New Ranking Claims 2 Of Idaho’s Poorest Cities Are In Magic Valley

We pass along lists like this from time-to-time. Most of the time, I just pass these along and move on. However, this new ranking which claims 2 of Idaho's poorest cities are here in the Magic Valley has a big caveat. Hang with me, and I'll tell you why.

First, the facts. Only In Your State did a very fair list of what "might" (key word) be considered the 10 poorest cities in Idaho. Two of them are our communities. I'll let Only In Your State explain the metrics they used.

Our methods were simple for this one: we nabbed our data from the 2010 U.S Census stats and the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, focusing on per capita income – a.k.a. per-person wages. We also analyzed only towns with populations greater than 1,000 to help counteract population bias.

By this criteria, Hansen comes in at #9 and Rupert is #8.

Now, I would like to add a rebuttal. To Only In Your State's credit, they offer this qualifier:

do keep in mind that there are many many factors involved when it comes to creating a healthy, vibrant city!

Exactly. No doubt that money/income are a factor in life. But, I would argue these communities are, in fact, RICH. Perhaps you remember our video tour of the amazing Wilson Theater in Rupert. How many towns can claim that type of amazing history? And, Hansen has some very cool (no pun intended) events like Project Ice Igloo.

At the end of the day, this is just another list. We wouldn't want Rupert and Hansen to be any different than they are, no matter what lists they end up on.