Cahokia Heights stands out as the poorest town in Illinois, with a staggering 41.2% poverty rate based on the latest five-year American Community Survey data from 2022. Located in St. Clair County near East St. Louis, its median household income is just $30,488—far below the statewide $78,433 average. This former merger of Centreville and Cahokia in 2020 faces deep economic struggles amid deindustrialization and limited opportunities.
Poverty Metrics
High poverty correlates with weak job markets and education gaps. Cahokia Heights’ five-year average unemployment rate is 11.3%, double Illinois’ 5.9%. Only 12.1% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, versus 36.7% statewide, limiting higher-wage roles.
| Metric | Cahokia Heights | Illinois Average |
|---|---|---|
| Poverty Rate | 41.2% | 11.8% |
| Median Household Income | $30,488 | $78,433 |
| Unemployment Rate (5-yr avg) | 11.3% | 5.9% |
| Bachelor’s Degree or Higher | 12.1% | 36.7% |
| Population | 17,753 | N/A |
Data excludes college-heavy areas to focus on structural poverty.
Nearby Contenders
Other struggling towns trail closely. East St. Louis ranks second at 31.6% poverty and $28,519 median income, plagued by historical decline and violence. Riverdale (31.4%, $41,144) and West Frankfort (29.5%, $41,974) follow, often in southern or industrial zones hit by factory losses. Older reports cited Alorton (58.6% poverty, $19,605 income), but recent ACS data shifts focus to Cahokia Heights’ scale.
Contributing Factors
Illinois’ southern counties like St. Clair (home to Cahokia Heights) suffer from coal mine closures, manufacturing exodus, and flooding risks. Statewide, 12.1% live in poverty per 2026 estimates, but urban/suburban pockets amplify it via low education and job access. Mental health suffers too—low-income adults report triple the food insecurity rates.
Broader Context
Federal poverty thresholds: $15,060 individual, $31,200 family of four—unchanged thresholds mask inflation’s bite. Aid programs like SNAP and LIHEAP help, but revitalization lags. Pulaski and Alexander counties top per-county poverty, influencing local towns.
Cahokia Heights exemplifies Illinois’ inequality, where economic recovery demands investment in jobs and training. Check U.S. Census ACS for updates, as metrics evolve.
Sources
- https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/07/towns-in-illinois-with-the-worst-poverty/
- https://statelawfirm.com/post/is-living-in-your-car-illegal/
- https://www.cities929.com/2023/01/07/this-is-the-poorest-town-in-illinois/
- https://www.dhs.state.il.us/OneNetLibrary/27897/documents/CPEES/IWGP%202025%20Annual%20Report%20(004)A.pdf
