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Lowest-earning counties in Minnesota
Americans on the whole were doing well financially heading into 2020, with major markers like unemployment reaching 50-year lows. The pandemic changed all that: During the second quarter of the 2020 fiscal year, our nation's real GDP fell by a whopping 31.4%, a number that hasn't been seen since the Great Depression. Since then the GDP has recovered, the first quarter of 2022 was 11% above the fourth quarter of 2019.
While GDP has recovered since the height of the pandemic, wage growth has not kept pace with inflation. In 2021 average hourly wages increased 4.7% while there was 7% inflation, meaning the worker's purchasing power dropped by 2.4%.
Where you live can make a big impact on your financial situation. The highest earning county in the U.S. earns $147,111, while the lowest earns $22,292. Stacker compiled a list of the lowest-earning counties in Minnesota using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Counties are ranked by the Census' 2020 5-year estimate median household income.
#50. Pennington County
- Median household income: $60,940
--- 17.0% below state average, 6.2% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.3%
--- #953 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.5%
--- #2,317 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 17.0% below state average, 6.2% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.3%
--- #953 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.5%
--- #2,317 highest among all counties nationwide
#49. Benton County
- Median household income: $60,564
--- 17.5% below state average, 6.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.2%
--- #968 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 7.9%
--- #2,295 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 17.5% below state average, 6.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.2%
--- #968 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 7.9%
--- #2,295 highest among all counties nationwide
#48. Becker County
- Median household income: $60,508
--- 17.5% below state average, 6.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 25.1%
--- #866 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.9%
--- #2,290 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 17.5% below state average, 6.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 25.1%
--- #866 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.9%
--- #2,290 highest among all counties nationwide
#47. Waseca County
- Median household income: $60,450
--- 17.6% below state average, 7.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.1%
--- #983 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.5%
--- #2,284 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 17.6% below state average, 7.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.1%
--- #983 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.5%
--- #2,284 highest among all counties nationwide
#46. Winona County
- Median household income: $60,020
--- 18.2% below state average, 7.7% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 25.1%
--- #866 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.3%
--- #2,251 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 18.2% below state average, 7.7% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 25.1%
--- #866 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.3%
--- #2,251 highest among all counties nationwide
#45. Brown County
- Median household income: $59,804
--- 18.5% below state average, 8.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.2%
--- #1,105 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 6.1%
--- #2,232 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 18.5% below state average, 8.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.2%
--- #1,105 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 6.1%
--- #2,232 highest among all counties nationwide
#44. Red Lake County
- Median household income: $59,698
--- 18.6% below state average, 8.1% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.6%
--- #930 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.6%
--- #2,226 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 18.6% below state average, 8.1% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.6%
--- #930 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.6%
--- #2,226 highest among all counties nationwide
#43. Cook County
- Median household income: $59,537
--- 18.9% below state average, 8.4% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.0%
--- #1,126 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.4%
--- #2,209 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 18.9% below state average, 8.4% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.0%
--- #1,126 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.4%
--- #2,209 highest among all counties nationwide
#42. Houston County
- Median household income: $59,514
--- 18.9% below state average, 8.4% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.9%
--- #1,007 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 7.5%
--- #2,206 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 18.9% below state average, 8.4% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.9%
--- #1,007 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 7.5%
--- #2,206 highest among all counties nationwide
#41. Otter Tail County
- Median household income: $59,456
--- 19.0% below state average, 8.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.2%
--- #964 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.1%
--- #2,199 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 19.0% below state average, 8.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.2%
--- #964 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.1%
--- #2,199 highest among all counties nationwide
#40. Yellow Medicine County
- Median household income: $59,289
--- 19.2% below state average, 8.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.7%
--- #1,169 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.2%
--- #2,183 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 19.2% below state average, 8.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.7%
--- #1,169 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.2%
--- #2,183 highest among all counties nationwide
#39. Grant County
- Median household income: $59,246
--- 19.3% below state average, 8.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 19.8%
--- #1,637 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.6%
--- #2,175 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 19.3% below state average, 8.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 19.8%
--- #1,637 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.6%
--- #2,175 highest among all counties nationwide
#38. Morrison County
- Median household income: $58,826
--- 19.8% below state average, 9.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.6%
--- #1,039 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.2%
--- #2,135 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 19.8% below state average, 9.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.6%
--- #1,039 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.2%
--- #2,135 highest among all counties nationwide
#37. Polk County
- Median household income: $58,682
--- 20.0% below state average, 9.7% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.3%
--- #953 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.9%
--- #2,124 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 20.0% below state average, 9.7% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.3%
--- #953 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.9%
--- #2,124 highest among all counties nationwide
#36. Renville County
- Median household income: $58,542
--- 20.2% below state average, 9.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.9%
--- #1,460 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.8%
--- #2,118 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 20.2% below state average, 9.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.9%
--- #1,460 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.8%
--- #2,118 highest among all counties nationwide
#35. Hubbard County
- Median household income: $58,475
--- 20.3% below state average, 10.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.3%
--- #1,240 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.8%
--- #2,116 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 20.3% below state average, 10.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.3%
--- #1,240 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.8%
--- #2,116 highest among all counties nationwide
#34. Kanabec County
- Median household income: $57,877
--- 21.1% below state average, 11.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.8%
--- #1,158 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.7%
--- #2,074 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 21.1% below state average, 11.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.8%
--- #1,158 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.7%
--- #2,074 highest among all counties nationwide
#33. Lac qui Parle County
- Median household income: $57,802
--- 21.2% below state average, 11.1% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.9%
--- #1,281 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.8%
--- #2,070 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 21.2% below state average, 11.1% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.9%
--- #1,281 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.8%
--- #2,070 highest among all counties nationwide
#32. Crow Wing County
- Median household income: $57,779
--- 21.3% below state average, 11.1% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.2%
--- #964 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.9%
--- #2,066 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 21.3% below state average, 11.1% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.2%
--- #964 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.9%
--- #2,066 highest among all counties nationwide
#31. St. Louis County
- Median household income: $57,480
--- 21.7% below state average, 11.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.7%
--- #913 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.3%
--- #2,042 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 21.7% below state average, 11.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.7%
--- #913 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.3%
--- #2,042 highest among all counties nationwide
#30. Chippewa County
- Median household income: $57,301
--- 21.9% below state average, 11.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.0%
--- #1,268 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.9%
--- #2,021 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 21.9% below state average, 11.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.0%
--- #1,268 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.9%
--- #2,021 highest among all counties nationwide
#29. Lyon County
- Median household income: $57,274
--- 22.0% below state average, 11.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.3%
--- #1,080 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.6%
--- #2,018 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 22.0% below state average, 11.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.3%
--- #1,080 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.6%
--- #2,018 highest among all counties nationwide
#28. Redwood County
- Median household income: $57,243
--- 22.0% below state average, 11.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.0%
--- #1,445 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.9%
--- #2,014 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 22.0% below state average, 11.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.0%
--- #1,445 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.9%
--- #2,014 highest among all counties nationwide
#27. Mille Lacs County
- Median household income: $57,173
--- 22.1% below state average, 12.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.4%
--- #1,225 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.5%
--- #2,003 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 22.1% below state average, 12.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.4%
--- #1,225 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.5%
--- #2,003 highest among all counties nationwide
#26. Wilkin County
- Median household income: $56,829
--- 22.6% below state average, 12.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.8%
--- #1,298 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.3%
--- #1,968 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 22.6% below state average, 12.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.8%
--- #1,298 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.3%
--- #1,968 highest among all counties nationwide
#25. Norman County
- Median household income: $56,081
--- 23.6% below state average, 13.7% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.2%
--- #1,245 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.6%
--- #1,904 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 23.6% below state average, 13.7% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.2%
--- #1,245 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.6%
--- #1,904 highest among all counties nationwide
#24. Nobles County
- Median household income: $56,000
--- 23.7% below state average, 13.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.7%
--- #1,492 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.6%
--- #1,899 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 23.7% below state average, 13.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.7%
--- #1,492 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.6%
--- #1,899 highest among all counties nationwide
#23. Big Stone County
- Median household income: $55,909
--- 23.8% below state average, 14.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.4%
--- #1,225 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.5%
--- #1,888 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 23.8% below state average, 14.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.4%
--- #1,225 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.5%
--- #1,888 highest among all counties nationwide
#22. Itasca County
- Median household income: $55,744
--- 24.0% below state average, 14.2% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.0%
--- #1,126 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.6%
--- #1,874 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 24.0% below state average, 14.2% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.0%
--- #1,126 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.6%
--- #1,874 highest among all counties nationwide
#21. Pine County
- Median household income: $55,606
--- 24.2% below state average, 14.4% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.5%
--- #1,520 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.9%
--- #1,862 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 24.2% below state average, 14.4% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.5%
--- #1,520 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.9%
--- #1,862 highest among all counties nationwide
#20. Kittson County
- Median household income: $55,410
--- 24.5% below state average, 14.7% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 19.5%
--- #1,690 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.1%
--- #1,842 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 24.5% below state average, 14.7% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 19.5%
--- #1,690 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.1%
--- #1,842 highest among all counties nationwide
#19. Mower County
- Median household income: $55,378
--- 24.5% below state average, 14.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.2%
--- #1,410 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.8%
--- #1,838 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 24.5% below state average, 14.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.2%
--- #1,410 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.8%
--- #1,838 highest among all counties nationwide
#18. Freeborn County
- Median household income: $54,628
--- 25.6% below state average, 15.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.2%
--- #1,575 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.3%
--- #1,763 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 25.6% below state average, 15.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.2%
--- #1,575 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.3%
--- #1,763 highest among all counties nationwide
#17. Todd County
- Median household income: $54,502
--- 25.7% below state average, 16.1% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 18.9%
--- #1,801 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.9%
--- #1,750 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 25.7% below state average, 16.1% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 18.9%
--- #1,801 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.9%
--- #1,750 highest among all counties nationwide
#16. Faribault County
- Median household income: $53,963
--- 26.5% below state average, 17.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 19.0%
--- #1,784 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.1%
--- #1,695 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 26.5% below state average, 17.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 19.0%
--- #1,784 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.1%
--- #1,695 highest among all counties nationwide
#15. Martin County
- Median household income: $53,851
--- 26.6% below state average, 17.1% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.9%
--- #1,466 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.9%
--- #1,679 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 26.6% below state average, 17.1% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.9%
--- #1,466 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.9%
--- #1,679 highest among all counties nationwide
#14. Cass County
- Median household income: $53,845
--- 26.6% below state average, 17.2% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.9%
--- #1,150 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.3%
--- #1,677 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 26.6% below state average, 17.2% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.9%
--- #1,150 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.3%
--- #1,677 highest among all counties nationwide
#13. Pipestone County
- Median household income: $53,688
--- 26.8% below state average, 17.4% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.9%
--- #1,466 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.2%
--- #1,654 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 26.8% below state average, 17.4% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.9%
--- #1,466 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.2%
--- #1,654 highest among all counties nationwide
#12. Lincoln County
- Median household income: $53,557
--- 27.0% below state average, 17.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.0%
--- #1,126 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.8%
--- #1,645 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 27.0% below state average, 17.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.0%
--- #1,126 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.8%
--- #1,645 highest among all counties nationwide
#11. Swift County
- Median household income: $53,457
--- 27.2% below state average, 17.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.7%
--- #1,164 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.0%
--- #1,636 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 27.2% below state average, 17.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.7%
--- #1,164 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.0%
--- #1,636 highest among all counties nationwide
#10. Watonwan County
- Median household income: $53,304
--- 27.4% below state average, 18.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.9%
--- #1,007 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.0%
--- #1,619 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 27.4% below state average, 18.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.9%
--- #1,007 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.0%
--- #1,619 highest among all counties nationwide
#9. Koochiching County
- Median household income: $52,297
--- 28.7% below state average, 19.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 19.2%
--- #1,756 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.4%
--- #1,518 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 28.7% below state average, 19.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 19.2%
--- #1,756 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.4%
--- #1,518 highest among all counties nationwide
#8. Clearwater County
- Median household income: $51,742
--- 29.5% below state average, 20.4% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.1%
--- #1,436 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 14.7%
--- #1,429 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 29.5% below state average, 20.4% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.1%
--- #1,436 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 14.7%
--- #1,429 highest among all counties nationwide
#7. Traverse County
- Median household income: $51,216
--- 30.2% below state average, 21.2% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.3%
--- #1,558 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.9%
--- #1,350 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 30.2% below state average, 21.2% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.3%
--- #1,558 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.9%
--- #1,350 highest among all counties nationwide
#6. Cottonwood County
- Median household income: $51,067
--- 30.4% below state average, 21.4% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 17.6%
--- #2,023 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.6%
--- #1,326 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 30.4% below state average, 21.4% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 17.6%
--- #2,023 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.6%
--- #1,326 highest among all counties nationwide
#5. Lake of the Woods County
- Median household income: $50,669
--- 31.0% below state average, 22.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 16.1%
--- #2,306 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.9%
--- #1,283 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 31.0% below state average, 22.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 16.1%
--- #2,306 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.9%
--- #1,283 highest among all counties nationwide
#4. Beltrami County
- Median household income: $50,525
--- 31.1% below state average, 22.3% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 19.8%
--- #1,637 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 13.6%
--- #1,269 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 31.1% below state average, 22.3% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 19.8%
--- #1,637 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 13.6%
--- #1,269 highest among all counties nationwide
#3. Aitkin County
- Median household income: $49,086
--- 33.1% below state average, 24.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 17.1%
--- #2,120 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.2%
--- #1,111 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 33.1% below state average, 24.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 17.1%
--- #2,120 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.2%
--- #1,111 highest among all counties nationwide
#2. Wadena County
- Median household income: $46,178
--- 37.1% below state average, 29.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 15.4%
--- #2,447 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.9%
--- #833 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 37.1% below state average, 29.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 15.4%
--- #2,447 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.9%
--- #833 highest among all counties nationwide
#1. Mahnomen County
- Median household income: $45,398
--- 38.1% below state average, 30.2% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 16.2%
--- #2,289 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 15.0%
--- #772 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 38.1% below state average, 30.2% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 16.2%
--- #2,289 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 15.0%
--- #772 highest among all counties nationwide
