The town most commonly named the poorest in West Virginia is Welch, located in McDowell County. McDowell County consistently ranks as the poorest county in the state, with a median household income of just $27,682—more than 40% below the state median.
Welch, as the county seat and largest town in McDowell County, is often highlighted as a symbol of the region’s persistent poverty and economic decline.
Welch and McDowell County have faced decades of economic hardship following the collapse of the coal industry, leading to high unemployment, population loss, and ongoing struggles with poverty.
Despite these challenges, Welch remains a resilient community, with residents striving to maintain their sense of unity and hope.
Welch, West Virginia—the county seat of McDowell County—is widely recognized as the poorest town in the state, reflecting the broader economic struggles of the county and the region.
Sources
[1] https://mountainstatespotlight.org/2024/01/16/heres-what-persistent-poverty-looks-like-in-west-virginia/
[2] https://www.unitedstateszipcodes.org/rankings/zips-in-wv/poverty_rate/
[3] https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBt4MZqyXQ_/
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HX5kZXua-s
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/Appalachia/comments/1btb8t0/was_there_ever_time_when_west_virginia_was/
