Rocky Ford, a small statutory city in Otero County, has been identified as the poorest town in Colorado by multiple recent analyses, including those by 24/7 Wall St. and iHeart. With a population of just under 4,000, Rocky Ford’s economic challenges are stark and persistent, standing in sharp contrast to Colorado’s overall affluence.
Key Economic Indicators
- Median Household Income: $29,822–$31,418, compared to Colorado’s median of $80,184–$87,598.
- Poverty Rate: 46.1%, nearly five times the state average of 9.6%.
- Gini Coefficient: 0.54, indicating significant income inequality (the national average is 0.39).
- Per Capita Income: $12,742.
- Population (2020): 3,876.
Why Is Rocky Ford So Poor?
1. Economic Structure and Job Market
Rocky Ford’s economy historically relied on agriculture, particularly melon farming, but like many rural towns, it has struggled with the decline of small-scale farming and the mechanization of agriculture. This has led to fewer job opportunities and limited economic diversification. The lack of major employers outside of agriculture and local services means many residents face underemployment or low-wage work.
2. Educational Attainment
A lower level of educational attainment is a common trait among the poorest towns in Colorado. In Rocky Ford, the percentage of adults with a bachelor’s degree is significantly below the national average, which limits access to higher-paying jobs and perpetuates cycles of poverty.
3. Demographic Challenges
The largest demographic living in poverty in Rocky Ford includes children and young teens, especially females aged 12–14, followed by younger children. This indicates that poverty is affecting families and the next generation, making it harder to break the cycle without targeted interventions.
4. Housing and Cost of Living
While the cost of living in Rocky Ford is lower than in much of Colorado, this is largely because of low demand and limited economic activity. The median home value is far below the state average, reflecting both affordability and a lack of economic growth.
How Does Rocky Ford Compare to Other Poor Towns in Colorado?
While other towns like Lamar, Alamosa, and Pueblo also face high poverty rates and low median incomes, Rocky Ford stands out for the depth of its economic challenges:
| Town | Median Income | Poverty Rate | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Ford | $29,822 | 46.1% | 3,876 |
| Lamar | $48,422 | 21.2% | 7,667 |
| Alamosa | $50,239 | 18.3% | 9,792 |
| Pueblo | $52,794 | 20.6% | 111,430 |
Rocky Ford’s poverty rate is by far the highest, and its median income is the lowest among Colorado towns of similar size.
Community Impact and Quality of Life
The high poverty rate in Rocky Ford has far-reaching impacts:
- Education: Schools face challenges with funding and resources, and students often come from low-income households, which can affect educational outcomes.
- Health: Residents in poverty are at higher risk for health problems, and access to healthcare can be limited.
- Social Services: Demand for social support services is high, but resources are often stretched thin in small towns.
Despite these challenges, Rocky Ford maintains a strong sense of community. Local leaders and organizations work to support residents, but the scale of economic hardship means progress is slow and difficult.
Looking Forward
Addressing poverty in Rocky Ford will require:
- Investment in education and job training programs.
- Economic development initiatives to attract new businesses and diversify the local economy.
- Support for families and children to break the cycle of poverty.
Without targeted intervention, Rocky Ford is likely to remain Colorado’s poorest town for the foreseeable future, serving as a reminder of the economic disparities that persist even in prosperous states.
Sources:
- https://247wallst.com/income/2025/01/17/the-poorest-town-in-every-state-in-america/
- https://datausa.io/profile/geo/rocky-ford-co
- https://kiowacountypress.net/content/lamar-ranks-poorest-colorado-towns-study-finds
- https://www.pueblo.us/DocumentCenter/View/12059/Chapter-3-REDUCED?bidId=
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alamosa,_Colorado
