The poorest county in Ohio, based on poverty rates, is Adams County. It recorded the highest poverty rate among all Ohio counties, with a five-year average of 30.6 percent.
Understanding Poverty in Ohio Counties
Poverty rates in Ohio vary significantly across the state, often reflecting regional economic and demographic characteristics. The highest poverty rates are predominantly found in counties located within the Appalachian region of Ohio. These figures are typically based on five-year averages to provide a more stable and accurate representation of economic conditions.
Beyond Adams County, several other counties experience high levels of poverty. These include:
- Athens County
- Gallia County
- Meigs County
- Scioto County
These counties, like Adams, are all situated in the Appalachian area of Ohio, and their poverty rates range from 22.4 percent to 30.6 percent, with Adams County at the upper end of this spectrum.
Counties with the Highest Poverty Rates in Ohio
The following table details the counties identified with the highest poverty rates, based on five-year average data:
| County | Poverty Rate (5-Year Average) |
|---|---|
| Adams County | 30.6% |
| Athens County | (Within 22.4% - 30.6% range) |
| Gallia County | (Within 22.4% - 30.6% range) |
| Meigs County | (Within 22.4% - 30.6% range) |
| Scioto County | 22.4% |
Note: Specific rates for Athens, Gallia, and Meigs counties fall within the stated range, with Adams representing the highest and Scioto the lowest within this group of highest-poverty counties.
Context: Contrasting Poverty Rates
For contrast, it's worth noting that some suburban metropolitan area counties in Ohio exhibit significantly lower poverty rates. Counties such as Delaware, Geauga, Medina, and Warren reported the lowest poverty rates, ranging from 4.6 percent to 6.4 percent, indicating a stark economic disparity across the state.
For more detailed information on poverty statistics in Ohio, you can refer to comprehensive reports such as The Ohio Poverty Report, which provides in-depth analysis of these trends across the state [^1].
[^1]: Ohio Development Services Agency. (2020). The Ohio Poverty Report. Retrieved from https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/development.ohio.gov/community/redevelopment/The-Ohio_Poverty-Report-June2020.pdf
