Louisiana is home to many cities and towns, but some face greater challenges than others when it comes to poverty. The town that is currently recognized as the poorest in Louisiana is Ferriday, located in Concordia Parish, in the northeastern part of the state.
What Makes Ferriday the Poorest Town in Louisiana?
Ferriday is considered the poorest town in Louisiana based on several factors, including income levels, unemployment rates, and poverty statistics. The median household income in Ferriday is significantly lower than the state and national averages, and a large portion of the population lives below the federal poverty line.
Many of the residents in Ferriday struggle to find stable, high-paying jobs, which contributes to the high poverty rate. The local economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and small businesses, but there are fewer opportunities for growth and employment compared to more urban areas in the state.
Challenges Faced by Ferriday
Ferriday, like many small towns in Louisiana, faces numerous challenges that hinder economic growth. The lack of major industries and businesses in the area limits job opportunities, and many young people leave to find better prospects elsewhere. Additionally, the town has struggled with issues like poor infrastructure and limited access to healthcare and education, further exacerbating the difficulties faced by its residents.
What is Being Done to Help?
Despite the challenges, there are efforts underway to improve the situation in Ferriday. Local organizations and the government are working together to boost economic development, improve infrastructure, and create job opportunities. Programs focused on education, training, and entrepreneurship are being introduced to help residents gain the skills needed to secure better jobs.
Ferriday, Louisiana, is currently the poorest town in the state, facing significant economic and social challenges. While there is progress being made to improve the situation, much work remains to be done to lift the town out of poverty and provide its residents with better opportunities for a brighter future.
SOURCES
[1] https://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2020/08/23/natchitoches-ranks-the-poorest-of-louisiana-towns-study-finds/
[2] https://kpel965.com/new-report-says-this-north-louisiana-town-is-the-poorest-in-the-state/
[3] https://zipatlas.com/us/la/city-comparison/highest-poverty.htm
[4] https://247wallst.com/income/2025/01/17/the-poorest-town-in-every-state-in-america/
[5] https://www.unitedforalice.org/Attachments/AllReports/state-of-alice-report-Louisiana-2025.pdf
