According to 2024 U.S. Census Bureau data released on Thursday, Houston now holds the highest poverty rate among the 10 most-populous cities in the United States, at 21.2%. This marks a shift, as Philadelphia—long considered the poorest large city—has dropped its poverty rate to 19.7%, falling below 20% for the first time since 1979.
The new data reflects broader economic pressures in Houston, including rising living costs, housing affordability challenges, and stagnant wages. In total, over half a million Houston residents earned incomes below the federal poverty threshold in 2024.
The top 10 large cities with the highest poverty rates in the country are:
- Houston: 21.2%
- Philadelphia: 19.7%
- New York City: 18%
- San Antonio: 17.1%
- Chicago: 16.6%
- Los Angeles 16.0%
- Dallas 13.9%
- Jacksonville, Fla. 12.3%
- Phoenix 12.0%
- San Diego 10.4%
As Secret Houston explains, the federal poverty threshold varies depending on household size and structure. In 2024, it was set at $15,940 for an individual and $31,130 for a family of four (two adults and two children). By comparison, the national poverty rate was 12.1%, meaning Houston’s rate was nearly double the national average.
In addition to the sobering poverty figures, Houston was also named the “worst-smelling city in the United States” last month, as reported by Secret Houston. While light-hearted in tone, the ranking sparked conversations about infrastructure, pollution, and overall quality of life.
