Gifford, an unincorporated community in Indian River County near Vero Beach, is consistently identified as Florida’s poorest town based on recent data. With a median household income of $22,353 (less than half the state average of $61,777), Gifford faces significant economic challenges. Key statistics highlight its struggles:
Poverty and Economic Indicators
- Poverty rate: 48.6% (vs. Florida’s 13.1%).
- SNAP recipiency: 46% of households rely on food assistance.
- Median home value: $115,300 (state average: $248,700).
- Educational attainment: Only 14.1% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Contributing Factors
Gifford’s economic hardship stems from limited job opportunities, low educational attainment, and systemic barriers. Historically an agricultural and railroad labor hub, the town has struggled to diversify its economy. Despite its challenges, Gifford has a rich cultural heritage as the hometown of prominent African American artists known as The Highwaymen.
Conflicting Reports
A May 2024 analysis by 24/7 Wall St. ranked Quincy, Florida, as the state’s poorest town by poverty rate (46.7%). However, Quincy’s median household income ($33,786) is higher than Gifford’s, and most sources prioritize income metrics over poverty rates for such rankings.
Wider Context
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-08-the-poorest-town-in-florida/
- https://fortunly.com/articles/best-places-to-live-in-florida/
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-01-27-this-is-floridas-poorest-town/
- https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/06/towns-in-florida-with-the-worst-poverty/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kut4tmfWPlw
