Wolfe County has been identified as the poorest county in Kentucky and is also considered the poorest county in all of Appalachia. The median income in Wolfe County is approximately $24,349, and it faces significant challenges, including a 33% child food insecurity rate.
The economic decline in this region has been attributed to the collapse of the coal industry, which was once a primary source of employment. Since the closure of many coal mines, job opportunities have dwindled, leading to widespread poverty and reliance on welfare programs.
Despite these challenges, Wolfe County’s political landscape has shifted significantly; historically a Democratic stronghold, it has increasingly supported Republican candidates, particularly Donald Trump, who received about 70% of the vote in the 2020 election.
In summary, Wolfe County exemplifies the severe economic hardships faced by many rural areas in Kentucky, characterized by low income levels, high rates of food insecurity, and a struggling job market.
Sources:-
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pMOG4k08H8
- https://www.cbsnews.com/media/americas-11-poorest-cities/
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2024/10/12/why-poorest-county-kentucky-ditch-democrats-trump/
- https://wlap.iheart.com/content/2023-10-31-the-worst-city-to-live-in-kentucky-has-been-named/