The town named the poorest in Minnesota is Aurora. According to a recent report by 24/7 Wall St., Aurora has a population of 1,709 people and a median household income of just $32,287, which is significantly lower than the state’s median household income of $77,706. Additionally, about 28.4% of Aurora’s households receive government aid, indicating a high level of financial hardship among its residents.
The study that identified Aurora as the poorest town in Minnesota analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 American Community Survey and focused on towns with populations between 1,000 and 25,000 people.
The findings highlight the economic challenges faced by many residents, especially in the context of inflation and rising living costs in recent years.
Aurora’s designation as the poorest town emphasizes the struggles of smaller communities with limited financial resources and greater dependency on assistance to meet everyday needs.
This contrasts sharply with wealthier towns in Minnesota, showcasing the economic diversity across the state. Aurora’s situation sheds light on the ongoing challenges of poverty in certain areas of Minnesota despite the state’s overall prosperity.
Sources
[1] https://minnesotasnewcountry.com/i-was-not-expecting-the-poorest-city-in-minnesota-to-be-this-one/
[2] https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-13-minnesota-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-entire-state/
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZtoBUF04xs
[4] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/30/this-town-has-been-named-the-poorest-in-minnesota/
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Minnesota_locations_by_per_capita_income
