East Cleveland is widely listed as the poorest town in Ohio, based on a 2024 24/7 Wall St. ranking that measured poverty, income, unemployment, and education levels.
Why East Cleveland Ranks First
The city’s poverty rate is 39.5%, its median household income is $23,004, and its five-year average unemployment rate is 19.3%, which places it at the top of the state’s poverty list. The ranking also notes that East Cleveland has a population of 13,926 and a bachelor’s degree attainment rate of 14.9%.
Other Ohio Towns On The List
Portsmouth, Warren, Ashtabula, and Martins Ferry also appear near the top of the ranking, showing that economic hardship is spread across several Ohio communities. These towns have poverty rates ranging from 32.4% to 35.4%, which is still far above the state average.
What The Numbers Mean
Poverty statistics do not tell the whole story, but they do show where families are facing the greatest financial pressure. A town with a high poverty rate often struggles with lower wages, fewer stable jobs, and limited access to education and services.
East Cleveland has been named the poorest town in Ohio in a 2024 ranking that examined poverty levels across the state. The city stands out for its high poverty rate of 39.5%, which is much higher than most communities in Ohio. It also has a median household income of $23,004 and a five-year average unemployment rate of 19.3%, signaling deep economic stress.
The ranking was published by 24/7 Wall St. and compared towns using data such as poverty rate, income, unemployment, and the share of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher. East Cleveland came in first, ahead of Portsmouth, Warren, Ashtabula, and Martins Ferry.
These numbers reflect a larger challenge facing parts of Ohio. Some communities have dealt with job losses, population decline, and weaker local economies for years, making it harder for families to build financial stability.
East Cleveland’s story is therefore not just about one city being at the top of a list. It is also a reminder of how poverty can shape housing, education, health, and future opportunity in a community.
SOURCES:
- https://oacaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-OACA-Report_final-low.pdf
- https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/10/towns-in-ohio-with-the-worst-poverty/
