This Town Has Been Named The Poorest In New York

New Square, a village in Rockland County, has been identified as the poorest town in New York State. This small community, located in the town of Ramapo, stands out for its extreme poverty levels and unique demographic characteristics.

Economic Statistics

New Square’s economic situation is stark:

• Median household income: $24,881 (compared to New York’s average of $75,157).
• Poverty rate: 70% (the highest in the nation).
• SNAP (food stamp) recipients: 77.1% of households (highest rate in the country).

These figures paint a picture of widespread economic hardship in the community.

Demographics and Culture

New Square has several distinctive features:

• Population: 9,679 as of the 2020 census.
• Composition: Predominantly Hasidic Jews of the Skverer movement.
• Lifestyle: Residents seek to maintain a Hasidic way of life disconnected from the secular world.

Housing Paradox

Interestingly, despite the extreme poverty, New Square has unusually high property values:

• Median home value: Approximately $1.1 million.
• This is significantly higher than the New York state average of $325,000.

This paradox of high poverty and high property values is a unique characteristic of New Square.

Employment and Education

The community’s economic structure is influenced by its cultural norms:

• Young women often work as teachers, secretaries, or in local shops before marriage.
• Men may work as teachers, bus drivers, or in the diamond industry.
• Many men study in the kollel (yeshiva for married men) and receive stipends.
• Only 2.9% of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Historical Context

New Square has a history of economic challenges:

• In 1970, it had the lowest per-capita income in New York State.
• By 2018, it was not only the poorest town in New York but also had the highest poverty rate in the United States.

The community’s economic situation is complex, influenced by cultural factors, lifestyle choices, and historical patterns of development. While New Square faces significant economic challenges, it maintains a distinct cultural identity and community structure.