Lac du Flambeau, a small community in northern Wisconsin, has been identified as the poorest town in the state. This designation is based on recent analyses of U.S. Census Bureau data, which highlight the town’s significant economic challenges. With a median household income of just $29,375, Lac du Flambeau’s residents earn less than half the statewide median of $72,458. The poverty rate in the town is 35.2%, more than three times the Wisconsin average of 10.7%. Nearly one in five households relies on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), underscoring the depth of financial hardship faced by the community.
The town’s economic difficulties are also evident in its housing market. The median home value in Lac du Flambeau is $77,500, which is substantially lower than the Wisconsin average of over $200,000. This low home value reflects both the limited job opportunities and the low wages available locally, making it difficult for residents to accumulate wealth or invest in property.
Lac du Flambeau is home to about 1,800 people and is located within the boundaries of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa reservation. The town’s demographic makeup and historical context play a significant role in its economic situation. Native American communities across the United States often experience higher rates of poverty and unemployment, and Lac du Flambeau is no exception. Rural isolation, limited access to economic resources, and historical disadvantages have contributed to the persistent poverty in the area.
While larger cities in Wisconsin, such as Milwaukee, have neighborhoods with high poverty rates, Lac du Flambeau stands out when focusing on towns with populations between 1,000 and 25,000. Its combination of the lowest median income and one of the highest poverty rates in the state makes it unique in this regard. This analysis typically excludes college towns to avoid skewed data from large student populations with temporarily low incomes.
The economic challenges in Lac du Flambeau are multifaceted, involving limited employment opportunities, reliance on seasonal industries, and barriers to education and healthcare. Addressing these issues requires targeted investment, support for local businesses, and expanded access to social services. Community leaders and policymakers continue to work toward improving conditions, but progress remains gradual due to the complexity of the challenges faced by the town.
Sources
[1] https://thewrangler.com/this-town-has-been-named-the-poorest-in-wisconsin/2025/07/05/
[2] https://247wallst.com/income/2025/01/17/the-poorest-town-in-every-state-in-america/
[3] https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-14-wisconsin-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-state/
[4] https://www.iheart.com/content/2025-01-07-wisconsin-city-named-among-the-neediest-cities-in-the-us/
[5] https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-wisconsin/
