Georgia, a state well-known for its energetic cities, abundant cultural legacy, and robust economy, still contains areas of poverty. Even with the state’s economic expansion, a number of counties still struggle with poverty and face ongoing obstacles to accessing healthcare, work, and education.
Let’s explore Georgia’s socioeconomic environment and identify the state’s 5 poorest counties.
Hancock County
Like many other rural Georgian areas, Hancock County is struggling economically. Residents struggle to maintain financial stability, with a poverty rate of 26.5 percent and a typical household income of $31,767.
It does, however, have attractions like the LaFayette Hotel, the Shoulderbone Plantation, and the Glen Mary Plantation, in spite of its difficulties. The area’s affordability of housing is demonstrated by the median home price of $170,778, which is reflective of the 8,630 residents living there.
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Jenkins County
With 8,639 residents, Jenkins County is another extremely poor county in Georgia. At $31,463, the median household income, 27.9% of people are living below the federal poverty level.
The county is blessed with natural beauty, especially the Ogeechee River, one of the last free-flowing streams in Georgia, in spite of its economic difficulties. In Jenkins County, the typical cost of a house is $122,234.
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Randolph County
Randolph County, home to 6,287 people, is one of the poorest county in Georgia. The county’s poverty rate is 27.4%, with a median household income of $24,638.
Despite facing economic difficulties, it flourishes as a center of agriculture with a focus on the production of wheat and sorghum, making it the leading producer in Georgia. Randolph County’s reasonable cost of living is reflected in the $87,116 median home price.
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Webster County
In southwest Georgia, there is a small rural county called Webster County. It has 2,367 residents and a median home price of $120,774 in addition to a median household income of $35,000. 18.1% of its citizens are considered to be impoverished.
The two pillars of Webster County’s economy, forestry and agriculture, are what propel local businesses and shape the county’s character.
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Macon County
Another County on our list is Macon County which is home to 12,004 individuals. Here, the typical home costs $95,827, while the typical household income is $33,960.
The percentage of people living in poverty is about 23.8%. The Montezuma Bluff Wildlife Management Area and the Andersonville National Cemetery and Park are two of this county’s many attractions.
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Quitman County
Another economically weak place in the state is Georgia’s Quitman County. It was created in 1858 by combining portions of Stewart and Randolph counties. With a typical home price of $114,388 and a median household income of $38,889, it is evident that 22.3% of the 2,243 residents suffer with poverty.
Despite its difficulties, Quitman County’s neighbors, Clay County and the Lake Walter F. George Wildlife Management Area, offer some natural beauty and recreational options to its citizens.
Wheeler County
Another poor Georgian county, Wheeler County, was founded in 1912. There are 7,471 people living there, and the median household income is $36,354.
The median home price is $118,521. Notwithstanding its difficulties, Wheeler County is home to the 1,360-acre Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge, which has cabins and camping areas. Yet, poverty still affects 31.1% of the population, making it a serious problem.
To Conclude
Georgia has a booming economy and energetic cities, yet there are still areas of poverty in a number of its rural counties. These areas, which include the counties of Hancock, Jenkins, Randolph, Webster, Macon, Quitman, and Wheeler, struggle with high rates of poverty, low median household incomes, and restricted access to resources.
These counties have special cultural and ecological resources despite their difficulties. Encouraging sustainable economic development and addressing these gaps will be essential to guaranteeing that every Georgian has the chance to prosper.