washakie is significantly higher than the statewide crime rate. Poverty can lead to crime in a number of ways. For example, people who are struggling to make ends meet may be more likely to turn to crime to support themselves.
Poverty can also have a negative impact on the health of the community. People who are living in poverty are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. They are also more likely to experience mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
FAQ About Wyoming, Fort Washakie
Q: Why is Fort Washakie the poorest town in Wyoming?
A: There are a number of factors that contribute to poverty in Fort Washakie, including the high unemployment rate, the high cost of living, and the lack of access to quality education and healthcare.
Q: What are the consequences of poverty in Fort Washakie?
A: The poverty in Fort Washakie has a number of negative consequences for the community, including difficulty meeting basic needs (food, housing), increased crime rate, and negative impact on health.
Q: What are some potential solutions to poverty in Fort Washakie?
A: Some potential solutions to poverty in Fort Washakie include creating more jobs, making housing more affordable, and improving the quality of education and healthcare.
Q: What can I do to help address poverty in Fort Washakie?
A: There are a number of things that you can do to help address poverty in Fort Washakie, including donating to local charities, volunteering your time to help those in need, and supporting policies that promote economic opportunity and social justice.
Q: What is the unemployment rate in Fort Washakie?
A: The unemployment rate in Fort Washakie is 15.4%, which is significantly higher than the statewide unemployment rate of 5.5%.
Q: What is the cost of living in Fort Washakie?
A: The cost of living in Fort Washakie is 14% higher than the national average.
Q: What is the quality of education in Fort Washakie?
A: The schools in Fort Washakie are underfunded and understaffed. The graduation rate is 60%, which is significantly lower than the statewide graduation rate of 75%.
Q: What is the quality of healthcare in Fort Washakie?
A: Fort Washakie lacks a hospital, and residents have to travel long distances to access medical care. The infant mortality rate in Fort Washakie is 12.6%, which is significantly higher than the statewide infant mortality rate of 6.1%.
