Falls City, a small town in southeastern Nebraska with a population of approximately 4,100–4,130 residents, has been identified as the poorest town in the state.
Key Economic Statistics
| Metric | Falls City | Nebraska State Median |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $37,712–$40,222 | $66,644 |
| Poverty Rate | 13.3% | Significantly lower |
| Households Receiving Government Aid | 10.3% | — |
Falls City’s median household income is roughly $26,000–$29,000 less than the state median, making it substantially poorer than the average Nebraska community.
What Makes Falls City the Poorest?
According to rankings by median income, poverty rate, and local employment data from state sources, Falls City ranks #1 in poverty among Nebraska towns:
- Fewer job options than other towns
- Among the lowest median incomes in the state
- Economic struggles including business closures (locals note a hardware store that closed and never reopened)
- Residents face tight budgets and economic hardship
The Ranking Source
The designation comes from 24/7 Wall Street, which compiled a list of the poorest places in each state based on U.S. Census Bureau data. In 2025, Falls City maintained its position as Nebraska’s poorest town.
Comparison to Other Struggling Nebraska Towns
While Falls City holds the #1 ranking, other Nebraska towns also face significant economic challenges:
| Rank | City | Median Income | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Lexington | $62,364 | 16.5% |
| 3 | Scottsbluff | $44,354 | 18% |
| 4 | Beatrice | $50,420 | 14.2% |
Falls City’s struggles are more severe than these other communities.
Location Note: Falls City is located in southeastern Nebraska, near the Kansas border, and serves as the county seat of Richardson County.
SOURCES :
- https://www.theworkersrights.com/poorest-cities-in-nebraska/
- https://stacker.com/stories/nebraska/cities-nebraska-most-living-poverty
