In 2025, Nutrioso holds the distinction of being the poorest town in Arizona, with a reported poverty rate of 100%—meaning every resident is living below the federal poverty line. This figure is not only the highest in the state but also dramatically exceeds both the Arizona state average (14.9%) and the national average (12.5%).
The Data Behind the Distinction
The ranking comes from recent analyses of poverty rates across Arizona’s towns and cities. According to Zip Atlas, Nutrioso, along with several other small communities such as Haivana Nakya, Sweet Water Village, Chiawuli Tak, and Santa Cruz, all report a poverty rate of 100%. However, Nutrioso is listed first, marking it as the top entry on the list of Arizona’s poorest towns for 2025.
Table: Top Five Poorest Towns in Arizona (2025)
| Rank | Town | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nutrioso | 100.0% |
| 2 | Haivana Nakya | 100.0% |
| 3 | Sweet Water Village | 100.0% |
| 4 | Chiawuli Tak | 100.0% |
| 5 | Santa Cruz | 100.0% |
What Does a 100% Poverty Rate Mean?
A 100% poverty rate means that, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s standards, every household in Nutrioso earns less than the federal poverty threshold for their family size and composition. For context, the poverty threshold for a family of four in 2025 is approximately $30,000, though this figure can vary slightly based on federal adjustments and household specifics.
This level of poverty often correlates with:
- Limited access to basic services (healthcare, education, transportation)
- High rates of unemployment or underemployment
- A lack of economic development or business investment
- Poor housing conditions and infrastructure
Why Is Nutrioso So Poor?
Nutrioso’s extreme poverty rate is not unique among small, rural, and especially Native American communities in Arizona. Many of the poorest towns in the state are located in remote areas, often on or near reservation land, where historical underinvestment, limited job opportunities, and geographic isolation have compounded over generations.
Factors Contributing to High Poverty Rates
- Geographic Isolation: Remote locations make it difficult to attract businesses or access jobs.
- Limited Infrastructure: Basic amenities such as reliable internet, healthcare facilities, and schools are often lacking.
- Demographic Challenges: Many residents are elderly, disabled, or members of marginalized communities with fewer opportunities for upward mobility.
- Historical Inequities: Systemic barriers, particularly for Native American populations, have led to persistent poverty.
How Does Nutrioso Compare to Larger Arizona Cities?
While Nutrioso and similar small towns have the highest poverty rates by percentage, larger cities in Arizona also face significant poverty challenges. For example, Douglas, Nogales, and New Kingman-Butler all have poverty rates above 27%, with thousands of residents struggling to make ends meet. However, none approach the 100% level seen in Nutrioso and its peer communities.
The Human Impact
Living in a town where everyone is below the poverty line means daily life is shaped by scarcity:
- Food insecurity is common, with residents often relying on food banks or traveling long distances for groceries.
- Healthcare access is limited, leading to unmet medical needs and poorer health outcomes.
- Educational opportunities are fewer, with underfunded schools and limited extracurricular or enrichment programs.
- Housing is often substandard, with overcrowding or deteriorating structures.
Nutrioso’s designation as the poorest town in Arizona in 2025 is a stark reminder of the persistent and deep-rooted poverty affecting rural and marginalized communities in the state. Addressing these challenges requires targeted investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development to ensure that all Arizonans have the opportunity to thrive.
Sources:
- https://zipatlas.com/us/az/city-comparison/highest-poverty.htm
- https://www.homearea.com/rankings/place-in-az/poverty_rate/
- https://stacker.com/stories/arizona/cities-arizona-most-living-poverty
- https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/03/towns-in-arizona-with-the-worst-poverty/
- https://slscommunities.com/best-and-worst-places-to-retire-in-arizona-2025/
