Spring Glen, Utah, stands out as the state’s poorest town according to the most recent data from early 2025. Situated in Carbon County, this small community faces significant economic challenges that place it well below the state’s average in terms of income, poverty levels, and educational attainment. Understanding the situation in Spring Glen requires examining the statistics that reflect the economic hardship experienced by its residents, as well as considering some broader social and demographic factors that contribute to its standing as Utah’s poorest town.
First and foremost, the median household income in Spring Glen is approximately $41,780 per year. This figure is less than half of the median household income across Utah, which stands at about $86,833. This stark contrast highlights how the residents of Spring Glen, on average, earn much less than their counterparts in other areas of the state. Median income is a critical measure because it reflects the middle point of all household earnings, offering a better sense of typical economic conditions than averages skewed by extreme wealth or poverty.
The poverty rate in Spring Glen is equally concerning, estimated at around 33.5%. This means that roughly one in every three residents lives below the poverty line. By comparison, the statewide poverty rate is about 8.5%, making Spring Glen’s rate nearly four times higher. Such a high poverty rate impacts many aspects of life in the community, including access to healthcare, quality education, housing stability, and opportunities for economic advancement. High poverty often correlates with challenges such as food insecurity, increased reliance on social services, and greater difficulty in breaking cycles of economic hardship.
Educational attainment is another area where Spring Glen lags behind the rest of Utah. Only about 14.9% of residents have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 36.1% statewide. Education is strongly tied to economic outcomes, so lower levels of education contribute to the limited job opportunities and lower incomes seen in this town. In many cases, residents in economically disadvantaged areas face barriers to higher education including financial costs, limited access to schools, and the need to prioritize immediate income over long-term investment in education.
Housing also reflects the town’s economic situation. The median home value in Spring Glen is approximately $204,600, which is roughly half the median home value in Utah overall, about $408,500. While more affordable housing might appear as a benefit, it also signals lower local wealth, limited property tax revenues for public services, and potentially fewer resources for neighborhood upkeep and community development projects.
Spring Glen has a small population of around 1,070 residents, which means its community resources and economic base are limited. Small towns often struggle to attract diverse industries and high-paying employment opportunities, leading to economic stagnation. The local economy may rely on a small number of sectors or employers, which can be vulnerable to downturns or closures.
In addition to statistical data, the lived experience in Spring Glen is shaped by the broader economic and social dynamics of rural Utah. Issues such as out-migration of young people seeking education and employment elsewhere, reliance on seasonal or low-wage jobs, and limited access to healthcare and social services create a cycle that can be difficult to break.
Spring Glen’s status as Utah’s poorest town is reflected in its low median income, high poverty rate, relatively low educational attainment, and modest home values. These factors combine to create significant challenges for residents and for community development efforts. Addressing these issues will likely require coordinated efforts involving education, economic development, social services, and infrastructure investment. The goal would be to create opportunities that improve the living standards and expand the prospects for Spring Glen’s residents, helping to bridge the gap between this community and wealthier areas of Utah.
Sources
[1] https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=51030325&itype=CMSID
[2] https://www.iheart.com/content/2021-01-28-you-may-be-surprised-to-see-the-richest-and-poorest-cities-in-utah/
[3] https://247wallst.com/income/2025/01/17/the-poorest-town-in-every-state-in-america/
[4] https://www.instagram.com/airschmidt22/reel/DFWaerUOSmx/?api=1%2F&hl=zh-cn
[5] https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFWaerUOSmx/
