Washington State is known for its booming tech industry and prosperous cities, yet not every community shares in that success. In 2025, Oroville has been named the poorest town in Washington, based on multiple economic studies and reports.
Where is Oroville?
Oroville is a small, rural town located in Okanogan County, just south of the Canadian border. With a population of fewer than 1,700 people, it has long struggled with limited job opportunities and economic stagnation.
Poverty and Income Statistics
- Median Household Income: $32,083 — less than half of Washington’s state average of around $82,400
- Poverty Rate: 30.3% of households receive SNAP (food assistance) benefits
- Median Home Value: $142,700 — significantly lower than the state average
- Population Impact: Small population and geographic isolation limit local revenue and social services
Why Oroville Ranks as the Poorest
Limited Job Opportunities
Oroville’s economy relies heavily on seasonal employment in agriculture and tourism. There’s a lack of industries offering stable, high-paying jobs, leaving many residents underemployed or unemployed.
Geographic Isolation
Oroville’s remote location in northern Washington reduces access to essential services, healthcare, and business investment, further compounding economic challenges.
Aging Infrastructure
With limited funding and resources, Oroville faces difficulty maintaining or upgrading infrastructure — a factor that discourages new businesses from setting up in town.
Demographic Challenges
The town has a lower-than-average rate of college-educated adults, which affects job qualifications and earning potential. Poverty affects a wide demographic here, from children to the elderly.
Comparisons: Other Struggling Towns
While Oroville ranks as the poorest, several other Washington towns also face high poverty levels:
- Shelton: Median household income of $57,907 with a 26.5% poverty rate
- West Clarkston-Highland: $50,172 median income, 25% poverty rate
- Othello: A working-class town with its own economic struggles
Despite these figures, Oroville’s combination of low income, high dependence on food assistance, and limited employment options sets it apart as the most economically disadvantaged in the state.
The Broader Picture
Statewide, about 10% of Washington residents live below the poverty line. However, rural towns like Oroville face much deeper and more systemic issues. These include limited educational attainment, minimal healthcare access, and persistent underemployment.
Final Thoughts
Oroville’s designation as Washington’s poorest town in 2025 is not just a reflection of current statistics, but also of long-term economic neglect. To help towns like Oroville recover, there needs to be targeted investment in infrastructure, education, broadband access, and industry diversification.
Only through meaningful and sustained efforts can Washington bridge the growing divide between its urban prosperity and rural poverty.
