In contrast to the image of Texas as a large and fast growing economy, the poverty rate of the state is very high, ranked 11th highest in the country in 2024. As can be seen in the map below, Texas sits among the cluster of Southern states with higher than average poverty rates. The final graph examines the relationship between the median income of states and their rates of poverty. Not surprisingly, the relationship is quite strong; however, the graph also shows that the Texas (along with New York and California) poverty rate is somewhat higher than would be expected given its median household income.
