Lac du Flambeau, a small town nestled in northern Wisconsin, has been named the poorest town in the state according to recent analyses by 24/7 Wall St. and other sources. This designation is based on several economic indicators that set Lac du Flambeau apart from other communities in Wisconsin, highlighting the persistent financial challenges faced by its residents.
How Lac du Flambeau Was Named the Poorest
The ranking comes from a comprehensive study by 24/7 Wall St., which used five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 American Community Survey. The study considered towns and unincorporated communities in each state with populations between 1,000 and 25,000, ranking them by median household income. While the typical American household earns over $69,000 a year, the towns on this list have median household incomes ranging from just $9,100 to $43,800-well below national and state averages.
Economic Profile of Lac du Flambeau
Lac du Flambeau, with a population of about 1,800, stands out for its particularly low median household income of $26,076. This figure is less than half of Wisconsin’s statewide median household income, which is $67,080. The disparity is further reflected in the local housing market: the median home value in Lac du Flambeau is just $77,500, compared to the state average of $200,400. These numbers suggest that not only do residents earn less, but their primary assets-homes-are also valued significantly lower than elsewhere in Wisconsin.
In addition to income and home values, other indicators paint a picture of economic hardship. Approximately 18.1% of households in Lac du Flambeau receive SNAP benefits (commonly known as food stamps), a rate far above the state average and a clear sign that many families require assistance to meet basic needs.
Poverty and Opportunity
The town’s economic struggles are further underscored by poverty statistics. In the census tract that includes Lac du Flambeau, the poverty rate stands at 22%-more than double the state average of 10%. This means that more than one in five households live below the poverty line, facing daily challenges related to food security, housing stability, and access to essential services.
Despite these challenges, Lac du Flambeau is also designated as a Low-Income Community Opportunity Zone. This status is intended to attract investment and spur economic development in areas most in need. However, the median household income in the broader census tract is higher than in the town itself, at around $42,000, indicating that Lac du Flambeau’s struggles are particularly acute even within a generally low-income region.
Community Context
Lac du Flambeau is home to a significant Native American population, primarily members of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Like many Native communities across the U.S., the town faces unique economic and social challenges rooted in historical inequities, limited access to resources, and geographic isolation.
Lac du Flambeau’s designation as the poorest town in Wisconsin is a reflection of deep-seated economic challenges: low incomes, low home values, and high rates of poverty and reliance on public assistance. While these statistics are sobering, they also highlight the importance of targeted economic development and support for communities facing persistent disadvantage. The town’s status as an Opportunity Zone may provide a pathway for future investment and revitalization, but addressing the root causes of poverty will require sustained attention and resources.
Sources
[1] https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-14-wisconsin-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-state/
[2] https://mylolowcountry.com/usa-laws/this-town-has-been-named-the-poorest-in-wisconsin/
[3] https://opportunityzones.com/zones/55125940000/
[4] https://www.irp.wisc.edu/resources/who-is-poor-in-wisconsin/
[5] https://247wallst.com/income/2025/01/17/the-poorest-town-in-every-state-in-america/
