Hugo, Oklahoma, stands as the poorest town in the state. Recent analyses using U.S. Census data confirm its top ranking due to the lowest median household income and high poverty rates.
Key Economic Indicators
Hugo has a population of about 5,178 residents. Its median household income sits at $30,089, the lowest among Oklahoma cities over 5,000 people, with a poverty rate of 34.4% affecting 1,780 individuals.
Unemployment contributes heavily, alongside limited job opportunities in this rural Choctaw County seat. The low cost of living offers some relief, ranking in the state’s bottom 15% for affordability.
Why Hugo Tops the List
Researchers from RoadSnacks analyzed 76 Oklahoma cities using 2018-2022 American Community Survey data. Hugo scored worst overall on poverty level and median income metrics, holding the #1 spot unchanged from prior years.
Nearby towns like Seminole ($34,599 median, 30.8% poverty) and Idabel ($34,683 median, 29.5% poverty) follow closely. Hugo’s combination of rock-bottom pay and job scarcity seals its position.
Broader Context
Oklahoma’s statewide poverty rate hovers around 15.9%, but small towns like Hugo face steeper challenges from declining industries and rural isolation. Recent 2025 lists echo these trends, with no major shifts reported into 2026.
Efforts like community programs aim to boost local economies, though recovery remains slow.
| Rank | Town | Population | Median Income | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hugo | 5,178 | $30,089 | 34.4% |
| 2 | Seminole | 7,144 | $34,599 | 30.8% |
| 3 | Idabel | 6,994 | $34,683 | 29.5% |
| 4 | Stillwater | 48,644 | $39,998 | 31.5% |
| 5 | Sallisaw | 8,524 | $44,310 | 35.2% |
This table highlights the top five poorest cities per the latest rankings.
SOURCES :
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-oklahoma/
- https://datacommons.org/ranking/Count_Person_BelowPovertyLevelInThePast12Months/CensusCountyDivision/geoId/40?h=geoId%2F4011592633&pc=1&scaling=100&unit=%25
