America's 10 Poorest Cities
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Oct 21st 2011 3:15PM
Updated Oct 21st 2011 4:05PM
America's road to economic recovery has been long and slow -- and uneven. Some parts of the country are doing a lot worse than others. It's a pattern that shows up in the unemployment numbers, poverty rates, and of course foreclosures. But if you want a quick, simple gauge of how any part of the U.S. is doing economically, just look at its median household income. 
Even when you factor in cost-of-living differences, it's clear: Those who live in the metropolitan areas with the lowest median household incomes are doing significantly worse than their fellow citizens. Five of the 10 cities with the highest poverty rates also are among the 10 cities with lowest median income, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Many are in Appalachia, which has historically struggled with poverty and where heavy industry has been in decline. Others are concentrated along the U.S.-Mexico border, where joblessness and high poverty rates go hand in hand.
These are the poorest cities in America.
Even when you factor in cost-of-living differences, it's clear: Those who live in the metropolitan areas with the lowest median household incomes are doing significantly worse than their fellow citizens. Five of the 10 cities with the highest poverty rates also are among the 10 cities with lowest median income, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Many are in Appalachia, which has historically struggled with poverty and where heavy industry has been in decline. Others are concentrated along the U.S.-Mexico border, where joblessness and high poverty rates go hand in hand.
These are the poorest cities in America.
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